The following standards shall apply to lot grading for subdivisions and land developments.
(A) Blocks and lots shall be graded to provide proper drainage away from buildings and to prevent the collection of stormwater in pools. Minimum 2% slopes away from structures shall be required.
(B) A grading and draining plan shall be required for all subdivisions and land developments, except minor subdivisions. Lot grading shall be:
(1) Designed as to carry surface waters to the nearest practical street, storm drain or natural watercourse. Where drainage swales are used to deliver surface waters away from buildings, their grade shall not be less than 1%. These shall be sodded, planted or lined in accordance with the DEP Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manual, April 1990, as amended or superseded;
(2) Proposed contouring shall be provided for all detention /retention areas. Other contouring shall be provided as necessary to depict the proposed grading where typical sections and standard details are inadequate; and
(3) Consistent with stormwater management controls contained in any local stormwater management ordinance (Chapter 53).
(C) No final grading shall be permitted with a cut face steeper in slope than two horizontal to one vertical, except under one or more of the following conditions:
(1) The material in which the excavation is made is sufficiently stable to sustain a slope of steeper than two horizontal to one vertical and a written statement of a civil engineer, licensed by the commonwealth and experienced in erosion control, to that effect is submitted to the Township Engineer and accepted by him or her. The statement shall state that the site has been inspected and that the deviation from the slope specified hereinbefore will not result in injury to persons or damage to property; and/or
(2) A retaining wall constructed according to sound engineering standards from which plans are submitted to the Township Engineer for review and approval is provided.
(D) No final grading shall be permitted which creates any exposed surface steeper in slope than two horizontal to one vertical, except under one or more of the following conditions:
(1) The fill is located so that settlement, sliding or erosion will not result in property damage or be hazardous to adjoining property, streets, alleys or buildings;
(2) A written statement from a civil engineer, licensed by the commonwealth and experienced in erosion control, certifying that he or she has inspected the site and that the proposed deviation from the slope specified above will not endanger any property or result in property damage, is submitted to and accepted by the Township Engineer; and/or
(3) A wall is constructed to support the face of the fill.
(E) The top or bottom edge of slopes shall be a minimum of three feet from property or right-of-way lines of streets or alleys in order to permit the normal rounding of the edge without encroaching on the abutting property. All property lines, where walls or slopes are steeper than one horizontal to one vertical and five feet or more in height shall be protected by a protective fence or suitable barrier no less than three feet in height accepted by the Township Engineer.
(F) All lots must be kept free of any debris or nuisances whatsoever.
(Ord. 2-2011, passed 10-6-2011)