§ 143-235. Legislative intent.

In expansion of the statement of community development objectives in § 143-4 of this chapter, the specific intent of the SS Steep Slope Conservation District shall be to conserve and protect those areas having steep slopes, as defined herein, from inappropriate development and excessive grading, as well as to permit and encourage the use of said areas for open space purposes so as to constitute a harmonious aspect of the continuing physical development of Lower Providence Township. In implementing these principles and the general purposes of the Comprehensive Plan, the Open Space Preservation Plan and this chapter, the following specific objectives are intended to be accomplished by the adoption of the Steep Slope Conservation District:

A. 

To combine with other zoning requirements, as an overlay, certain restrictions for steep slope areas to promote the general health, safety and welfare of the residents of Lower Providence Township.

B. 

To prevent inappropriate development of steep slope areas in order to avoid potential dangers for human usage caused by erosion, stream siltation, soil failure leading to structural collapse or damage and/or unsanitary conditions and associated hazards.

C. 

To minimize danger to public health and safety by promoting safe and sanitary drainage.

D. 

To permit only those uses that are compatible with development of steep slope areas in order to avoid accelerated erosion, soil failure, accelerated seepage or other conditions which may create a danger to life and/or property.

E. 

To permit only those uses in steep slope areas that are compatible with the preservation of existing natural features, including vegetative cover, by restricting the grading of steep slope areas.

F. 

To promote the ecological balance among those natural system elements, such as wildlife, vegetation and aquatic life, that could be adversely affected by inappropriate development of steep slope areas.

G. 

To prevent development that would cause excessive erosion and a resultant reduction in the water-carrying capacity of the watercourses which flow through or around the Township, with the consequences of increased flood crests and flood hazards within the Township and to both upstream and downstream municipalities.

H. 

To protect individuals and adjacent landowners in the Township and/or other municipalities from the possible harmful effects of inappropriate grading and development on steep slope areas.

I. 

To protect those individuals who choose, despite the cited dangers, to develop or occupy land with steep slopes.

J. 

To protect the entire Township from inappropriate development of steep slope areas, which could have an effect upon subsequent expenditures for public works and disaster relief and, thus, adversely affect the economic well-being of the Township.

K. 

To promote the provisions of safe and reliable accessways, parking areas and utility systems serving development on or around steep slope areas, where more sensitive grading and siting is essential.