8.8.3 Steep Slope Areas

1. Steep slope areas refer to natural grades and shall not include man-made grades.

2. Slope is the relationship of vertical rise to horizontal run, expressed as a percentage.

a. Except in the CSD District, steep slope areas shall be defined as land areas that:

(1) Have a grade of 25% or more;

(2) Have an area of 5,000 square feet or greater; and

(3) Are located within 200 feet of any floodway fringe or perennial stream or within 100 feet of an intermittent stream.

b. In the CSD District, steep slope areas shall be defined as land areas that:

(1) Have a grade of 15% or more;

(2) Have an area of 2,500 square feet or greater; and

(3) Are located within 200 feet of any floodway fringe or perennial stream or within 100 feet of an intermittent stream.

B. Slope calculations shall use the smallest contour interval for which maps are available. Steep slope areas shall be determined irrespective of tract boundaries.

C. Steep slope areas shall be clearly indicated on all site plans, development plans, preliminary plats and final plats. When a property owner or developer believes that the presence or location of a steep slope area is different than what is shown on the appropriate topographic map, the property owner or developer shall provide a field survey to determine the location or presence of the moderate or steep slope area for purposes of meeting the requirements of this section.