N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-9.32

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 7:7-9.32 - Steep slopes

(a) Steep slopes are land areas with slopes greater than 15 percent, which are not adjacent to the shoreline and therefore not coastal bluffs (see 7:7-9.29 ). Steep slopes include natural swales and ravines, as well as man-made areas, such as those created through mining for sand, gravel, or fill, or road grading. Slopes of less than 15 percent are not considered to be steep slopes.

(b) Development on steep slopes is discouraged where wetlands, wetland buffers, intermittent stream corridors, threatened and endangered species habitats, riparian zones, or water areas are located adjacent to or at the base of the slope and on steep slopes which are forested as defined at 7:7-13.5(c).

(c) Development on steep slopes other than those listed in (b) above is conditionally acceptable provided:

1. The steep slope is vegetated with native woody vegetation to the maximum extent practicable; and

2. Stabilization measures are used, if necessary, such as terracing and paving, that are consistent with the natural or predevelopment character of the entire site, to the maximum extent practicable.

(d) Rationale: Preservation of steep slopes controls soil erosion, protects up-slope lands, minimizes pollution of surface waters, reduces flooding, preserves the banks of streams and intermittent streams, and maintains water flow in headwaters. When vegetation is disturbed, rainfall strikes surface soils causing soil particle movement through surface water flow and gravity, which results in increased surface runoff and downstream flooding. When this silty water enters a surface water body, increased turbidity and sedimentation usually follow, which can cause reduction of productivity and flood water storage capacity. Aesthetics are also affected when erosion occurs and topsoil is lost.

In addition to naturally-occurring steep slopes, there are also man-made steep slopes left after such activities as mining and road grading. Development of both natural and man-made steep slopes can have significant detrimental impacts on water quality, species habitat, and flooding, as discussed above.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-9.32

Renumbered from 7:7E-3.34 by 47 N.J.R. 1392(a), effective 7/6/2015

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 361(a), effective 1/16/2018