1. In order to protect and improve water quality, a riparian buffer easement shall be created and recorded as part of any subdivision or land development that encompasses a riparian buffer easement located, in whole or in part, in the Dover Township designated MS4 Area.
2. Except as required by Chapter 102, the riparian buffer easement shall be measured to be the greater of the limit of the 100-year floodplain or a minimum of 35 feet from the top of the streambank (on each side).
3. Minimum management requirements for riparian buffers.
A. Existing native vegetation shall be protected and maintained within the riparian buffer easement.
B. Whenever practicable invasive vegetation shall be actively removed, and the riparian buffer easement shall be planted with native trees, shrubs and other vegetation to create a diverse native plant community appropriate to the intended ecological context of the site.
4. The riparian buffer easement shall be enforceable by the Township and shall be recorded in the appropriate County Recorder of Deeds Office so that it shall run with the land and shall limit the use of the property located therein. The easement shall allow for the continued private ownership and shall count toward the minimum lot area required by zoning.
5. Any permitted use within the riparian buffer easement shall be conducted in a manner that will maintain the extent of the existing 100-year floodplain, improve or maintain the stream stability, and preserve and protect the ecological function of the floodplain.
6. The following conditions shall apply when public and/or private recreation trails are permitted within riparian buffers:
A. Trails shall be for non-motorized use only.
B. Trails shall be designed to have the least impact on native plant species and other sensitive environmental features.
7. Septic drainfields and sewage disposal systems shall not be permitted within the riparian buffer easement and shall comply with setback requirements established under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 73.
(Ord. 2022-01, 7/25/2022)