[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
Preliminary plans for a park, all or part of which are situated in the Township, shall be reviewed by the Township Planning Commission and the Centre Regional Planning Commission and shall be approved or not approved by the Township Council in accordance with the procedures specified in this article. All plans shall be reviewed in two stages, preliminary and final.
A. 
A potential applicant for a park may request a conference with the Planning Commission for the purpose of discussing or reviewing such proposed development and for obtaining advice on the preparation of the preliminary plan.
B. 
The preapplication conference shall not be regarded as a formal application for the park. The filing of any report, sketch plan, plat or map prior to or at such conference shall not constitute submission of a plan or application for park nor shall such materials be binding on subsequent submissions by the applicant.
C. 
Any report, sketch plan, plat or map to be considered by the Planning Commission at such conference shall be provided by the potential applicant in three copies, and the Township Zoning Officer shall distribute a copy of the same to the Township Planning Commission for informational purposes only.
D. 
The Planning Commission may, at its sole discretion, make or refuse to make recommendations as the result of the preapplication conference. Any recommendations made by the Planning Commission at or in response to the preapplication conference shall not be binding upon the applicant or upon the Planning Commission in its review of the plan after formal application.
A. 
All applications for Township approval of the park plans shall commence with the official submission of a plan and all required supplementary data to the Township Zoning Officer. The application for preliminary approval of the development plan shall be filed by or on behalf of the landowner. At any time during the review process, the applicant may amend the originally submitted plan solely for the purpose of correcting minor deficiencies in the original plan to the extent necessary to meet the requirements of this chapter.
B. 
A preliminary plan shall be deemed to have been submitted for review when the applicant has furnished to the Township Zoning Officer the following documents:
(1) 
One copy of a completed application for a planned research and business par plus payment of all application fees (available from the Zoning Office).
(2) 
Nineteen sets of prints of the preliminary plan, which shall fully comply with the requirements of this article.
[Amended 9-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-16]
(3) 
Nineteen copies of a narrative, which shall fully comply with the requirements of this article.
[Amended 9-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-16]
C. 
Upon receipt of the above, the Township Zoning Officer shall immediately forward one copy of the preliminary plan and the narrative to each member of the College Township Planning Commission (seven), the Centre Regional and Centre County Planning Commissions (two), the Fire Chief (one), the Township Engineer (two), the Township Manager (one), the Centre County Conservation District (one) and, if the proposed development is to have direct access to a state or federal highway, the district office of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in Clearfield, Pennsylvania (one).
[Amended 9-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-16]
D. 
Review by the Township Planning Commission.
(1) 
At the next regular meeting following the receipt of the application for preliminary approval, provided that such application was made at least 29 days prior to the meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose after receipt of the preliminary plan, the Planning Commission shall review the plan to determine conformance with the provisions contained in these regulations. Special meetings will be held at the discretion of the Zoning Officer if no plan meeting has been scheduled within 30 days of the submitted month.
(2) 
The Planning Commission shall notify the Township Council, in writing, of any recommended action, changes or modifications to the plan after such decision is made, provided that the Planning Commission shall make such recommendations within 60 days after the date the application for preliminary approval was filed. The Planning Commission shall not make recommendations on such application until reports from the County or Centre Regional Planning Commission and the Township Engineer are received or until expiration of 30 days from the date the plan was forwarded to the Centre County and Centre Region Planning Commissions, whichever comes first.
(3) 
If review by the Township Planning Commission results in an unfavorable recommendation because the requirements of this chapter have not been met, notification to the Township Council should specify the defects found in the plan and describe the requirements which have not been met and should cite the provisions of this chapter with respect to such defects or requirements.
(4) 
During the Township Planning Commission review the landowner shall place an advertisement in the paper of general circulation as set forth by the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code,[1] as amended, for public notification. The notice shall include the starting time of the meeting, the place of the meeting, the location of the development within the Township and that the public meeting is for the purposes of public comment and review of the plan. Owners of abutting properties shall individually be sent written public notice of the public meeting by United States certified mail.
SAMPLE WORDING OF PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO COLLEGE TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS
At the [month, day] meeting of the College Township Planning Commission, a planned research and business park known as [project name] will be presented formally for review and comment. This plan is presently in the planning and development stages, public comment is welcomed at this meeting. A copy of the preliminary plan and narrative prepared by the developer is available for public inspection at the College Township Municipal Building during regular business hours. The meeting will be held at the College Township Municipal Building at 1481 East College Avenue, State College, Pennsylvania 16801, starting at [time of meeting]. The proposed park plan is located ____________________ For questions or information concerning this plan, please contact the Zoning Office at the Township Building.
BLOCK AD.
ADVERTISEMENT DATES; 14 & 7 DAYS BEFORE MEETING
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
E. 
Review by the Township Council. Upon receipt of the recommendations from the Township Planning Commission and in no event later than the time frame specified by law, the Council shall review the application for preliminary plan approval.
(1) 
The Council shall review the plan and the written reports of the Township Planning Commission, the Centre County Planning Commission, the Centre Regional Planning Commission, the Township Engineer and the other reviewing agencies to determine if the plan meets the provisions contained in these regulations. Prior to approval of a preliminary plan for which off-site sewer or water service is proposed, the Council shall require, as a condition of approval, that the applicant furnish written confirmation from the appropriate bodies that such service is or will be made available to the park.
(2) 
Approval or denial.
(a) 
The Council, within the time frame specified by law, following the Planning Commission action or inaction, shall, by official written communication to the applicant, either:
[1] 
Grant preliminary approval of the plan as submitted;
[2] 
Grant preliminary approval subject to the applicant meeting specified modifications to the plan as submitted; or
[3] 
Deny preliminary approval to the development plan, including a list of reasons and/or plan deficiencies.
(b) 
The official written communication shall be certified by the Secretary of the Township Council and shall be filed in his office, and a certified copy shall be mailed to the landowner via United States certified mail.
(3) 
Where a park is projected to be developed over a period of years, the Council shall authorize submission and review of the final plan by phases. In such case, a schedule showing the proposed times within which applications for final plan approval of each phase of the park are intended to be filed shall be included with the preliminary plan. The schedule shall be revised with each final plan submission of the landowner or developer.
(4) 
Failure of the Council to render a decision and communicate it to the applicant within the time and in the manner required herein shall be deemed an approval of the preliminary plan in terms as presented, unless the applicant has agreed, in writing, to an extension of time or change in the prescribed manner of presentation or communication of the decision, in which case, failure to meet the extended time or change in manner of presentation of communication shall have like effect.
(5) 
An approved preliminary plan shall be recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Centre County or any successor office as designed by law.
(6) 
Preliminary approval shall not authorize construction or the issuance of any building or zoning permit.
All plans submitted for preliminary review shall be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 100 feet or larger (e.g., one inch equals 30 feet) and shall contain the following information:
A. 
General data.
(1) 
The name of the proposed park.
(2) 
A North point.
(3) 
A graphic scale and legend describing all symbols shown on the plan.
(4) 
The day, month and year that the plan was prepared and the date and a description of revisions to the plan occurring after initial submission.
(5) 
The name and address of the owner and deed book and page numbers of the deeds conveying the property to the owner. The name of the developer and his billing address if different.
(6) 
The name and address of the individual or firm preparing the plan.
(7) 
The names of abutting property owners, their mailing addresses, tax parcel numbers and deed book and page numbers.
(8) 
A key map showing the location of the proposed development and all roads within 5,000 feet therefrom.
(9) 
The Centre County tax parcel numbers of all parcels included in the planned research and business park development.
B. 
Existing features:
(1) 
Perimeter boundaries of the total property, showing bearings to the nearest minute and distances to the nearest hundredth of a foot.
(2) 
Total acreage of the property and total square feet within each lot of the development.
(3) 
Natural features:
(a) 
Sinkholes, watercourses, tree masses and unique vegetation or natural features.
(b) 
Floodplains and steep slopes, as defined in Chapter 200, Zoning.
(c) 
Topographic contour lines at vertical intervals of two feet for land with average undisturbed slope of 4% or less and at intervals of five feet for land with average natural slopes exceeding 4%, including the source of topographic data.
(4) 
Approximate location of man-made features in or within 100 feet of the property, including:
(a) 
Sewer lines and laterals.
(b) 
Water mains and fire hydrants.
(c) 
Electrical lines and poles.
(d) 
Culverts and bridges.
(e) 
Railroads.
(f) 
Buildings.
(g) 
Streets, including right-of-way and cartway widths and approximate grades.
C. 
Proposed development.
(1) 
The approximate location, total ground floor area, total floor area, height and use of buildings and other structures. (All area dimensions shall be indicated in square feet.)
(2) 
The approximate location and area of driveways and parking and loading areas.
(3) 
The property lines of lots to be subdivided, measured to the nearest foot.
(4) 
The approximate locations of sidewalks and walkways, including widths, surfacing materials and ramps for the handicapped.
(5) 
The approximate location of utility and drainage easements.
(6) 
The approximate location and pipe diameter of sewer and water mains.
(7) 
The following regional fire protection requirements.
[Amended 9-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-16[1]]
(a) 
The applicant shall contact the Water Authority to obtain fire flow rates for the water system serving the proposed subdivision or land development. These flow rates shall be provided as a note on the plan submitted to College Township.
(b) 
All plans shall provide the size of all existing and proposed waterlines and fire hydrants in, and adjacent to, the proposed subdivision or land development.
(c) 
The location, construction detail(s) and ownership information of any water storage system shall be provided in the plan detail sheets. (Approved design specifications for underground storage tanks may be obtained from the Centre Region Fire Administrator.)
(d) 
Setbacks and/or building separations shall be graphically noted on all plans.
(e) 
Details for all existing and proposed fire apparatus access routes.
(f) 
Details for all existing and proposed Fire Department connections and hydrants.
(g) 
The plan shall provide a note indicating if any structure within the proposed development will have a built-in fire suppression system, including but not limited to automatic fire sprinkler systems.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance established regulations affecting or relating to subdivision and land development plans. Subdivision plans of four parcels or less and changes to existing subdivisions that impact four parcels or less are exempt from the requirements of this ordinance.
(8) 
Perimeter setbacks and required buffer yards.
(9) 
Street information, including:
(a) 
The location and width of right-of-way and cartways.
(b) 
Proposed street names.
(c) 
Approximate road profiles along the center line of each proposed street, showing finished grade at a scale of one inch equals 50 feet horizontal and one inch equals five feet vertical.
(d) 
Vegetation to be planted between the curb or shoulder and the right-of-way line.
(10) 
A conceptual landscaping plan indicating the treatment of materials and landscaping concepts used for private and common open space.
(11) 
A general grading plan showing any major alterations to the topography of the site.
(12) 
Property owners’ association requirements as set forth in § 180-9A(17) of the College Township Code.
[Added 7-21-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-11]
D. 
Open space.
(1) 
The approximate location and area of the proposed open space.
(2) 
The proposed use and improvements of open space.
(3) 
The approximate location and use of common recreational facilities and structures.
(4) 
The approximate location and area of land to be dedicated for public purposes, if any.
E. 
Density calculation.
(1) 
A table shall be included on the plan describing each phase or section with quantitative data, including the following:
(a) 
The total area of the development and approximate area of each phase.
(b) 
The total area devoted to uses, the approximate number of units, the percentage of each type of use and the total floor area in the development and in each phase.
(c) 
Floor area ratio (FAR) per acre in the development and each phase.
(d) 
The area of streets, parking, sidewalks and walkways and the total area paved and percent of area paved or covered by structures in the development and each phase or section.
(e) 
The total acreage and percent of acreage in open space in the development and each phase.
(f) 
The total area devoted to planned recreational use throughout the entire development and in each phase.
(g) 
The calculation of impervious surface in the development and in each phase.
F. 
Narrative statement. A written statement, including the following:
(1) 
A statement of the ownership of all of the land included within the development.
(2) 
An explanation of the design pattern of the development.
(3) 
A statement describing any proposed innovative design concepts included in the plan.
(4) 
The substance of covenants, grants of easements or other restrictions proposed to be imposed on the use of land, buildings and structures, including proposed easements or grants for public use or utilities.
(5) 
A description of the form of organization proposed to own and maintain the open space, recreational facilities and structures or other facilities.
(6) 
A statement of the proposed use and improvement of open space and recreational facilities.
(7) 
A description of proposals to preserve natural features and existing amenities and a statement of conceptual landscaping designs.
(8) 
A statement describing the stormwater management methods to be employed.
G. 
Development schedule. When a development is proposed to be submitted for final plan approval in phases over a period of years, the following shall be included with the application for preliminary approval:
(1) 
The phases in which the development will be submitted for final plan approval and the approximate date when each phase will be submitted for final plan approval.
(2) 
The approximate date when the development and each phase will be completed.
H. 
Preliminary stormwater management plan.
(1) 
A preliminary stormwater management plan must be prepared in accordance with the College Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter 175, although this preliminary plan may have the exceptions described in Subsection H(2). If these exceptions are taken in the preliminary plan submission, no development shall occur until Township approval is obtained on a stormwater management plan that meets all requirements of Chapter 175.
(2) 
The preliminary stormwater management plan for a planned research and business park may have the following exceptions from the College Township Stormwater Management Ordinance:
(a) 
Calculations for sizing of stormwater piping, channels and swales are not required. However, the proposed locations of all stormwater conveyance facilities are required. Construction specifications are not required.
(b) 
Hydrologic routing calculations are not required for stormwater detention facilities and outlet structures. However, the amount of storage capacity required for all detention facilities must be estimated using a method, acceptable to the Township Engineer, for preliminary sizing of stormwater detention ponds. This estimate must consider allowable discharge rates from the site, based upon predevelopment conditions and must also consider downstream constrictions. The grading plan must demonstrate the size, location and proposed contours for all detention facilities.
(c) 
A soil erosion and sedimentation control plan is not required.
(d) 
A declaration of adequacy is not required from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for use of its stormwater facilities.
(3) 
No other exceptions shall be taken on the preliminary stormwater management plan without expressed written approval from the Township Engineer.
I. 
A transportation impact report, prepared by a qualified professional shall be submitted and include the following:
(1) 
Analysis and description of existing conditions and traffic volumes for the external road network serving the site. The external road network to be studied shall be determined by the municipality prior to the preliminary plan review.
(2) 
A base condition analysis shall be prepared to establish existing levels of service followed by analysis and description of projected traffic conditions based on the land uses proposed within the development. Trip generation rates for morning and evening peak hours of the project shall be prepared, as well as the internal/external trip distribution and intersection analysis.
(3) 
The analysis shall address the traffic impacts of the proposed development along with surrounding traffic generating land uses in the area including land use changes. The analysis will demonstrate the adequacy of the area road network and identify access and traffic control measure improvements impacted by the proposed development and surrounding land uses.
(4) 
The analysis shall contain recommended internal and off-site road improvements. These recommended improvements should be specific as to location and scope of work required along with a phased schedule for possible implementation. Examples of additional items that should be included in this section are typical sections for each category of street and a phasing plan which delineates the street improvements that will be provided simultaneously with the construction of each development phase.
(5) 
Utilization of alternate modes of transportation shall be a component of the traffic impact analysis. Evaluation of traffic mitigation measures as it relates to public transportation and future site development should also be addressed.
(6) 
Revision of the traffic impact study based on major variations as defined in this chapter, to the approved preliminary plan shall be required. This shall occur prior to the filing of an application to amend the preliminary plan, following the procedures required herein for preliminary plan approval.
J. 
Signature.
(1) 
Signature(s) and seal(s) of a licensed engineer and/or architect or landscape architect who prepared or supervised the preparation of the plan.
(2) 
Signed, notarized statement by the landowner certifying ownership of the property.
(3) 
Space for approval signatures by the Chairman and Secretary of the Council and Chairman and Secretary of Planning Commission, including the date of such approval.
(4) 
Add the following note to the plan: "Preliminary approval shall not authorize construction or the issuance of any building or zoning permit."
(5) 
The Fire Chief's signature.
[Added 9-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-16]
K. 
Fire protection plan procedures.
[Added 9-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-16[2]]
(1) 
College Township will provide all subdivision and land development plans, whether preliminary or final, to the Fire Chief at the time they are provided to the Centre Regional Planning Agency (CRPA) for review. The deadline for the review and comment by the Fire Chief shall be the same as the deadline for review and comment by the College Township Zoning Administrator and the CRPA. The Fire Chief shall review the plans for the following fire protection features:
(a) 
Fire flow and/or water supply available for fire fighting.
(b) 
The location and available flow of fire hydrants.
(c) 
The location, design and capacity of water storage facilities.
(d) 
Fire apparatus access.
(e) 
The location of fire lanes, if needed.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 105, Fire Lanes.
(f) 
The location of any Fire Department connections provided.
(g) 
The presence of any built-in fire suppression systems.
(2) 
The Fire Chief shall provide written comments on the plan to the applicant and College Township within 10 business days.
(3) 
If any revisions are made to the plan following the Fire Chief's initial review, the plan will be provided to the Fire Chief three business days prior to the meeting where the plan will be considered for approval by the College Township Council.
(4) 
The Fire Chief shall provide written comments on any revised plans to the applicant and College Township.
(5) 
If the plan is not recommended by the Fire Chief, the Council may:
(a) 
Deny or conditionally approve the plan based on the conditions listed in the Fire Chiefs comments; or
(b) 
Determine that the applicant has adequately addressed water supply and/or fire apparatus access and approve the plans.
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance established regulations affecting or relating to subdivision and land development plans. Subdivision plans of four parcels or less and changes to existing subdivisions that impact four parcels or less are exempt from the requirements of this ordinance.
A. 
A plan, including all the land in an approved preliminary plan or a phase thereof according to an approved schedule for development over a period of years, shall be officially submitted for final plan approval. All plans which have received preliminary plan approval shall be entitled to final plan approval in accordance with the terms of the approved preliminary plan.
B. 
Plans submitted for final plan review shall include all information required in this article, and, where applicable, the final plan for the development shall meet the plan requirements contained in College Township Ordinance No. 100, as amended:
(1) 
Chapter 180, Subdivision of Land.
(2) 
Chapter 200, Zoning.
(3) 
Chapter 175, Stormwater Management.
(4) 
Chapter 170, Signs.
C. 
Plans containing variations.
(1) 
A minor variation, as defined in this chapter, shall not require a revision of the preliminary plan, provided that the plan complies with all other requirements of this chapter and other applicable ordinances.
(2) 
In the event that the application for final plan approval contains a major variation, as defined in this chapter, the Council may refuse to grant approval and shall so advise the landowner, in writing, of said refusal, setting forth the major variations. In the event of such refusal, the landowner may refile the final plan without the major variations identified in such written notice or file an application to amend the preliminary plan, following the procedures required herein for preliminary plan approval.
D. 
As a condition of final approval, the landowner shall permit the Township to make site inspections of such nature and extent as are necessary to ensure that the required improvements are being installed and constructed in conformity with the design standards contained herein or otherwise specified in the approved final plan. The Township shall make inspections and report on required improvements as specified in this chapter and shall notify the landowner of the results as specified herein.
E. 
In order to guarantee the completion of any improvements required as a condition for final plan approval, the Council shall require such financial security as specified by law, prior to final approval of the plan. The Council shall require maintenance as specified in this chapter.
F. 
In the event that a final plan is approved and thereafter the landowner abandons the plan and so notifies the Council, in writing, or if the landowner fails to commence construction under the plan, or any extension granted by Council, within five years from the date of the final plan approval, no development shall take place on the property included in the final plan until after said plan is resubmitted and approved under the procedures set forth in this chapter.
All record plans shall meet the requirements of this chapter, as amended, and shall be exact replicas of the final plan approved by the Township Council.
Plans submitted for land development plan review shall include all information required in this article.
A. 
Where applicable, the land development plan shall meet the plan requirements contained in College Township Ordinance No. 100, as amended:
(1) 
Chapter 180, Subdivision of Land.
(2) 
Chapter 200, Zoning.
(3) 
Chapter 175, Stormwater Management.
(4) 
Chapter 170, Signs.
B. 
As a condition of approval, the applicant shall permit the Township to make site inspections of such nature and extent as is necessary to ensure that the required improvements are being installed and constructed in conformity with the design standards contained herein or otherwise specified in the approved plan. The Township shall make inspections and report on required improvements as specified in this chapter and shall notify the landowner of the results as specified therein.
C. 
In order to guarantee the completion of any public improvements required as a condition of plan approval, the Council shall require such financial security as specified by law, prior to approval of the plan. The Council shall require maintenance as specified in this chapter.
All record plans shall meet the requirements of this chapter, as amended and shall be exact replicas of the land development plan approved by the Township Council.