All application packages submitted under any provision of this chapter shall include the following elements:
A. 
Two completed and executed original application forms.
B. 
A project narrative which describes the project. For zoning applications, the applicant should make points relevant to his or her case in this document.
C. 
A list of waivers being requested by the applicant, along with an explanation as to why the applicant feels each waiver request is appropriate.
D. 
A copy of the recorded deed for each property included in the proposal. If applicable, this shall include copies of all documents indicating any easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, covenants, trusts, or other encumbrances on the land.
E. 
A list of all owners of land abutting the proposal and directly across any streets, watercourses, or railroads. For corner properties, this shall include the land diagonally across the intersection as well.
F. 
Three copies of any studies that may be required by the applicable section of this chapter or other controlling law or regulation.
G. 
The appropriate filing fees as established by resolution of the City Council from time to time. Fees are due at approval.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
H. 
If the submittal requires review by the Blair County Planning Commission, the package shall also include the appropriate filing fee for that review.
I. 
A list of all plans being submitted, with the title of the plan, sheet number, and date on a letter-size sheet of paper.
J. 
Seven prints of the plan package described in Subsection K(5) below.
K. 
All plans submitted shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) 
The sheet size shall not exceed 24 inches by 36 inches but shall be at least 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
(2) 
The different types of plans shall be on separate sheets of paper, all of the same size.
(3) 
Contact prints shall be dark line on light background.
(4) 
The title block shall appear in the same location on all sheets.
(5) 
Plan packages shall be arranged by plan type in the order below. Plan types which are not applicable to the project shall simply be omitted.
(a) 
Title sheet (optional).
(b) 
Zoning plan.
(c) 
Subdivision plan.
(d) 
Land development plan.
(e) 
Infrastructure plan.
(f) 
Environmental plans.
(g) 
Detail sheets.
(h) 
Additional plans as may be necessitated by the project.
L. 
Two copies of sewage facilities module permit application(s), where applicable.
M. 
Any additional information as required below or by the standards set forth in the text relating to the submittal.
All applications submitted for variances, special exceptions, or conditional use approval shall contain the following information. Due to the wide variety of requests made under zoning provisions, the requirements below are general. The applicant should work with the Zoning Officer to develop a suitable plan for submittal to the reviewing agency. In all cases, the requirements of § 535-258 above apply.
A. 
The title: "Zoning Plan for a (type of request) for (applicant's name) for property located at (property address)."
B. 
Date, scale (one inch equals 40 feet), North point, and zoning district(s).
C. 
The name(s), signature(s), and professional seal(s) of the design professional(s) that prepared the plan.
D. 
Existing conditions of the entire property, showing all improvements, property lines, encumbrances, and zoning district lines.
E. 
Proposed changes to be undertaken on the property, including those which will be done with the project but do not necessarily require zoning approval.
F. 
Additional information as may be necessitated by the specific proposal.
All subdivision plans shall meet the following requirements.
A. 
The title: "Subdivision Plan of (subdivision name)."
B. 
If the subdivision plan consists of multiple sheets, an overall subdivision plan shall be included to show the entire subdivision on one sheet. This overall subdivision plan shall show, at a minimum:
(1) 
The title: "Overall Subdivision Layout Plan."
(2) 
Date, scale, North point, and legend.
(3) 
The entire tract of land to be subdivided. If any portion of a property is to be included in the subdivision, the entire property shall be shown.
(4) 
The locations of all abutting properties identified in § 535-258E.
(5) 
Zoning district boundaries.
(6) 
The outer lines of the subdivision in a dark heavy line (entire original tract).
(7) 
The boundary lines of all lots and parcels.
(8) 
All lots and parcels designated in numerical or alphabetical sequence.
(9) 
A table indicating the area and frontage of each lot and parcel.
(10) 
The names and locations of all existing and proposed streets.
C. 
If the subdivision plan consists of multiple sheets, an index plan shall be included to clearly identify the multiple sections of the plan.
D. 
The date. If multiple sheets, all dates shall be the same, and space shall be provided to add revision dates. Revision dates, if any, shall be the same on all sheets.
E. 
A scale bar and numeric indicator. The scale shall be one inch equals 40 feet.
F. 
A North point and legend describing any graphical symbols on the plan.
G. 
The name(s), signature(s), and professional seal(s) of the surveyor(s) that prepared the plan. The surveyor is encouraged to place an original seal and signature on each sheet of the plan to verify authenticity.
H. 
The locations of all properties identified on the list required in § 535-258E.
I. 
The following inscriptions shall be placed on each sheet of the subdivision plan in the same location on each sheet:
(1) 
A signature block for approval of the Planning Commission, as follows:
ALTOONA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
Subdivision Approved Under the Altoona Planning Code.
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
DATE: _________________________
(2) 
"Subject to a performance covenant, dated (date), running with the land, to be duly recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
(3) 
"Other plans applicable to this subdivision may be on file with the City of Altoona Code Enforcement Department, City of Altoona Public Works Department, and Planning and Community Development Department."
(4) 
"This plan was reviewed by the Blair County Planning Commission on (date)."
(5) 
If applicable, "Subject to a Restrictive Covenant, dated (date), running with the land, to be duly recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
(6) 
If applicable, "Subject to a Trust Document, dated (date), running with the land, to be recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
J. 
A locus at the scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet sufficient to identify where in the City of Altoona the property is located and showing the boundaries of the proposed subdivision.
K. 
Any zoning district boundaries as shown on the most current version of the Altoona Zoning Map. The zoning district(s) shall be clearly marked on the plan.
L. 
The outer subdivision boundaries in a heavy shaded line (entire original tract).
M. 
All frontage in linear feet for each lot and parcel.
N. 
Area in square feet for each lot and parcel.
O. 
All lots and parcels designated numerically or alphabetically in sequence.
P. 
Any existing or proposed public or common areas within the subdivision.
Q. 
The names, locations, and right-of-way lines of existing and proposed streets and easements bordering, approaching, and within the subdivision. Location information shall include, at a minimum, lengths, bearings, and radii. All easements for public utilities shall include identification as a public utility easement and include the type of utility included in the easement.
R. 
Sufficient data referring to existing permanent monuments so that proposed right-of-way lines of streets or easements can be readily established on the ground.
S. 
Location of permanent monuments at changes in direction of the proposed street right-of-way lines, easements, and property lines. This shall include points of curvature or wherever else determined necessary by the Commission.
T. 
Proposed street names. Names must be approved by the Commission, must not duplicate or sound like existing names, and conform to E-911 standards.
All land development plans shall meet the following requirements:
A. 
The title: "Land Development Plan of (project name)."
B. 
If the land development plan consists of multiple sheets, an overall land development plan shall be included to show the entire subdivision on one sheet. This overall land development plan shall show, at a minimum:
(1) 
The title: "Overall Land Development Layout Plan."
(2) 
Date, scale, North point, and legend.
(3) 
The entire tract of land to be developed. If any portion of a property is to be included in the development, the entire property shall be shown.
(4) 
The locations of all abutting properties identified in § 535-258E.
(5) 
Zoning district boundaries.
(6) 
The outer lines of the proposal in a dark heavy line (entire original tract).
(7) 
The boundary lines of all lots, parcels, and lease areas.
(8) 
All lots, parcels, and lease areas designated in numerical or alphabetical sequence.
(9) 
The names and locations of all existing and proposed streets.
C. 
If the land development plan consists of multiple sheets, an index plan shall be included to clearly identify the multiple sections of the plan.
D. 
The date. If multiple sheets, all dates shall be the same and space shall be provided to add revision dates. Revision dates, if any, shall be the same on all sheets.
E. 
A scale bar and numeric indicator. The scale shall be sufficient to convey the necessary information regarding the proposal to those reviewing it.
F. 
A North point and legend describing any graphical symbols on the plan.
G. 
The name(s), signature(s), and professional seal(s) of the designer(s) that prepared the plan. The designer is encouraged to place an original seal and signature on each sheet of the plan to verify authenticity.
H. 
The locations of all properties identified on the list required in § 535-258E.
I. 
The following inscriptions shall be placed on each sheet of the land development plan, in the same location on each sheet:
(1) 
A signature block for approval of the Planning Commission, as follows:
ALTOONA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
Land Development Approved Under the Altoona Planning Code.
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
DATE: _________________________
(2) 
"Subject to a Performance Covenant, dated (date), running with the land, to be duly recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
(3) 
"Other plans applicable to this land development may be on file with the City of Altoona Code Enforcement Department, City of Altoona Public Works Department, and Planning and Community Development Department."
(4) 
"This plan was reviewed by the Blair County Planning Commission on (date)."
(5) 
If applicable, "Subject to a Restrictive Covenant, dated (date), running with the land, to be duly recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
(6) 
If applicable, "Subject to a Trust Document, dated (date), running with the land, to be recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
J. 
A locus at the scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet sufficient to identify where in the City of Altoona the property is located and showing the boundaries of the proposal.
K. 
Any zoning district boundaries as shown on the most current version of the Altoona Zoning Map. The zoning district(s) shall be clearly marked on the plan.
L. 
Topography of the property. Topography may be represented by either two-foot contours or with spot grades at sufficient spacing to represent the surface.
M. 
Boundaries of the entire original parcel shaded in heavy line.
N. 
Locations and dimensions of existing and proposed buildings and structures, including ground coverage, gross floor area, and breakdown of both indoor and outdoor floor area, and indications of proposed use(s).
O. 
Design occupancy load of each separate area. This may be placed in a note on the plan and includes such measures as number of employees at capacity, seating capacity, sleeping units, and such like.
P. 
Locations and dimensions (including total area, ground coverage, thicknesses and materials to be used) of all driveways, maneuvering spaces, aisles, stalls, loading areas, bicycle areas, and pedestrian facilities. Pedestrian facilities shall include a clear demarcation of all entrances and exits from all buildings on the site, whether existing or proposed.
Q. 
Location of all landscaping, including existing or proposed trees, shrubs, grass, mulched areas, etc. Size and type of plant materials shall be noted on the plan, and a planting detail showing how trees and shrubs are to be planted (size of hole, use of fill, stakes, wiring, etc.) shall be included. For plans affecting or creating parking areas of more than 20 spaces, the seal and signature of a landscape architect shall appear.
R. 
Provisions for stormwater affecting the site and adjacent parcels, and snow disposal areas. Drainage shall be in accordance with Part 4.
S. 
The location of all signs and lighting units and detail diagrams of each. Signs included in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices need not be detailed.
All infrastructure plans shall meet the following requirements:
A. 
The title: "Infrastructure Plan" for (project name).
B. 
If the infrastructure plan consists of multiple sheets, an overall infrastructure plan shall be included to show the entire project on one sheet. This overall infrastructure plan shall show, at a minimum:
(1) 
The title: "Overall Infrastructure Plan for (name of project)."
(2) 
Date, scale, North point, and legend.
(3) 
If new streets are proposed:
(a) 
Street right-of-way lines and names.
(b) 
Street center lines labeled with fifty-foot stations.
(c) 
The left and right side lines of pavement, with the area between lightly shaded to identify the improved surface area.
(d) 
Location and identity of all signs, lights, trees, and other street treatments proposed for the new street.
(e) 
The boundary lines of all lots and parcels abutting the street.
(4) 
Existing and proposed topography of the entire site shown at five-foot contour intervals.
(5) 
Data sufficient to identify location of existing streets, including right-of-way lines, names, improved surfaces, and treatments.
(6) 
Outer edge of the project shown in heavy dark line.
(7) 
Location of all pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
(8) 
Type, size, and location of all existing utilities on the site and within 100 feet of the outer boundaries of the site. If a utility is located outside the one-hundred-foot radius, an indicator shall be placed on the plan to show connection is intended.
(9) 
Type, size, and location of all proposed utilities.
(10) 
Any test pit or core boring locations identified by number and indicating the type of test and reference to any data collected.
C. 
If the infrastructure plan consists of multiple sheets, an index plan shall be included to clearly identify the multiple sections of the plan.
D. 
The date. If multiple sheets, all dates shall be the same, and space shall be provided to add revision dates. Revision dates, if any, shall be the same on all sheets.
E. 
A scale bar and numeric indicator. The scale shall be one inch equals 40 feet.
F. 
A North point and legend describing any graphical symbols on the plan.
G. 
The name(s), signature(s), and professional seal(s) of the engineer(s) that prepared the plan. The engineer is encouraged to place an original seal and signature on each sheet of the plan to verify authenticity.
H. 
If new streets are proposed:
(1) 
Proposed right-of-way lines and names.
(2) 
A center line labeled with fifty-foot stations.
(3) 
The left and right side lines of the proposed roadway, with the area between lightly shaded to identify the improved surface area.
(4) 
The left and right side lines of intersecting roadways, with the area between lightly shaded to identify the improved surface area.
(5) 
Location of permanent monuments.
(6) 
Location and dimension of all sidewalks related to the street.
(7) 
Location and identity of all signs, lights, trees, and other street treatments proposed for the new street.
(8) 
The boundary lines of all lots and parcels abutting the street.
(9) 
A profile of the proposed roadway, located directly above or below the plan of the street, including the following:
(a) 
The title: "Profile of (street name)."
(b) 
A horizontal scale of one inch equals 40 feet and a vertical scale of one inch equals four feet.
(c) 
The existing center-line grade in a fine, solid line.
(d) 
The proposed center-line grade in a heavier solid line.
(e) 
The existing left side-line grade in a fine long dashed line.
(f) 
The proposed left side-line grade in a heavier long dashed line.
(g) 
The existing right side-line grade in a fine short dashed line.
(h) 
The proposed left side-line grade in a heavier short dashed line.
(i) 
Proposed grade elevations, shown by figures at the beginning and end of the roadway and at fifty-foot station intervals, and at the beginning and end of all vertical curves.
(j) 
The location of any intersecting roadways.
(k) 
The type, size, and location of any existing and proposed utilities in the street, including those crossing the right-of-way.
(10) 
A typical cross section of the street, including at least the following:
(a) 
The title: "Typical Cross Section of (street name).
(b) 
A suitable scale which clearly shows all parts and dimensions in the cross section of the right-of-way.
(c) 
The locations and widths of the street right-of-way, improved surface, curbs, sidewalks, and shoulders.
(d) 
The treatment of the roadway, sidewalks, and shoulders (base and pavement), and specific information as to the thickness of each layer of material to be used in the construction of the roadway.
(e) 
The crown of the roadway, pitch of the sidewalks, and grade of slopes.
(f) 
Design and dimensions of proposed curbing.
(g) 
Type, size and typical location of utilities.
(h) 
Typical location of signs, lights, trees, and other treatments.
I. 
Existing and proposed topography with two-foot intervals related to an existing permanent bench mark.
J. 
The locations and dimensions of all major features potentially affecting construction of the project, such as stone walls, water bodies, buildings, extreme topography, shall be shown.
K. 
The type, size, and location of all existing and proposed utilities.
L. 
The types, dimensions, and locations of all stormwater facilities.
M. 
Construction details for all bridges, culverts, guardrails, headwalls, manholes, or other appurtenances necessary for the proper installation of infrastructure.
N. 
Groundwater elevation or percolation test pits as may be necessary for the proper design and location of drainage facilities, identified by number, with reference to the appropriate data collected.
O. 
Test pit or core boring locations as may be necessary for proper design and construction of the project, identified by number, with reference to the appropriate data collected.
All applications submitted under the provisions for floodplain management, stormwater management, or erosion and sedimentation control shall meet the following requirements:
A. 
All information required under § 535-258 above.
B. 
The applicant shall notify Allegheny and Logan Townships and any other municipality downstream of the development site which may be affected by the proposed development and the mitigation controls for the site. Copies of the plans will be made available to these municipalities upon request. Comments received from any affected municipality will be considered by the City and county agencies in their reviews.
C. 
A site plan showing the following under both predevelopment and post-development conditions:
(1) 
Title: "Environmental Management Plan for (project name) relative to (stormwater/floodplain/erosion and sedimentation)."
(2) 
North arrow, scale (one inch equals 40 feet), and date. The date, including revision dates, shall be the same on all sheets.
(3) 
Boundary lines or property lines shall be indicated by heavy lines, with bearings, distances, and approximate square footage.
(4) 
If applicable, the boundary line(s) of the identified floodway areas and, if available, information pertaining to the floodway, and the flow of water, including direction and velocities.
(5) 
The location of all existing and proposed buildings and additions thereto, including the location of any existing or proposed subdivision and land development.
(6) 
Streets on and adjacent to the tract shall be identified by name, right-of-way width, location, type, width and elevation of surfacing, walks, curbs, gutters, culverts, drives, and other accessways.
(7) 
Utilities on and adjacent to the tract shall be identified by location, size, and invert elevation of sanitary, storm, and combined sewers; location and size of water mains; location of gas lines, fire hydrants and alarms, electric and telephone poles, and streetlights. (If any of the above are not available at site, indicate direction and distance to the nearest one and furnish a statement of availability if proposed to be used.)
(8) 
Watercourses, drainage channels, marshes, rock outcrop, wooded areas, fences, railroads, and other significant features shall be shown.
(9) 
Topography shall be shown as follows:
(a) 
For areas within the regulatory floodplain and for all floodplain permits, elevations shall be shown at property corners and topographic contour lines at one-foot intervals shall be shown on the remainder of the property.
(b) 
For areas outside the regulatory floodplain and with slopes of more than 15%, five-foot contours shall be shown across the entire property.
(c) 
For all other cases, two-foot contours shall be shown across the entire property.
(d) 
Spot elevations shall be used where dictated by professional practice. Spot elevations may be substituted for contours at the discretion of the Floodplain Administrator or Stormwater Officer, whichever applies.
(10) 
Names of owners of adjacent parcels of land.
(11) 
Reference to any covenants designed to regulate land use in the proposal and otherwise protect the proposed development.
(12) 
All requirements, including but not limited to the zoning category and lot restrictions as listed in Part 3, Zoning, that apply to the proposal shall be listed on the plan. If applicable, any urban renewal requirements shall also be shown.
(13) 
Location, width, and purpose of any easements.
(14) 
Registered engineer's and/or surveyor's seal and signature, as appropriate.
(15) 
All elevations required on plans shall be based upon the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. A registered surveyor shall document on plans the elevation reference marks and how they are tied into the NGVD.
(16) 
Location of the development site within the watershed(s) and watershed subarea(s). On all site drawings, show the boundaries of the watershed(s) and subarea(s) as they are located on the development site and identify watershed name(s) and subarea number(s).
(17) 
All bodies of water (natural or artificial), watercourses (permanent and intermittent), swales, wetlands and other natural drainagecourses on the development site, or which will be affected by runoff from the development shall be shown and identified.
(18) 
A sheet showing soil types and locations within the development site (consult county, Natural Resources Conservation Service and United States Geological Survey for information).
D. 
For applications under Article XVI of Title 4, relating to stormwater management, the following additional information shall be shown on the plan:
(1) 
Existing and final land cover classifications, as necessary to support and illustrate the runoff calculations performed.
(2) 
Delineated boundaries of the drainage areas employed in the runoff calculations performed.
(3) 
Existing stormwater management or drainage controls and/or structures, such as sanitary and storm sewers, swales, culverts, etc., which are located on the development site, or which are located off site but will be affected by runoff from the development.
(4) 
All proposed stormwater runoff control measures, including methods for collecting, conveying and storing stormwater runoff on site, which are to be used both during and after construction. Erosion and sedimentation controls shall be shown in accordance with this article. The plan shall provide information on the exact type, location, sizing, design and construction of all proposed facilities and relationship to the existing watershed drainage system. The plan shall include technical specifications for materials and methods to be used in the construction of the stormwater management facilities.
(a) 
If the development is to be constructed in stages, the applicant must demonstrate that stormwater facilities will be installed to manage stormwater runoff safely during each stage of development.
(b) 
A schedule for the installation of all temporary and permanent stormwater control measures and devices shall be submitted.
(c) 
If appropriate, a justification should be submitted as to why any preferred stormwater management techniques, as listed in §§ 535-103 and 535-105, are not proposed for use.
(5) 
A notation of the total impervious area before and after construction.
(6) 
If the facility is to be connected to an existing storm system (separate or combined), the plans shall indicate the location of the connection, the size of the connection, and the material to be used for the connection.
E. 
For applications under Article XVII of Part 4, relating to the Floodplain Regulations, an architectural structural plan for all proposed buildings, structures, and other building improvements, drawn at suitable scale by a registered architect or engineer showing the following, shall be submitted:
(1) 
The proposed lowest-floor elevation of any proposed building based upon North American Vertical Datum of 1988 and proposed ground elevations if finished grade is different than the elevations identified on the site plan.
(2) 
The elevation of the one-percent-annual-chance flood event.
(3) 
Information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces, and other factors associated with a one-hundred-year flood.
(4) 
Detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures.
F. 
The following reports and documentation shall be filed with the application:
(1) 
Where the proposed development requires an obstruction permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or an erosion/sedimentation permit from the Blair County Conservation District, evidence that the applicant has filed for the necessary permits. Final plan approval shall be granted subject to the receipt of such permits. No building permit shall be issued, nor construction started, until the permits are received and copies filed with the City.
(2) 
For stormwater management plans:
(a) 
Calculations for determining predevelopment and post-development discharge rates and for designing proposed stormwater control facilities must be submitted with the stormwater management plan. All calculations shall be prepared using the methods and data prescribed by Article XVI, Stormwater Management, of Part 4.
(b) 
The stormwater management plan (including all calculations) shall be prepared and sealed by a registered professional engineer, surveyor or landscape architect with training and expertise in hydrology and hydraulics. Documentation of qualifications may be required by the City of Altoona.
(c) 
All existing and proposed easements and rights-of-way for drainage and/or access to stormwater control facilities shall be shown, along with any areas subject to special deed restrictions relative to or affecting stormwater management on the development site.
(d) 
Covenants and maintenance schedules necessary to properly maintain the stormwater management control devices in proper working order.
(e) 
The proposed maintenance plan for all stormwater control facilities, which, at a minimum, shall:
[1] 
Identify the proposed ownership entity (e.g., City of Altoona, property owner, private corporation, homeowners' association, or other entity).
[2] 
Identify the type of maintenance, probable frequencies, personnel and equipment requirements and estimated annual maintenance costs.
[3] 
Identify method of financing continuing operation and maintenance if the facility is to be owned by other than a governmental agency.
[4] 
Include copies of any legal agreements required to implement the maintenance program and, if applicable, copies of the maintenance agreement as required by this article.
(f) 
Submit financial guarantees in accordance with the provisions of Part 9.
(g) 
Proof of application for any approvals and/or permits relative to stormwater management that will be required from other governmental agencies. Copies of applications may be requested by the City where such copies will aid plan review. These other approvals are not required prior to filing an application under this article.
(3) 
For floodplain management plans:
(a) 
A document, certified by a registered engineer or architect, which states that the proposed construction or development has been adequately designed to withstand the elevations, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces associated with the one-percent-annual-chance flood event. Such statement shall include a description of the type and extent of the floodproofing measures which have been incorporated into the design of the structure and/or the development proposal.
(b) 
Detailed information needed to determine compliance with § 535-115D(6), Storage, and § 535-116, Development which may endanger human life, including:
[1] 
The amount, location, and purpose of any materials or substances referred to in §§ 535-115D(6) and 535-116 which are intended to be used, produced, stored or otherwise maintained on site.
[2] 
A description of the safeguards incorporated into the design of the proposed structure to prevent leaks or spills of the dangerous materials or substances intended to be used, produced, stored, or otherwise maintained on site.
(c) 
The appropriate component of the Department of Environmental Protection's "Planning Module for Land Development."
(d) 
Where any excavation or grading is proposed, a plan meeting the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Resources Management, Bureau of Soil and Water Conservation, Division of Soil Resources and Erosion Control "Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Manual" to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control.