ADAMS TWP — A proposed steep slopes ordinance is nearing finalization after Monday's township planning commission meeting.

Planning commissioners expect to vote next month on whether to recommend the ordinance to supervisors for approval.

If adopted, the ordinance would require developers and others looking to grade or excavate steep slopes to acquire a permit from the township. They would need to supply officials with a geotechnical survey to ensure that changes to the surrounding landscape are done safely to prevent risk of landslides or other soil and water issues.

Applicants would have to provide written plans, including a map of the proposed project and slope disturbances, as well as specific reasons why the slopes would be disturbed. Disturbances for no particular reason might result in the denial of a permit.

“We really want to hear why are you cutting into naturally occurring steep slopes,” said Sean Gallagher, township solicitor.

Applicants will also have to follow certain guidelines, including setbacks to keep the end of slopes 10 feet away from property lines if the ordinance is adopted. All of this would be overseen and enforced by an administrator to be appointed by the supervisors. Applicants may appeal a permit rejection to the board of supervisors.

Exceptions are included in the ordinance for smaller scale projects, such as personal property landscaping or management, and agricultural use depending on the severity of the slopes, depth of excavation and area to be disturbed.

Excavations no deeper than three feet that cover a surface area of less than 5,000 square feet would not require a permit, nor would a fill not exceeding 500 cubic yards of material or landscaping for single-family homes, agriculture or accepted land management practices.

Once completed, the developer must provide a certificate to the administrator signed by an engineer stating the site was constructed in accordance with the approved plans. Future maintenance of the site is the responsibility of the property owner.

Following the presentation, residents Tim Stack and Tina Wilson asked that the ordinance be further tightened to restrict the disturbance of slopes.

“This is a great tool. We need a way to control (development),” Stack said. “If we're going to do it, why not do it right?”

He said he'd like to see a greater setback than 10 feet from the property line for slopes. Wilson agreed.

“I want it to be as strict as it possibly can,” she said. “I want to protect our rural nature.”

Martin McKinney, commission chairman, said that as the township continues to grow, ordinances like these are important to ensure future growth is done safely.

“I think this is a big step in a positive direction,” McMeekin said. “It's getting busier. We're getting more attention than we once did.”

Gallagher said the was originally proposed as the township continued to see more housing developments that disturbed slopes. He said officials decided more needed to be done to ensure development was being completed safely.

The planning commission will consider the ordinance again next month, Gallagher said, and expects it will be sent to the supervisors for approval. Supervisors will schedule a public hearing before they vote.

Steep slopes are defined as those with at least a 4-to-1, or 25 percent, horizontal to vertical grade.Development of slopes with a greater than a 2-to-1 horizontal to vertical grade will not be permitted in the proposed ordinance in Adams Township.