FRANCESTOWN ZONING
ARTICLE IIA CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS

2-A.3 STEEP SLOPE DISTRICT. 
 
2-A.3.1 Purpose. 
 
The purposes of the Steep Slope District are to prevent development on 
slopes in excess of 25 percent and to reasonably regulate development on 
lesser slopes. Development on steep slopes causes soil erosion and 
stream sedimentation; unnecessary loss of vegetative and ground cover 
and destruction of trees; on-site waste disposal problems; difficult 
street construction; and expensive street maintenance. 
 
2-A.3.2 Description, of Steep Slopes District. 
 
The Steep Slope District includes all areas of Francestown with slopes 
of 15 percent or more. The slope of the natural terrain shall be 
determinative of whether or not land is within the district. As a 
general guide, areas of steep slopes are delineated on the Slopes Plan 
prepared as part of the Francestown Master Plan. 
 
2-A.3.3 Permitted Uses 
 
(1) Slopes of 25% or More: On slopes of 25% or more only the following 
uses that do not result in the erection of any structure, road, 
driveway, or other surface alteration are permitted: 
 
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(a) Forestry and tree farming using best management practices in order 
to protect streams from damage and to prevent sedimentation. 
 
(b) Agriculture, including grazing and maintenance/harvesting of hay 
fields. 
 
(c) Drainage ways, streams, creeks or other paths of normal water 
runoff. 
 
(d) Wildlife refuges, conservation areas and nature trails. 
 
(2) Sloves from 15% to 24%: Uses otherwise permitted by this ordinance 
may be constructed on slopes from 15% to 24% provided that: 
 
(a) A Sediment and Erosion Control Plan is certified by the Planning 
Board according to standards and procedures described in the Towns 
Subdivision and Site Development regulations; and 
 
(b) There is an adequate on-site water supply for fire fighting as 
determined by the Board of Selectmen in consultation with the Fire Chief 
and 
 
(c) No road grade exceeds 10%; and 
 
(d) All federal, state and local approvals have been received. 
 
2-A.3.4 Special Exceptions. 
 
In the Steep Slope District only the following uses may be allowed by 
special exception. AD applications for special exception uses in the 
Steep Slope District shall be referred by the Zoning Board of Adjustment 
to the Conservation Commission at least eight (8) days prior to the 
hearing for review and comment. 
 
(1) Alpine ski trails/slopes and lift facilities. 
 
2-A.3.5 Prohibited Uses on Slopes of 25% or more. 
 
(1) Septic Systems.