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1. What is the Slope Ordinance?

It is Chapter 158 of the Haywood County Ordinances and it was enacted into law by the Board of Commissioners of Haywood County effective March 1, 2007. The Slope Ordinance is a set of standards for improved construction and development practices that will result in higher levels of safety and stability on developed land, while decreasing the potential of damage to natural resources and properties adjoining tracts containing artificial slope construction.

2. How does the Slope Ordinance affect me?

If you initiate any land-disturbing activity that includes artificial (i.e. cut or fill) slope construction, slope repair, or slope stabilization, you are subject to the rules and regulations of the Slope Ordinance. No subdivision plat will be approved or recorded, and no Certificate of Occupancy issued, until the County Engineer’s office verifies compliance with the Slope Ordinance.

3. How do I obtain a copy of the Slope Ordinance?

The Slope Ordinance may be downloaded from the Haywood County website, or you may pick up a copy from the County Engineer’s office at 1233 North Main Street, Haywood County Annex II, 2nd floor.

4. Do I have to apply for a permit?

Yes, you do need to apply for a Land-Disturbing Permit that allows slope construction, repair, and/or stabilization to commence and proceed in accordance with the requirements of the Slope Ordinance. The application can be downloaded or a copy picked up from the Erosion Control office at 1233 North Main Street, Haywood County Annex II, 2nd floor.

5. What is the Haywood County Engineering Review Board?

The Engineering Review Board is the entity established by the Slope Ordinance for the purpose of providing direction for the administration of this chapter, which includes a process for appeals. The Board is governed by a set of By-Laws which stipulate that the Board meets quarterly on the second Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Haywood County Annex II building.

6. What is the compaction standard for fill slope construction?

On June 26, 2007, the Engineering Review Board adopted the following Standard Operating Procedure for compaction: All areas where fill is to be placed shall be completely stripped of all organic material. All slopes shall be benched prior to the placement of any fill so as to create a relatively flat surface on which to place and compact the fill. Fill shall be placed in loose lifts of approximately 9.0 inches in thickness and free of organic material. The fill shall be compacted with equipment adequate for achieving the following requirements: Fill slopes shall be compacted to a minimum of 92 percent of the maximum dry density obtained in accordance with ASTM D-698 Standard Proctor Method. Fill placed for structures shall be compacted to a minimum of 95 percent of the maximum dry density. Each lift of fill shall be compacted to within 6 inches horizontal of the down slope edge. Each bench that is excavated into the existing slope shall be wide enough for the compaction equipment to travel on and compact the entire surface. The benching technique shall continue up in a stair step pattern until the fill side meets the cut.