Township of Springfield, PA Article XXI Amendments

§ 143-144 Power of amendment.

The Board of Commissioners may, from time to time, amend, supplement, change, modify or repeal this ordinance in accordance with the procedures established by the Municipalities Planning Code[1] the procedures hereinbefore set forth and in accordance with the guidelines hereinafter set forth.

[1] Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

§ 143-145 Guidelines.

Proposals for amendment or change may be initiated by petition of one or more owners of property to be affected by the proposed amendment, subject to the following provisions:

A. Every such proposed amendment or change shall be submitted in writing and with accompanying maps, plans, tables, charts and the like to the Board of Commissioners, which shall refer every proposal to the Township Planning Commission for recommendation. In the event the Township Planning Commission recommends said amendment, amendment procedures as set forth in the Municipalities Planning Code[1] shall be followed.

[1] Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

B. Each such proposed amendment shall be guided in accordance with the following standards and criteria to ensure that:

(1) The proposed use is consistent with the purpose of the Article whereby it is permitted, the overall purpose of the zoning as contained in Article I and all other applicable provisions of this ordinance.

(2) The proposed use will satisfy all of the relevant provisions and requirements of the Springfield Township Subdivision Regulations and any other applicable codes, ordinances and/or regulations.

(3) The proposed use and its location are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

(4) There is a demonstrated need for the proposed use and that it will contribute to the maintenance of the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Township.

(5) The proposed use is consistent with the nature of the uses existing on any immediately adjacent properties and it will not detract from or cause harm to neighboring properties and will be maintained in a manner in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.

(6) The proposed use is consistent in concept and design with other amendments for which approval may have been heretofore granted.

(7) The proposed use is consistent with the logical extension of public services and will not adversely affect the public services and utilities of the surrounding properties.

(8) If the use is one which traditionally adheres to some unique location criteria, the site for which the use is proposed is not one which obviates such criteria.

(9) Any proposed construction will be consistent with good design principles and sound engineering and land development practices and is in keeping with the character of any existing construction within the neighborhood.

(10) The proposed use will provide safe and adequate access to roads and public services and will not result in excessive traffic volumes or will make any improvements needed to guarantee compatibility with adjacent roads and public services.

(11) The proposed use has provided for adequate sanitation.

(12) The proposed use will provide for adequate screening as determined by the Board of Commissioners, parking according to Article XV, signage according to Article XVI and all environmental controls in Article XVII, § 143-113.

(13) The proposed use will conform to all standards and criteria as set forth in Article XIX, § 143-136.

C. Public hearings and notice of zoning change.

(1) Public notice shall be made and all public hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

(2) The Township shall notify all abutting owners and owners of properties within 250 feet of the property in question.

(3) If the proposed amendment involves a Zoning Map change, notice of said public hearing shall be conspicuously posted by the Township along the perimeter of the tract to notify potentially interested citizens. The affected tract or area shall be posted at least one week prior to the date of the hearing.

D. Before voting on the enactment of an amendment, the Board of Commissioners shall hold a public hearing thereon, pursuant to public notice. In the case of an amendment other than that prepared by the Planning Commission, the Board of Commissioners shall submit each such amendment to the Planning Commission at least 30 days prior to the hearing on such proposed amendment to provide the Planning Commission an opportunity to submit recommendations. If, after any public hearing held upon an amendment, the proposed amendment is changed substantially or is revised to include land previously not affected by it, the Board of Commissioners shall hold another public hearing, pursuant to public notice, before proceeding to vote on the amendment. The Township shall submit the proposed amendment to the Delaware County Planning Department at least 30 days prior to the public hearing on the amendment. Within 30 days after enactment, a copy of the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance shall be forwarded to the County Planning Department.

§ 143-146 Time limit after zoning change.

Whenever the Board of Commissioners changes the use and/or district classification of any parcel of ground within the Township, one year is permitted within which to obtain a building permit and to commence actual construction. Should the construction fail to commence within the stipulated period, the Board of Commissioners shall have the right to change the use and/or district classification applicable to the parcel back to the classification which existed before the rezoning was executed. This provision shall apply to curative amendments as well as to other types of zoning changes which are not initiated by the Township.