ADAMS TWP — Adams Township Planning Commission discussed changes to a proposed township slope ordinance at a work session Monday evening.

“We want to make sure our ordinance as it pertains to ... steep slopes is appropriate,” said Martin McKinney, planning commission chair. “So that long term, we don’t have any of the problems that we might have seen.”

Township Solicitor Sean Gallagher provided the commission with the most recent updates to a draft of the proposed ordinance.

“The way the ordinance is laid out is that you’re required to receive a grading permit from the township unless you meet one of ... 10 exceptions,” Gallagher said.

The updates, according to Gallagher, are mostly in the exceptions. One thing the township is considering is increasing the acceptable amount of disturbed land from 5,000 square feet to one acre.

“If you’re doing something on your property and disturbing less than one acre of soil ... than you don’t need to come in to the township and receive a grading permit,” Gallagher said.

The township also is looking to update the proposed ordinance as it relates to fill. A development using fill that doesn’t exceed 500 cubic yards would not need a permit. Fill used in private landscaping is considered an exception under the proposed ordinance.

The ordinance would allow gradients developed on an acre or less to have up to a six-to-one slope without a permit. Properties over an acre could develop up to a five-to-one slope without a permit.

One of the things the township will need to do to maintain the ordinance is appoint a special administrator.

This person would review site reports and permit applications, as well as make sure developments fall within the ordinance.

“We’re watching each other to make sure everything is done right,” McKinney said.

“We’re approaching what we think is close to a final draft,” Gallagher said.

After revisions are made, the document should be posted on the township’s website for the public’s review.

The finalized draft will go before the planning commission at its next meeting before moving to township supervisors. If both parties approve the changes, the ordinance will be presented in a public hearing.