1. Lot/Slope Requirements: In the residential zoning districts the following provisions of this Section 8.10 shall apply:

a. Purpose: The purpose of this bylaw is to preserve and enhance the landscape by encouraging the maximum retention of natural topographic features, such as drainage swales, streams, slopes, ridge lines, rock outcroppings, vistas, natural plant formations and trees; to minimize water runoff and soil-erosion problems incurred in grading of steep slopes; to encourage innovative architectural, landscaping, circulation and site design. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "natural" shall be defined as the condition of the ground surface as it exists at the time a subdivision or development is proposed including any man-made alterations such as grading, excavation or filling which may have occurred prior to the time such subdivision or development is submitted. No land intended for subdivision or development may be regraded or filled in such manner as to circumvent this bylaw

b. Provisions: The provisions of this Subsection 8.10 shall not apply to building lots in a definitive subdivision plan submitted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 41 in order to obtain the protections afforded by M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 6.

c. Defining the Slope: The slope of land at any point, stated as a percentage, shall be defined as the change in elevation over a horizontal distance measured perpendicular to the contours divided by the distance over which the change occurs multiplied by 100. The slope of land at any point, may be stated as a ratio (2:1, 3:1, 4:1, etc.). The first number of the ration indicates the horizontal distance and the second number indicates the vertical rise.

d. Undisturbed Slopes: All natural slopes exceeding 33% (3:1) over a horizontal distance of 30 feet as measured perpendicular to the contour on a tract or parcel of land intended or proposed for subdivision or on a building lot are protected and shall remain undisturbed.

e. Slope Exclusion for Minimum Lot Area Calculation: All areas with natural slopes exceeding 33% (3:1) over a horizontal distance of 30 feet as measured perpendicular to the contour on a tract or parcel of land intended or proposed for subdivision or development, or on a lot intended for building purposes, shall be excluded from the calculation of the minimum lot area required for the applicable zoning district.

f. The Planning Board may grant a special permit for exemption from the provisions of this section if, in the Board's opinion, the proposal satisfies the purposes of Subsection 8.10.1.a above.

In cases where the proposal includes disturbing or creating slopes exceeding 33%, the request for special permit must be accompanied by:

i) A geotechnical report prepared by a registered professional civil engineer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that recommends methods for slope stabilization.

ii) A commitment from the applicant to fund construction inspection services of a geotechnical engineer.