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Council adopts steep‑slope zoning change limiting disturbance to 130% of permitted lot coverage
Summary
The Borough of Highlands council adopted Ordinance 02510 tightening steep‑slope disturbance limits so that disturbance cannot exceed 130% of a lot’s permitted coverage; a resident asked for clarification and staff explained the practical effect with a numerical example.
The Borough of Highlands Mayor and Council on June 4 adopted Ordinance 02510, an amendment to zoning and steep‑slope definitions that limits steep‑slope disturbance to no more than 130% of the maximum lot coverage permitted for the lot.
During the public hearing, resident Joseph Doran asked for clarification of the standard. "If a building covers say 1,000 square feet ... you wouldn't be able to disturb steep slopes more than 1,300 square feet," staff member Andy explained, describing the rule as linked to the amount of coverage a property is permitted to have rather than the area currently built.
Council members closed the public hearing and approved the ordinance on second and final reading by roll‑call vote. Council records show the ordinance was accompanied by a land‑use board consistency report acknowledged by resolution R25‑133.
The ordinance changes definitions in chapter 21 of the borough code to govern steep slopes and related lot disturbance calculations. The council did not specify additional implementing procedures at the meeting; applicants and property owners should consult planning staff for application of the new standard.
The council’s action took effect following final adoption procedures required under borough code. The public hearing record indicates the change is intended to limit the extent of disturbance on steep terrain relative to the permitted building footprint, using the 130% multiplier cited by staff.
