1998-02-03 Town of Berlin
Department of Development Services
To: Conservation Commission
From: Brian J. Miller, AICP, Director of Development ervices
Subject: Proposed Traprock Ridgeline Protection Regulations
Date: February 3, 1998
As you requested, I have drafted a proposed amendment to the Berlin Zoning Regulations
concerning Traprock Ridgeline Protection for your review and consideration. These
regulations were prepared in conformance with PA 95-239 and are similar to those used in
nearby communities.
Please review these and call me if you have any questions. If you wish to propose these for
inclusion within the Zoning Regulations, you may request so directly to the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
Copies: Planning and Zoning Commission
Bonnie L. Therrien, Town Manager
Town of Berlin,Connecticut • Brian J.Miller,AICP,Director of Development Services
240 Kensington Road • Berlin,CT 06037 • (860)828-7060 • Fax(860)828-7180
Date: February 3, 1998
Add New Section XE:
XE Traprock Ridge Protection
1. Purpose: To preserve the aesthetic beauty of Berlin's Traprock Ridgelines and
to protect environmentally sensitive areas due to the presence of steep slopes and fragile
soils.
This regulation is adopted pursuant to Section 8-2 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as
amended by Public Act 95-239.
2. General Requirements: All development proposals in areas defined as a
Traprock Ridgeline in Connecticut General Statute 8-2, as amended by Public Act 95-239,
(including those portions of Lamentation Mountain, Cathole Mountain, South Mountain,
West Peak, Short Mountain and Ragged Mountain), which fall within the boundary of the
Town of Berlin, shall contain information delineated on the Site Plan showing all areas of a
Traprock Ridgeline, including the Ridgeline Setback Area as defined below.
3. Ridgeline Setback Area: All development within the Ridgeline Setback Area,
which is area bounded by (A) a line that parallels and is placed a horizontal distance of
150 feet off the more wooded, lesser sloped side of all basalt (traprock) ridgelines and(B)
that contour line located below the basalt(traprock)ridgeline, on the rocky, more steeply
sloped side of a traprock ridgeline, where a 50% slope has been maintained for a distance of
50 horizontal feet, shall conform to the requirements of this section.
4. Permitted Uses in the Ridgeline Setback: The following uses are permitted in
Ridgeline Setback Areas as a matter of right as set forth in Connecticut General
Statute 8-2(c):
(1) Emergency work necessary to protect life and property;
(2) Any non-conforming uses that were in existence and that were
approved on, or before, the effective date of regulations adopted
under this section, as provided for in Section IVC;
(3) Selective timbering, grazing of domesticated animals and passive
recreation, as defined.
5. Prohibited Uses in the Ridgeline Setback: The following uses are prohibited in the
Ridgeline Setback Area:
Quarrying, clear cutting of vegetation, building construction, road construction,
utility construction, and the cutting of timber within 50 feet of the Ridgeline.
Continued...
Subject: Proposed Traprock Ridgeline Protection Regulations
Date: February 3, 1998
- 2 -
Add the following to the appropriate places within Section IIB of the Berlin Zoning
Regulations, Definitions:
Basalt(Traprock Ridgeline): The line on a traprock ridge created by all points at the top of a
50% slope, which is maintained for a distance of 50 feet perpendicular to the slope and which
consists of surficial basalt geology.
Passive Recreation: Non-motorized recreation, such as hiking, bicycling, picnicking and
bird-watching.
Selective Timbering: The harvesting of no trees greater than six inches in diameter at a
height of six feet.