[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
All proposed subdivision or land developments shall be coordinated
and planned so as to be compatible with adjoining or nearby neighborhoods
or approved subdivisions or land developments to the end that harmonious
development will result. Such coordination shall also pertain to subdivisions
or land developments located adjacent to neighboring townships.
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
1.Â
All work and materials shall be subject to inspection for conformity
with the terms of this chapter by the Township Engineer.
A.Â
When any work or materials are determined by the Township Engineer
not to be in compliance with the terms of this chapter or any other
Township ordinance, code, regulation, plan, or map, or at variance
with any permit issued therefor, the Township Engineer may, by notice
in writing or verbal order followed by notice in writing, direct that
all work upon improvements in the subdivision or land development
forthwith stop until such noncompliance or variance is corrected;
except as the Township Engineer may deem necessary to prevent injury
or damage to persons or property, no work shall thereafter be performed
upon the same except in accordance with the order of the Township
Engineer.
B.Â
No underground pipes, works, lines, structures, subgrades, or base
courses shall be covered until the same shall be inspected and approved
by the Township Engineer, and if the same have been covered contrary
to the provisions hereof, upon the order of the Township Engineer
the landowner or developer shall cause the same to be forthwith uncovered
so as to permit the inspection thereof.
C.Â
When an inspection of any improvements shall be required, or desired
by the landowner or developer, the landowner or developer shall give
the Township Engineer 48 hours' notice in advance. Such notice
shall be directed to the Township Secretary.
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
When a subdivision or land development plan has been approved
and recorded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, and
the improvements thereon completed and approved by the Board of Supervisors,
or in lieu thereof, an improvement bond or other security has been
furnished the Township, the purchasers and mortgagees of lots in the
subdivision or land development shall be relieved of any and all liability
for any deficiency in, lack of or failure to complete the said improvements
by the landowner or developer; and, any failure to complete or properly
complete the said improvements shall not encumber any lot or lots
in the said subdivision or land development.
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
Before acting upon any subdivision and/or land development plan,
the Board of Supervisors may conduct a public hearing therein, pursuant
to public notice.
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
The landowner and/or developer shall require all builders and/or
contractors that they shall perform all work in accordance with the
regulations and requirements of this chapter, and such other Township
ordinances, codes, regulations, plans, and maps as shall be applicable
thereto.
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
1.Â
In order to more effectively evaluate subdivision and/or land development
proposals, the applicant shall be required to disclose the environmental
consequences or effects of such proposals through the submission of
an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report.
A.Â
An EIA report shall be submitted with the preliminary plan for any
proposed land development and/or subdivision of land which consists
of:
(1)Â
Any application for preliminary plan approval for subdivision
or land development involving 30 or more lots, or 30 or more dwelling
units, or any land development involving 10 acres or more.
(2)Â
Any application for conditional use or special exception where
the proposed development meets the above listed criteria.
B.Â
An updated EIA report shall accompany and form a part of the final
plan for any of the above.
2.Â
The EIA report shall contain text, tables, maps, and analyses which
document the probable impact resulting from the proposed subdivision
and/or land development in accordance with the format and content
outline specified below.
3.Â
Four copies of the EIA report shall be submitted in accordance with
the format and content specified below. Within the EIA report, specific
emphasis shall be directed toward the proposed project's effects
on and relationship to applicable site, neighborhood (including areas
in adjacent townships where applicable) and Township-wide resources,
conditions, or characteristics. The EIA report shall include text,
tables, maps, and analyses for the purpose of describing the project
site, proposed use(s), environmental characteristics and the environmental
effects of the proposal as follows:
A.Â
An identification of the site location and area through the use of
a location map drawn at a scale of not more than one inch equals 2,000
feet. The location map shall depict all streets, adjoining properties,
zoning district boundaries, and municipal boundaries within 3,000
feet of any part of the tract. In the case of development of a section
of the entire tract, the location map shall also show the relationship
of the section to the entire tract.
B.Â
An identification of the site character and appearance through the
presentation of black and white photographs or copies thereof. Such
photographs shall provide a representation of what the site looks
like from the ground. Photographs should be properly identified or
captioned and shall be keyed to a map of the site.
C.Â
Graphic presentation of information topics addressed in the following
subsections shall be mapped at a scale of not more than 100 feet to
an inch.
D.Â
An identification of the nature of the proposals through the presentation
of the following:
(1)Â
A site development plan including notes pertaining to the number and type of lots or units, the square footage and/or acreage of the tract and a depiction of the features which are proposed such as streets, driveways, parking areas, buildings and other structures, and all impervious surfaces. The plan may be submitted as an attachment to the report. The plan shall reflect all the information required under § 22-403 herein.
(2)Â
Plans and elevations depicting the proposed size, square footage,
height, number of rooms (where applicable) of buildings and/or other
structures.
(3)Â
A statement indicating the existing and proposed ownership of
the tract and where applicable, the type of ownership, operation,
and maintenance proposed for areas devoted to open space or otherwise
not under the control of a single lot owner.
(4)Â
A statement indicating the proposed staging or phasing of the
project and a mop depicting the boundaries of each stage or phase
of the project by site area, building and timing. Such boundaries
shall be superimposed on a version of the subdivision/land development
plan.
E.Â
An identification of physical resources associated with the natural
environment of the tract including such features as geology, topography,
soils, hydrology, and the like. The identification of physical resources
shall include a narrative description of the qualitative and quantitative
aspects of each of the resources mentioned above. In addition, these
resources shall be mapped as specified below and may be either incorporated
into the EIA report or submitted as attachments to the report.
(1)Â
A map depicting the geological characteristics of the tract.
Such map shall define the location and boundaries of the rock formations
at or influencing the tract and features such as faults and/or fractures.
(2)Â
A map depicting the topographical characteristics of the tract.
Such map shall contain contours with at least two-foot intervals;
and, shall depict slopes 0-15%, 15-25%, and greater than 25%.
(3)Â
A map depicting the soil characteristics of the tract. Such
map shall depict all soil types and shall include a table identifying
soil characteristics pertinent to the proposed subdivision and/or
land development such as depth of bedrock, depth of water table, flood
hazard potential, and limitations for septic tank filter fields.
(4)Â
A map depicting the hydrological characteristics of the tract.
Such map shall depict: surface water resources, their drainage characteristics,
watersheds and floodplains; and groundwater resources. Surface water
resources include features such as creeks, runs and other streams,
ponds, other natural bodies of water, springs, wetlands, and any man-made
impoundments. Groundwater resources include features such as aquifers
and aquifer recharge areas.
F.Â
An identification of biological resources associated with the natural
environment of the tract including such features as vegetation and
wildlife. The identification of biological resources shall include
a narrative description of each of the resources mentioned above.
In addition, these resources shall be mapped as specified below; and,
may be either incorporated into the EIA report or submitted as attachments
to the report.
(1)Â
A map depicting the vegetation characteristics of the tract.
Such map shall define the locations and boundaries of the wooded areas
of the tract and shall note the types of vegetation associations which
exist in terms of their species types and sizes. In addition, all
trees 12 inches in caliper or greater, shall be accurately located
on the map either as free standing trees or as tree masses.
(2)Â
A map depicting characteristics associated with wildlife habitats.
Such map may draw upon the vegetation, hydrology, and soil maps in
order to express habitat characteristics associated with terrestrial
and aquatic wildlife on the tract and the relationship of the overall
habitat(s). The property in question should also be researched with
respect to the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Index (PNDI) and any
site as defined by PADEP shall be included on this map.
G.Â
An identification of the land use conditions and characteristic associated
with the tract such as: current and past use, land cover, and encumbrances;
and, the relationship of these two adjacent tracts. The identification
of land use conditions and characteristics shall include a narrative
description of the above. In addition, the following maps shall be
incorporated into the EIA report or submitted as attachments to it.
(1)Â
A map depicting the land cover characteristics of the tract.
Such map shall define existing features including: paved or other
impervious surfaces, wooded areas, cultivated areas, pasture, old
fields, lawns, and landscaped areas and the like.
(2)Â
A map depicting any encumbrances to the tract. Such map shall
define easements and other areas where certain use privileges exist.
(3)Â
A map depicting the land uses adjacent to the proposed tract.
Such map may be at the same scale as the location map.
H.Â
An identification of the historic resources associated with the tract
such as areas, structures, and/or routes and trails which are significant.
Areas, structures, and/or routes and trails included on the National
Register of Historic Places, the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic
Places, and the Historic American Building Survey, and those identified
in the Comprehensive Plan shall be identified. The identification
of historic resources shall include a narrative description of the
above. In addition, a map depicting historic resources shall be incorporated
into the EIA report or submitted as an attachment to the report.
I.Â
An identification of the visual resources associated with the tract
such as areas which have a particular amenity value and areas which
offer interest in viewing the tract. The identification of visual
resources shall include a narrative description of the above. In addition,
a map depicting visual resources shall be incorporated into the EIA
report or submitted as an attachment to the report.
J.Â
An identification of the community facility needs associated with
the user and/or resident of the proposed subdivision and/or land development.
The community facility needs assessment shall indicate in narrative
form the type of services which will be in demand. Where applicable,
community facilities (such as schools, park, and recreation areas,
libraries, hospitals, and other health care facilities, fire protection,
police protection, ambulance, and rescue service and postal services
shall be discussed in terms of the ability of existing facilities
and services to accommodate the demands of future users and/or residents
of the lots and/or tract and the need for additional or expanded community
facilities.
K.Â
An identification of the utility needs associated with the user and/or
resident of the proposed subdivision and/or land development. The
utility needs assessment shall indicate in narrative form the type
of installations which will be in demand. Utilities (such as those
used for water supply, sewage disposal, refuse disposal, storm drainage,
communications, and electrical transmission) shall be discussed in
terms of the ability of existing utility installations to accommodate
the demands of the future users and/or resident of the lots and/or
tract; the need for additional or expanded utility installations;
the ability to achieve an adequate, potable quantity of water whenever
individual wells are proposed; the ability to achieve an adequate
system for on-site sewage disposal whenever such a system is proposed;
and, the ability to achieve an adequate system for storm drainage
and stormwater management.
L.Â
An identification of the relationship of the transportation and circulation
system needs of the proposed subdivision and/or land development to
the existing street or highway network. A discussion of this relationship
shall be in narrative form and shall indicate factors such as methods
to be used for traffic control within the tract and at points of ingress
to and egress from it; and, expected traffic volumes generated from
the subdivision and/or land development including their relationship
to existing traffic volumes on existing streets for both peak-hour
and nonpeak hour, traffic conditions. In addition, there shall be
a discussion of the physical condition of existing streets: which
will service the proposed subdivision and/or land development and
what improvements are proposed to remedy any physical deficiencies.
M.Â
An identification of the social and demographic characteristics related
to the proposed subdivision and/or land development. The characteristics
which shall be presented in narrative form shall include a profile
of the future users and/or residents of the lot and/or tract including
information such as the number of people expected. Such information
shall be related to initial and completed subdivision and/or land
development conditions.
N.Â
An identification of the economic and fiscal characteristics related
to the proposed subdivision and/or land development. The characteristics
which shall be presented in narrative form shall include a profile
of the Township, County, and School District revenues which the proposal
may generate and the Township, County, and School District costs it
may create. Such information shall be related to initial and completed
subdivision and land development conditions.
O.Â
An identification of characteristics and conditions associated with
existing, construction related, and future air, and water quality
and noise levels, vibration, toxic materials, electrical interference,
odor, glare and heat, fire and explosion, smoke, dust, fumes, vapors
and gases, and/or radioactive materials.
P.Â
The implications of the proposed subdivision and/or land development
in terms of the type of beneficial or adverse effects which may result
from it; and, the duration of these effects in terms of their short-term
or long-term nature. To indicate such effects, there shall be a discussion
of the implications of the proposed subdivision and/or land development
to the resources, conditions and characteristics described in Subsection
3E through O above. In addition to a narrative presentation of implications,
the applicant shall display where the subdivision and/or land development
adversely affects the tract's resources; conditions or characteristics
through the use of a map wherein the areas adversely affected from
proposed development are highlighted. Such map may be either incorporated
into the EIA report or submitted as an attachment to the EIA report.
Further, the applicant must demonstrate and specify in the EIA report
how and where the findings in the EIA report and its attachments are
reflected in the subdivision and/or land development plan.
Q.Â
Alternatives to the proposed subdivision and/or land development.
To indicate such alternatives, the applicant shall submit exhibits
or diagrams which will depict the type of alternatives described in
narrative form. The applicant shall comment on how alternatives such
as: revised location, redesign, layout, or siting of buildings, roads,
and other structures, alternate methods for sewage disposal and water
supply, reduction in size of proposed structures, or number of structures,
and the like would preclude, reduce or lessen potential adverse impact
or produce beneficial effects.
R.Â
Probable adverse effects which cannot be precluded. In indicating
such effects a discussion shall be presented regarding whether they
will have primary or secondary implications, that is, whether the
adverse effects will have direct or indirect influence on a particular
resource, condition or characteristic.
S.Â
Measures to mitigate adverse effects. To indicate such measures,
the applicant shall submit exhibits or diagrams which will depict
the type of remedial, protective and mitigative measures described
in narrative form. These resources shall include those required through
existing procedures and standards and those unique to a specific project,
as follows:
(1)Â
Mitigation measures which pertain to existing procedures and
standards are those related to current requirements of the state,
county, and/or Township for remedial or protective action such as:
sedimentation and erosion control, stormwater runoff control, water
quality control, air quality control, and the like.
(2)Â
Mitigation measures related to impacts which may be unique to
a specific subdivision and/or land development are those related to
efforts such as: re-vegetation, screening, fencing, emission control,
traffic control, noise control, relocation of people and/or businesses,
land acquisition, and the like.
T.Â
Any irreversible environmental changes which would occur due to the
proposed subdivision and/or land development should it be implemented.
To continued phases of the subdivision and/or land development shall
be discussed. Further, the loss of environmental resources shall be
indicated through a presentation of the quantity of loss and related
qualitative effects.
4.Â
In making its evaluation, the Board of Supervisors, the Zoning Hearing
Board, and/or the Planning Commission may request any additional information
it deems necessary to adequately assess potential environmental impacts.
5.Â
The EIA report shall be prepared by an engineer, architect, landscape
architect, or land planner.