Montgomery County Lands Trust Fall Open Space Workshop

RIPARIAN BUFFERS | An area of trees, usually accompanied by shrubs and other vegetation, that is adjacent to a body of water which is managed to maintain the integrity of stream channels and shorelines, to reduce the impact of upland sources of pollution by trapping, filtering, and converting sediments, nutrients, and other chemicals, and to supply food, cover, and thermal protection to fish and other wildlife.

There are distinctly different ways to regulate riparian buffers. This presentation includes two riparian ordinances (West Whiteland Township and Perkiomen Township) that provide municipal officials the opportunity to see how the same goals may be achieved in two different ways.

One of the most poignant differences between the two is that the West Whiteland Township regulations are within the stormwater ordinance and the Perkiomen Township regulations are within the Zoning Ordinance. Therefore, the West Whiteland Township regulations are governed by the Board of Supervisors whereas the Perkiomen Township regulations are governed by the Zoning Hearing Board. Stormwater regulations may be waived by the Board of Supervisors but in order for someone to seek relief from Zoning Regulations they must prove a hardship to obtain a variance.

Overview of Presentation

Presenter: Kent Morey, PE
Municipal Representative, Civil Engineering
Mr. Morey is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, with a BS in Civil Engineering. His experience includes project management, municipal representation, and civil engineering projects including studies and designs for the construction, improvement, or installation of roadways and stormwater management facilities.

Sample Ordinance Perkiomen Township

Sample Ordinance West Whiteland Township