1. Application and width determination.
A. See
§ 116-258A for a table of minimm corridor widths for natural features.
B. Identification and width determination. The applicant shall be responsible for the following:
(1) Identifying the watercourses, wetlands, and/or water bodies on and abutting the applicant's site, and locating these features accurately on the applicant's plans.
(2) Initial width determination of the riparian corridor(s) in compliance with Subsection 1 of the table above, herein, and for identifying these areas on any plan that is submitted for subdivision, land development, or other improvements that require plan submissions or permits. The initial determination(s) shall be subject to review and approval by the Township Planning Commission, with the advice of the Township Engineer.
2. Boundary Interpretation and Appeals Procedure.
A. When an applicant disputes the Zone 1 and/or 2 boundaries of the Riparian Corridor or the defined edge of a watercourse, surface water body, or wetland, the applicant shall submit evidence to the Township that shows the applicant's proposed boundary and provides justification for the proposed boundary change.
B. The Township Engineer, and/or other advisors selected by the Board of Supervisors, shall evaluate all material submitted and provide a written determination to the Board of Supervisors, Township Planning Commission, and landowner or applicant.
C. Any party aggrieved by any such determination or other decision or determination under this section may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board under the provisions of
Article XXIX: Zoning Hearing Board, of this chapter. The party contesting the location of the district boundary shall have the burden of proof in case of any such appeal.
3. Inspection.
A. Lands within or adjacent to an identified Riparian Corridor Conservation Overlay District will be inspected by the Township Code Enforcement Officer when:
(1) A subdivision or land development plan is submitted.
(2) A building permit is requested.
(3) A change or resumption of nonconforming use is proposed.
B. The district may also be inspected periodically by the Code Enforcement Officer and/or other representatives designated by the Board of Supervisors for compliance with an approved restoration plan, excessive or potentially problematic erosion, hazardous trees, or at any time when the presence of an unauthorized activity or structure is brought to the attention of Township officials.
4. Corridor crossings standards.
Corridor crossing criteria. Review by the Board of Supervisors regarding uses permitted in
§ 116-259B and
§ 116-259C and involving corridor crossings should include, but not be limited to, consideration of the following design standards:
A. The width of the right-of way should not be greater than the minimum right-of-way width required by the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
B. Crossings should be designed to cross the riparian corridor at direct right angles to the greatest extent possible in order to minimize disturbance of the corridor.
C. Corridor crossings should be separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet of buffer length.
D. Bridges should be used in place of culverts when crossings would require a 72 inch or greater diameter pipe. When culverts are installed they should consist of slab, arch or box culverts. Corrugated metal pipe shall not be utilized for culverts. Natural materials shall be utilized to maintain the character of the stream channel through the corridor crossing, without adversely affecting the hydraulic capacity of the structure. The design of the corridor crossing shall preclude erosion of the adjoining watercourse by limiting flow velocities to that permitted by the Grading, Erosion Control, and Stormwater Management Ordinance.
