Although it is not a prerequisite for approval
of a final plan, an applicant may and is encouraged to submit a sketch
plan as the basis for informal discussion. During the sketch plan
procedure, the applicant can advantageously make use of the services
of the Planning Commission to help him analyze the problems of the
development and plan more adequately for its sound coordination with
the community. This sketch plan procedure also affords the Planning
Commission the opportunity to give informal guidance to the applicant
at a stage when potential points of difference can be more easily
resolved. It can also simplify official actions and save unnecessary
expense and delay. A sketch plan is not mandatory and is not an official
plan under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. Time limitations
of the Planning Code shall not apply and failure to submit recommendations
to the applicant within the time restraints of the Planning Code shall
not be considered or deemed approval of the plan.
(a)
The applicant or his agent shall prepare the sketch
plan and application.
(b)
The applicant shall submit 13 copies of the sketch plan, any supporting information mandated by Section 1230.13 and application forms to the Township at least seven days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission.
(c)
The Township shall distribute copies of the sketch
plan, required information and application forms to:
(1)
The Township Planning Commission: seven copies.
(2)
The County Planning Commission: one copy (Township's
option).
(3)
The Township files: one copy.
(4)
The Township Engineer: one copy.
(5)
The Township Planner: one copy.
(6)
The Township Fire Marshal: one copy.
(7)
The Township Solicitor: one copy.
(d)
The Planning Commission shall review the County Planning
Commission's report, if any, review the sketch plan submission and
advise the applicant how the proposal conforms or fails to conform
with the requirements and objectives of this chapter and other applicable
ordinances. The applicant is encouraged to attend the next meeting
of the Planning Commission to discuss the proposal. The Planning Commission
may communicate its comments and recommendations to the applicant
by mail at the address provided on the application by the applicant.
The review of a sketch plan is advisory only, and opinions expressed
by the members of the Planning Commission during the sketch plan review
are not binding.
If the applicant chooses to submit a sketch
plan, the following information shall be provided in order to supply
the Planning Commission with adequate information to evaluate the
proposal and advise the applicant:
(a)
Plans shall be drawn on sheets no larger than 36 inches
by 48 inches. All sheets comprising a submission shall be on one size.
Sheets should be large enough to clearly show all suggested features
but at a scale not less than one inch equals 100 feet.
(b)
Each set of plans shall be folded to a size which
will fit in a legal size (8 1/2 inches by 14 inches) file folder.
(c)
The name of the subdivision or land development.
(d)
The name and address of the owner and the applicant.
(e)
The name and address of the engineer, surveyor or
architect, or landscape architect responsible for the plan.
(f)
Tax parcel number.
(g)
Tract boundaries and total acreage.
(h)
North point, date and scale (written and graphic).
(i)
Zoning district and requirements.
(j)
Any variances, conditional uses or special exceptions
granted.
(k)
Streets on and adjacent to the site.
(l)
Significant topographical physical features and floodplains.
(m)
Existing buildings (and their uses), driveways, sewer
systems, wells if known, and any other significant features, including
significant woodlands.
(n)
Proposed general lot layout.
(o)
Types of buildings proposed.
(p)
Number of dwelling units or nonresidential square
footage proposed.
(q)
Open space and recreational areas, if applicable.
(r)
Location map showing general location of the site
with respect to surrounding properties and roads.
