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Township of Cheltenham, PA
Montgomery County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This article contains the construction and engineering standards for required improvements, utilities, grading and erosion control, survey detail, stormwater drainage, paving, curbing, pathways and sidewalks, emergency access, bridges, signage and markings, lighting, solid waste storage, street names, and easements.
A. 
All adjacent structures and areas disturbed or damaged during construction shall be properly repaired, restored, or replaced to the satisfaction of the Township by the party causing the damage.
B. 
All trees, roots, stumps, brush, down timber, wood, rubbish and any objectionable material shall be removed from the full legal right-of-way, or as approved by the Township Engineer. Efforts shall be made during construction of roadways to preserve vegetation outside the road right-of-way, specifically for preservation as identified in the landscaping plan.
C. 
Paving. The pavement of all streets and all commercial, industrial, and multifamily parking areas and driveways into and out of parking areas shall be installed as shown on the final plan and in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
General. All paving shall be constructed both as to materials and methods, generally in conformance with applicable sections of PennDOT Specifications Publication 408, as last revised.
(2) 
Pavement design. Pavement construction shall conform to the minimum standards for different types of streets and parking areas as indicated in Figure 6.1.
(3) 
Paving cross section. All pavements, except where super elevated for curves, shall conform with typical roadway cross sections in Figure 6.2, Roadway Construction Standards.
D. 
Pavement cross slopes. The typical pavement cross slope on proposed streets shall not be less than 1/4 inch per foot and not more than 1/2 inch per foot. The typical slope of the shoulder areas shall not be less than 3/4 inch per foot and not more than one inch per foot.
Figure 6.1, Minimum Street Construction Standards
Local Road
Arterial or Collector Road
Superpave surface course
1 1/2 inches
1 1/2 inches
Superpave binder course
2 inches
2 inches
Bituminous concrete base course
3 inches
5 inches
PennDOT No. 2A coarse aggregate subbase
6 inches
6 inches
Minimum design structural number
3.0
3.7
NOTES:
1.
All thickness specifications are for compacted materials.
2.
Permanent cul-de-sac street, marginal access street, service street, and off-street parking construction shall conform to standards for local roads.
3.
All base courses and/or ID-2 binder course shall be overlaid with a wearing course no later than one year after installation unless approved otherwise. Binder course to be installed immediately following base course installation. Parking construction shall conform to standards for local roads.
Concrete sidewalks shall be constructed as follows:
A. 
Material specifications. The following materials shall be used in the construction of sidewalks:
(1) 
Subbase: AASHTO No. 57 stone with a depth of four inches to a suitable grade.
(2) 
Concrete: minimum pounds-per-square-inch rating of 3,500 psi, four inches depth, nonslip surface.
(3) 
A white, liquid membrane curing compound, complying with PennDOT Publication 408, must be applied within 24 hours of concrete being poured.
(4) 
Notwithstanding any provision contained in this chapter, ornamental features, such as ornamental pavers, may be permitted or required for land developments in any commercial enhancement district or for any Township streetscape project, in the sole discretion of the Board of Commissioners.
B. 
Dimensional criteria. Sidewalks shall adhere to the following dimensional criteria:
(1) 
Minimum width: 48 inches, provided that passing space is provided at intervals of 200 feet or less which is either:
(a) 
Sixty inches by 60 inches minimum; or
(b) 
An intersection of two walking surfaces, providing a T-shaped space where the base and arms of the T-shaped space spans 48 inches minimum beyond their intersection.
(2) 
Grass verges and sidewalk width shall otherwise be consistent with the applicable design standards in Article IV.
C. 
Cross slope. The cross slope of a sidewalk shall not exceed 2%. The cross slope shall be sloped in the downward direction toward the cartway.
D. 
Running slope. A sidewalk may have a running slope in the upwardly or downwardly direction at a maximum of 5% from the existing sidewalk grade in order to accommodate driveway aprons and transitions to ramps which are either higher or lower than the level of the sidewalk.
E. 
Excavation and subbase. Wherever sidewalk is replaced or installed, the area under the sidewalk shall be excavated to a depth of eight inches below the level of the finished walk. Four inches of AASHTO No. 57 stone shall be placed and compacted in the excavated area under the sidewalk.
F. 
Forms.
(1) 
Wood or metal forms may be utilized in sidewalk construction so long as the forms are set in a fashion that ensures the thickness of the sidewalk is a full four inches.
(2) 
Forms must be inspected by the Township official prior to concrete being poured.
G. 
Surface drainage prohibited. No accumulated surface, roof area or driveway water shall be directed across the surface of a sidewalk. All sidewalk and curb construction shall accommodate drainage of surface, roof area and driveway water under the sidewalk where necessary.
H. 
Subsurface sidewalk drain specifications.
(1) 
Surface drainage shall be carried under the sidewalk and through the curb in minimum SDR 35 PVC pipe having an inside diameter of three inches and which shall be one piece from the street face of the curb to six inches inside the building side of the sidewalk when applicable or required by the Township official.
(2) 
The invert of the pipe at the street end shall be at least 1/2 inch above the bottom of the face of the curb. At a minimum, there shall be at least 1 1/2 inches between the top of curb and the top of pipe. The grade of the pipe to the street shall not be less than 1/4 inch per foot.
(3) 
There shall be a minimum of one such drain for each fifty-foot interval per building lot and a minimum of two per building; provided, however, that the aforesaid spacing requirements shall not apply to the replacement of existing drainage facilities.
(4) 
Where a storm sewer is available in the street or under the sidewalk, the above drain shall discharge into the same. If no storm sewer is available, the drainage shall be through the face of the curb into the street gutters.
I. 
Expansion joints.
(1) 
A three-fourth-inch premolded expansion joint material shall be placed at maximum intervals of 30 feet along a sidewalk.
(2) 
Wherever the sidewalk abuts against a wall, building or other permanent structure, a longitudinal expansion joint shall be provided.
J. 
Finishing.
(1) 
The surface of all sidewalks shall have a broom finish.
(2) 
The edges of sidewalks shall be finished with a one-fourth-inch radius and joints troweled every 48 inches or 72 inches, as required by the Township official.
K. 
Poles, trees, fire hydrants, and light standards. An opening shall be left around all trees within the sidewalk area. All poles, fire hydrants, light standards, or any other structure shall have an area of concrete a minimum of six inches larger than the pertinent item, boxed-out with an expansion joint. Signpost sleeves shall be provided for existing or proposed signs.
L. 
Public utility and service boxes. Under no circumstances shall any public service curb or sidewalk boxes for access to underground facilities be left below the sidewalk level. Service curb or sidewalk boxes shall be extended to the finished elevation of the new sidewalk.
M. 
Backfill, grading and lawn restoration.
(1) 
As soon as reasonably possible, but in no event more than 12 hours after the removal of forms, any void behind the sidewalk shall be backfilled.
(2) 
Material shall be placed in loose layers not exceeding four inches and compacted using vibrating or mechanical tampers. The topmost four inches shall be topsoil which is raked and seeded for areas where a grass strip is to adjoin the curb. New seed shall be watered within 24 hours of initial placement.
(3) 
Where there are slopes adjacent a sidewalk in excess of 25%, matting is required, and the Township official may require a retaining wall or the slope to be cut back to provide less slope.
Figure 6.2, Roadway Construction Standards
260 Curb.tif
A. 
Marked crosswalks shall be provided in cartways where sidewalks intersect with roads in accordance with PennDOT standards.
B. 
Raised speed table crosswalk shall be three inches or less in height, extend 22 feet in length and have a flat surface striped for a crosswalk 10 feet in width.
A. 
Asphalt trails shall be developed in accordance with the following standards:
(1) 
Pathways shall be six feet to eight feet wide and consist of two inches of Superpave wearing course over a six-inch layer of AASHTO No. 57 stone.
(2) 
Multi-use trails shall be 12 feet wide and consist of two inches of Superpave wearing course over a six-inch layer of AASHTO No. 57 stone. Minimum shoulder width shall be two feet.
(3) 
Where the edge of the trail is above the surrounding grade, bituminous pavement shall be feathered.
B. 
Crushed stone trails shall be developed with the following standards:
(1) 
The base course shall be comprised of four inches of 2A stone.
(2) 
The wearing surface shall be a two-inch mixture of quarry fines and clay material laid flat and rolled.
(3) 
Generally vertical slopes shall be less than 5%.
C. 
The vertical clearance above the trail shall be maintained at a minimum ten-foot height.
D. 
The trail shall be laid out in such a manner that trail users are visible to other trail users and vehicles on intersecting roads. Sharp curves and excessive grade change shall also be avoided.
Bicycle parking facilities for nonresidential structures shall include a secure device to which the bicycle frame and one wheel of the bicycle can be attached with a cable or locking device. The device shall be suitable to keep bicycles erect when they are locked to it.
A. 
Driveway materials. All driveways construction materials, including those parts of driveways used as parking, shall only consist of concrete, pervious concrete, concrete wheel-strips with grass, asphalt, or pavers, and not of gravel or grass.
B. 
Residential driveways. Residential driveways shall adhere to the following specifications.
(1) 
Concrete. Minimum pounds-per-square-inch rating of 3,500 psi shall be used.
(2) 
Driveway apron: a minimum of six inches thick with six-inch-by-six-inch welded wire mesh reinforcing.
(3) 
The maximum width at the cartway: 14 feet; provided, however, that, for driveways serving two or more dwelling units, the maximum width may be increased to 20 feet in width at the cartway.
(4) 
The portion of the sidewalk which crosses the driveway apron must meet with thickness requirements above and have a maximum cross slope of 2%.
(5) 
Minimum distance from a property line to the closest edge of the driveway, unless a greater distance is required by Chapter 295, Zoning, of the Township Code: two feet for single-family attached units, five feet for single-family detached units, 10 feet for all other uses.
C. 
Nonresidential driveways. Nonresidential driveways shall adhere to the following specifications:
(1) 
Concrete: minimum pounds-per-square-inch rating of 3,500 psi shall be used.
(2) 
Driveway apron: minimum eight inches thick with six-inch-by-six-inch welded wire mesh reinforcing.
(3) 
The driveway apron shall be installed in a fashion that provides the minimum slope. Where a proposed slope exceeds 8%, the proposed slope angle (i.e., percentage) shall be listed on the permit application and must be approved by the Township Engineer.
(4) 
The portion of the sidewalk which crosses the driveway apron must meet with thickness requirements above and have a maximum cross slope of 2%.
(5) 
Minimum distance from the closest edge of a driveway apron to the a point of intersection of two street center lines: 75 feet.
(6) 
Minimum distance between the closest edges of two driveway aprons on a single property: 100 feet.
D. 
Curb depressions. The curb reveal adjacent a nonresidential or residential driveway apron at the gutter line shall not exceed 1 1/2 inches.
E. 
Maximum grades for driveways.
(1) 
Residential driveways shall not exceed 10% grade.
(2) 
All other driveways shall not exceed 6% grade.
F. 
All driveways shall be provided with a stopping area within which the grade shall not exceed 4%. The stopping area shall be measured as follows:
(1) 
The length of stopping area shall be a minimum of 20 feet or the length of the longest vehicles anticipated to use the driveway, whichever is greater.
(2) 
Stopping areas shall be measured from the ultimate right-of-way line for all streets.
G. 
Maximum grade requirements shall not be waived unless extremely difficult circumstances exist and cannot be mitigated by alternative locations, designs, or lotting, in which case a safe, practical alternative may be permitted by the Board of Commissioners, upon recommendation of the Township Engineer.
A. 
Materials specifications. Curbs shall be constructed as follows:
(1) 
Subbase: AASHTO No. 57 stone, with a depth of four inches to a suitable grade.
(2) 
Concrete: minimum pounds per square inch rating of 3,500 psi.
(3) 
A white, liquid membrane curing compound, complying with PennDOT Publication 408, as most recently revised, must be applied within 24 hours of concrete being poured.
B. 
Dimensional criteria. All curbs shall have the following dimensions:
(1) 
A minimum bottom thickness of eight inches.
(2) 
A minimum top thickness of seven inches at the top.
(3) 
A minimum depth of 18 inches.
(4) 
A height above the gutter line of eight inches; provided, however, that a minimum of up to four inches may be allowed under certain gutter conditions upon prior written approval from the Township official.
C. 
Excavation and subbase.
(1) 
The curb area shall be excavated to the required depth. The material upon which the curb will be constructed shall be compacted to a firm, uniform and even surface.
(2) 
In situations deemed due to existing grade or ground conditions, and in accordance with industry standards, the Township official may require an additional eight inches of subsoil excavated, which shall be backfilled and tamped with crushed stone before construction of the curb.
D. 
Forms.
(1) 
Forms shall not discolor the concrete. All curbs shall be constructed and reconstructed using the steel curb and radius forms specified in PennDOT Publication 408, as most recently revised.
(2) 
Forms shall not be removed for at least 12 hours in the period from April 15 to October 15 or for at least 24 hours during the rest of the year. In no event shall the forms be permitted to remain in place for more than 48 hours.
E. 
Drainage sleeves. All penetrations through the curb shall be formed, sleeved or core-drilled. Cutting of curb is prohibited. The maximum penetration allowed is four-inch-diameter SDR 35 PVC.
F. 
Expansion and contraction joints.
(1) 
Division plates or form or saw contraction joints 3/16 inch wide and four inches deep shall be utilized every 10 feet. Any saw contract joint shall be sawn as soon as possible after the concrete has set sufficiently to preclude raveling during the sawing and before any shrinkage cracking occurs in the concrete.
(2) 
The depth of the saw cut may be decreased at the edge adjacent to the pavement to obtain a maximum depth without pavement damage.
(3) 
The edges of construction joints shall be rounded to a one-fourth-inch radius.
(4) 
One-half-inch premolded expansion joint material shall be cut to the cross-sectional area of the curb, at structures, and shall be placed at the end of each work day.
G. 
Pouring. Concrete shall be poured in the forms in layers not exceeding five inches in depth; provided, however, that when using a vibrator to eliminate voids, concrete may be poured in layers up to 15 inches in depth.
H. 
Finishing. Upon removal of forms, any irregular surfaces shall be corrected, preferably by rubbing the irregular surface with a carborundum stone. The face of curb shall have a smooth, rubbed surface to the gutter line. Brush-finishing or plastering will not be permitted. Minor defects may be filled with mortar. No voids or honeycomb shall be permitted on the finished surfaces of the curb. The top surface of the curb shall be smooth and evenly finished, preferably using a wood float. While the concrete is still plastic, the edges of the face and back of the curb shall be round.
I. 
Backfill and lawn restoration. As soon as possible after the removal of the forms, but in no event more than 12 hours after the removal of the form, any void behind the curb shall be backfilled. The excavated area shall be filled with AASHTO No. 57 stone to six inches below the level of finish grade. Six inches of topsoil shall be placed on top of the stone, and the area shall be raked and seeded. New seed must be watered within 24 hours after initial placement.
J. 
Mechanical replacement of curb. Upon written approval by the Township official, curb may be placed with a self-propelled machine, provided that the concrete placed with the self-propelled machine maintains its shape without slumping after extrusion and that the curb is finished in accordance with the provisions set forth herein.
K. 
Curb ramps. Curb ramps shall be constructed at all intersections, including private and public alleys, in accordance with the applicable ADA standards.[1] Slope requirements set forth in the applicable ADA Standards shall be strictly adhered to, and a correction order shall be issued for any slope not meeting the minimum or maximum requirements as allowed by applicable ADA Standards. A variance from slope requirements may be obtained upon written request to the Township official only where there is a nonrelocatable structure which makes strict compliance with the applicable slope requirements impracticable.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
L. 
Radius curbs. A radius curb shall be constructed at all intersections, including intersections between public or private alleys and a street. The minimum radius for any curb at a street intersection shall be 10 feet. The minimum radius for any curb at an intersection between two alleys, where applicable, or an alley and a street shall be five feet. Radius curbs and walks shall be poured monolithically from the point of curvature to point of tangent.
M. 
Alternative curb construction with granite blocks or "Belgian block" shall be permitted along roads and parking lots not being dedicated to the Township.
A. 
Stormwater control structures shall be designed in accordance with the Township Stormwater Ordinances and the Pennsylvania DEP Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual.
B. 
All storm drains and drainage facilities such as gutters, catch basins, bridges, inlets, and culverts shall be installed and the land graded for adequate drainage as shown on the grading plan submitted and approved with the final plan. Construction of these facilities shall conform to the PennDOT Specifications Publication 408, latest version.
(1) 
Location. Wherever practicable, storm sewers shall be located within the right-of-way of the street. They shall be protected by a cover of at least 18 inches.
(2) 
Size and grade. Storm sewers shall be adequate for the anticipated runoff when the area is fully developed as permitted by zoning, and capable of carrying a ten-year design storm or, at the recommendation of the Township Engineer, the system shall be capable of carrying the twenty-five-year-design storm without surcharging the downstream system. Culverts shall be capable of carrying a 100-year-design storm where there is not continuous overland flow to a watercourse. They shall have a minimum internal diameter of 15 inches and a minimum grade of 1/2% unless otherwise approved by the Township Engineer. Maximum internal pipe diameter shall be 60 inches. Special box culverts or open channels shall be used when a sixty-inch pipe is not capable of carrying the design storm.
(a) 
Storm drainage pipe materials. All storm drainage pipes up to but not including 42 inches in equivalent diameter shall be constructed of the following materials.
(b) 
Reinforced concrete, rubber gasketed conforming to AASHTO M170, M198 and M207.
(c) 
Reinforced concrete, tongue and groove conforming to AASHTO M170 and M207.
(d) 
Corrugated polyethylene (PE) N12 smooth interior only conforming to ASTM D1248, ASTM D2412, AASHTO M252 and 294. A PE pipe shall be placed on a minimum of six inches of AASHTO No. 57 stone and backfilled with same to a foot above the crown of the pipe.
(e) 
Corrugated polyethylene (PE) perforated underdrain shall conform to AASHTO M252.
(3) 
All storm drainage pipe and/or culverts 42 inches in equivalent diameter and above shall be constructed of either of the following materials:
(a) 
Reinforced concrete tongue and groove conforming to AASHTO M170 and M207.
(b) 
Reinforced concrete piping, rubber gasketed, shall conform to AASHTO M170, M198 and M207.
(c) 
Precast reinforced concrete box sections in accordance with AASHTO M259.
(d) 
Cement concrete cast in place, mix design strength of 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi).
(4) 
Manholes. Manholes shall be constructed at all changes in horizontal or vertical alignment, spaced not more than 300 feet apart on pipe of 24 inches internal diameter or less, and not more than 400 feet apart where larger sizes are installed. Inlets may be substituted for manholes where they will serve a useful purpose. Manhole frames and covers shall be good quality cast iron; covers shall be marked "STORM" and have a minimum weight of 220 pounds.
(5) 
Inlets. Inlet spacing shall be so arranged that 95% of the gutter flow will be captured. No inlet smaller than PennDOT Type Four-Foot Special Inlet shall be used. Double four-foot or six-foot inlets separated by 20 linear feet of pipe shall be required if adequate efficiency is not realized with the PennDOT Type Four-Foot Special Inlet. Inlets at street intersections shall be placed on the tangent and not on the curved portions. The gutter adjacent to and immediately upgrade from the inlet shall be so warped as to direct the water into the inlet. Inlets shall have a metal marking with the message: "Don't dump, drains to the river."
(6) 
Castings. Manhole and inlet castings, together with their covers or gratings shall conform to PennDOT or Township standards, as may be in effect at the time the design of the sewer is submitted. Castings shall indicate "storm."
(7) 
Unnatural drainage. Wherever construction stops or concentrates the natural flow of storm drainage in such a way to affect adjoining properties, approval of the owners shall be obtained in writing and a copy filed with the Township. Approval of plans by the Township does not authorize or sanction drainage affecting adjoining properties.
(8) 
Drainage from nonnatural sources. Water originating from other than natural sources, such as air conditioning units or sump pumps, wherever practicable, shall be discharged into natural watercourses on the property, unless it is possible to infiltrate by means of infiltration or biofiltration. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, pools and other sources of treated water shall not be disposed of or discharged into natural watercourses. The discharge of water under the sidewalk through the curb into the gutter is prohibited.
(9) 
Design criteria.
(a) 
Permissible channel velocities, slopes, and cover shall be in accordance with the NRCS Engineering Field Manual, Chapter 7, "Grassed Waterways and Outlets."
(b) 
Existing stream channels shall be maintained in their natural state. Only under unique, extreme circumstances will a developer be permitted to line, straighten, or relocate an existing stream, with permit approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and approval from the Montgomery County Conservation District.
(c) 
Acceptable energy dissipation devices shall be installed to bring discharge velocities down to limits specified in the SCS Engineering Field Manual, Chapter 7. Riprap, natural stabilization structures, and/or gabions may be required by the Township Engineer where erosion potential is great.
Widths and locations of easements and rights-of-way shall be determined by the Township Engineer or the appropriate authority or utility company for all utilities, including stormwater facilities. The location and design of the utilities shall be governed by the requirements herein.
A. 
General standards.
(1) 
Easements and required front, side or rear yards may co-occupy the same land as utilities.
(2) 
Nothing shall be permitted to be placed, planted, set or put within the areas of an easement unless it is a portable or removable object. The area shall be kept as lawn.
(3) 
The owner of any lot, upon written request by the Township and at the owner's sole expense, shall remove anything placed, planted, set or put, (with or without knowledge of these regulations) within the area of any easement.
(4) 
To the fullest extent possible, easements shall be adjacent to rear or side lot lines, and occupying only a portion of one lot (not centered on two lots).
B. 
All easements and rights-of-way, including descriptions of any restrictions thereof, shall be shown on the record plan and shall be recited in a deed for each and every property describing the subject area. Any error found in a deed shall be immediately corrected and rerecorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Montgomery County at Norristown, Pennsylvania, at the sole expense of the applicant.
C. 
Utility easements. A minimum width of 20 feet shall be provided for common utilities and drainage when provided in undedicated land for one use. Multiple utility uses within one easement require additional easement width.
D. 
Public utilities. All water, sewer, and gas mains and other underground facilities shall be installed prior to street paving at locations approved by the Township Engineer.
E. 
Underground utilities. All water, sewer, and gas mains shall be installed underground. All electric, telephone and communication services, both main and service lines, shall be provided by underground cables, installed in accordance with the prevailing standards and practices of the utility or other companies providing such services, except where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board of Commissioners that underground installations herein required are not feasible because of physical conditions of the lands involved. All main underground cables which are within the right-of-way of a street shall be located as specified by the utility company, subject to approval by the Board of Commissioners, upon recommendation of the Township Engineer.
(1) 
In order to promote and facilitate the underground installation of utility distribution lines, a letter of endorsement shall be required from the suppliers of utility service (not limited to electrical, telephone, or cable television) of the developer's choice wherein the applicant acknowledges that underground utilities are feasible and shall be consummated as part of the improvement plan.
(2) 
A statement relative to the intent of the developer to provide underground utility service shall be placed on the final plan requisite to final approval of the plan.
(3) 
The provisions in this chapter shall not be construed as to limit or interfere with the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of public utility structures or facilities which may hereafter be located within public easements or rights-of-way designated for such purposes.
(4) 
Light standards are to be placed as required by chapter. Power source for such standards shall be placed underground as required.
(5) 
Along arterial and collector roads, all new electrical service shall be placed underground.
A. 
Sewage facilities design. The design and installation of domestic sewage facilities shall be done in accordance with the Pennsylvania Domestic Wastewater Facilities Manual prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
B. 
On-site sewage facilities design. The design and installation of on-lot subsurface disposal systems shall be done in accordance with Pa. Title 25, Chapter 73, regulations and the technical manual for sewage enforcement officers.
(1) 
The Township Engineer or his/her designee shall require percolation and deep hole tests, as required by PA DEP, in order to determine the size, extent, and nature of disposal facilities. Such tests shall be conducted for each lot proposed for building.
(2) 
Existing on-lot sewage disposal systems that will remain in use shall be inspected and certified as to their satisfactory functioning, in accord with current industry, DEP standards, and the Montgomery County Health Department rules and regulations. Malfunctioning systems shall be replaced with systems designed and constructed to current standards.
(3) 
After assuring that all requirements have been met, the Township Engineer or his/her designee shall issue a certificate of approval to the Township as a requirement for final plan approval.
(4) 
In no instance shall an on-lot septic system be located nearer to a drilled well than 100 feet.
C. 
Community sewage facilities. Sewage disposal for more than one lot on a shared basis, by means of community sewage facilities may be permitted in compliance with PA DEP regulations and Township Sewage Facilities Plan.
D. 
Sewage collection system. All elements of the sewage facilities collection system including but not limited to laterals, sewer mains, manholes, force mains, and pump stations shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of the public utility owning and managing the sewer collection system.
A. 
Public water service shall be installed for each inhabitable building.
B. 
Public water supply facilities design. The design for all community and public water supply facilities shall be in accordance with the PA DEP Water Supply Manual and PUC regulations, where applicable.
C. 
Fire hydrants shall be located at accessible points throughout the subdivision when centralized water supply is available, and shall be located according to the Township Engineer and/or Township Fire Marshal. As a general rule, hydrants should be located at each street intersection and at intermediate points as recommended by the State Insurance Services Office. Generally, hydrant spacing may range from 600 feet to 1,000 feet apart.
A. 
Bridges and culverts shall be designed to meet current PennDOT standards to support expected loads and to pass design stormwater flows. They shall be constructed to the full width of the planned cartway. Allowance for sidewalk must also be made, if required by the Township.
B. 
Where county-owned roads or bridges are involved, the County Engineer shall review and approve all proposals.
C. 
A permit from the PA DEP shall be obtained to construct a bridge over any regulated waters, or to make any change in or addition to any existing water obstruction, or in any manner change or diminish the course, current, or cross section of any stream or body of water.
D. 
Drawings to include location plan; cross section of present bridge if one exists; profile of stream for a reasonable distance above and below bridge site, showing slopes of the bed, normal water surface and 100-year (1% annual chance) flood water surface. If the bridge is on a skew, give the angle of the center line of the bridge with the direction of the line of flow. In addition, the following information is required for new bridge construction: the total drainage area above the bridge site; description of watershed; length of stream from source to bridge site and to the mouth; character of stream bed and banks; extent and depth of overflow during floods; effect of previous floods upon bridges, their span and clearance; whether bridge will be within backwater influence of parent stream.
E. 
Structural bridge design and calculations signed and sealed by professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall be submitted to Township prior to approval.
A. 
Permanent monuments shall be indicated on the record plan. All monuments shall be constructed of precast concrete or durable stone with metal insert(s), and be four inches square with at least 20 inches extending below ground level, or an alternate design approved by the Board of Commissioners. Street right-of-way reference monuments shall be located on the right-of-way lines at corners, angle points, beginning and end of curves, and as otherwise required by the Township Engineer for all new and existing streets. They shall be placed after a new street and/or lot grading has been completed. The center line of all new streets shall be marked with spikes (P.K. nails) and referenced to permanent monuments or structures. Certified copies of this reference information shall be given to both the Township Engineer and the Township Manager's office. When final lot grading has been completed and before the issuance of occupancy permits, permanent monuments shall be set by the applicant at all lot corners and angle points along all easements and rights-of-way, and at all street intersections and intermediate points as may be required.
B. 
Lot pin requirements. All lots upon which construction is planned shall be temporarily staked or pinned, or permanently monumented and certified to such by a registered surveyor for the owner, applicant, builder, or developer, before issuance of a building permit. A signed certificate of compliance must be submitted with a building permit application. Temporary stakes or pins with a surveyor's ribbon attached may be acceptable on existing lots where construction of an accessory building or an addition to the primary structure is proposed, only if construction is begun within 30 days of the certificate of compliance date. Temporary stakes or pins shall remain in place until witnessed and accepted by the Township Building Inspector. Prior to final approval of a new subdivision plan, all new lot corner markers shall be marked with a minimum 5/8 inch diameter metal pin extending at least 24 inches into the ground and at least one inch revealed above the ground surface, or an equivalent metal marker, approved by the Township Engineer. Upon completion of construction and final grading, pins shall be replaced with permanent monuments as described in § 260-84, Survey monuments, Subsection A.
C. 
Original monuments. In situations where they may be of legal or historical importance, the original monuments and marks must not be destroyed, defaced, hidden, or possibly confused by creating new monuments and marks unless absolutely necessary, e.g., the originals are decayed, destroyed, or unsafe. In some cases, to be determined by the Township Engineer, new monuments shall be set as a reference or witness to the original monument to avoid disturbing the original. When, in the opinion of the Township Engineer, the angle point falls in a location that is not appropriate to set a concrete monument, a written request for a waiver shall be submitted by the applicant for consideration by the Board of Commissioners.
D. 
Bench marks. The Township elevations are based on the USGS Datum. Location and elevation is available to all engineers and surveyors upon request to the Township Engineer's office. All contours and elevations shown on the plan must be based on this system and must be noted as such on the record plan.
E. 
Easements. Monuments must be placed along one side of all easements at the beginning, end, and angle points beginning and end of radii and at all intersections with lot lines and rights-of-way.
A. 
Minimum cartway width for the emergency access shall be 12 feet.
B. 
When paved, pavement shall conform to § 260-72C, Paving.
C. 
When not paved, the cartway shall be constructed of crushed stone of appropriate depth, compaction and material size, to support the largest emergency response vehicle in the vicinity of the site under all weather conditions to the satisfaction of the Township Engineer. The emergency access may also be constructed from fiber reinforced polyethylene or concrete grass pavers. All void areas shall be filled with topsoil and seeded with an appropriate grass mix.
D. 
Markings or the appropriate form of identification shall be placed at the entrance to the emergency access way. If necessary, breakaway bollards shall be installed at each end of the emergency access way.
E. 
Emergency access ways shall be maintained through properly recorded easements or deed restrictions which at a minimum prohibit the planting of any vegetation except grass within the access way and a buffer area of five feet on either side.
A. 
Findings, purpose and intent.
(1) 
Adequate, effective lighting of streets, buildings, parking lots and other facilities is important for comfort, safety, security and commerce. Wasteful, inefficient, glary or inappropriate lighting, however, is a significant environmental problem. Excessive lighting wastes energy; intrudes upon neighboring properties; is a nuisance to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists on adjacent roadways; disturbs wildlife habitats; impairs human health due to overexposure to artificial light at night; negatively impacts humans' experience of the night sky; and negatively affects the quality of life of our communities.
(2) 
Through these regulations, the Township wishes to manage outdoor lighting so that its safety, security and economic benefits are maintained while minimizing dangerous glare, energy waste, light pollution and light trespass.
(3) 
The following requirements for outdoor lighting installations promote public safety and welfare during nighttime while minimizing the adverse effects of glare and light trespass often associated with outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting should be used only where needed, used only when needed, and only that type of lighting which is necessary and proper should be used. This section is intended to implement these principals of good lighting design by regulating the aiming, shielding, height, illumination levels, operating hours and other aspects of outdoor lighting so that Township residents may continue to enjoy the highest quality of life.
B. 
Definitions. Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this section shall be interpreted to have common English usage, to give effect to the purposes set forth in § 260-86A above and to provide reasonable application of this section. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
AFG
Above finished grade.
BUG RATING
The IES designation of a luminaire's light distribution in three directions: B = Backwards, U = Upwards (90° and above), G = Glare Zone (80° to 90°) Forward.
CORRELATED COLOR TEMPERATURE
Abbreviated CCT, denotes the color temperature of the light source measured in degrees Kelvin. High CCT, e.g., 6000K, indicates cold white light, low CCT, e.g., 3000K, indicates warmer light in the red end of the spectrum.
CUTOFF ANGLE (OF A LUMINAIRE)
The angle, measured up from the nadir, between the vertical axis and the first line of sight at which the bare source is not visible.
DIRECT LIGHT
Light emitted directly from the lamp or off of the reflector or reflector diffuser or through the refractor or diffuser lens of a luminaire.
FIXTURE or LIGHT FIXTURE
See "luminaire."
FLOOD OR SPOT LIGHT
Any light fixture or lamp that incorporates a reflector or a refractor to concentrate light output into a directed beam in a particular direction.
FOOTCANDLE
A unit of illuminance. One footcandle is one lumen per square foot of incident light.
FULLY SHIELDED LIGHTS
Outdoor light fixtures shielded, aimed, mounted or constructed in such a manner that all light emitted by the fixture, either directly or from the lamp or a diffusing element or indirectly by reflection or refraction, is projected below the horizontal plane through the fixture's lowest light emitting part as certified by a photometric test report.
GLARE
The sensation produced by the luminances within the visual field that is sufficiently greater than that to which the eyes are adapted to cause annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance or visibility. Unlike illuminance, glare does not decrease as viewing distance from sources increase, only apparent size of the source of glare decreases with increased viewing distance.
HARDSCAPE
Permanent paving or nonbuilding impervious improvements to the site, outside of any public street right-of-way, including but not limited to parking lots, drives, entrances, curbs, ramps, stairs, steps, medians, loading or storage areas and walkways.
HEIGHT OF LUMINAIRE
The height of a luminaire shall be the vertical distance from finished grade directly below the center line of the luminaire to the lowest direct-light-emitting part of the luminaire.
ILLUMINANCE
The quantity of incident light measured in footcandles or lux.
ILLUMINATION
An alternative term for illuminance. Commonly used in a qualitative or general sense to designate the act of illuminating or the state of being illuminated.
INCIDENTAL NONFULL CUTOFF LIGHT
Incidental light which is not full cutoff but which may be permissible contingent on meeting the requirements of this section and chapter. Such lighting may include but is not limited to approved security lighting, building interior lighting or window sign lighting.
INDIRECT LIGHT
Direct light that has been reflected or has scattered off of other surfaces.
LAMP
The component of a luminaire that produces light. A generic term for a man-made source of light, i.e., a light bulb.
LIGHT LOSS FACTOR (LLF)
The ratio of illuminance for a given area to the value that would occur if lamps operated at their initial rated lumen output and if no system variation or depreciation had occurred.
LIGHT TRESPASS
The shining of light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located.
LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE OR LED SOLID STATE LIGHTING
The latest light source to be used for outdoor lighting, featuring improved efficacy and directional control and longer life.
LUMEN
A standard unit of luminous flux. Photometrically, it is the luminous flux emitted within a unit solid angle (one steradian) by a point source having a uniform luminous intensity of one candela. One footcandle is one lumen per square foot. For the purposes of this Section, the lumen-output values shall be the initial lumen output ratings of a lamp, as specified by the manufacturer of the lamp.
LUMINAIRE
A complete lighting unit consisting of one or more lamps together with the fixture, other parts designed to control the light distribution and other mechanical and electrical components.
LUMINAIRE, CUTOFF
A luminaire whose light distribution at or above an angle of 90° above nadir does not numerically exceed 25 candela per 1,000 lamp lumens (2.5%), and does not numerically exceed 100 candela per 1,000 lamp lumens (10%) at or above a vertical angle 80° above nadir. This applies to all lateral angles around the luminaire.
LUMINAIRE, FULL CUTOFF
A luminaire whose light distribution at or above an angle of 90° above nadir has zero candela intensity and does not numerically exceed 100 candela per 1,000 lamp lumens (10%) at or above a vertical angle 80° above nadir. This applies to all lateral angles around the luminaire.
LUMINAIRE, FULLY SHIELDED
A luminaire whose light distribution at or above an angle of 90° above nadir has zero candela intensity but which does not have a glare-zone restriction.
LUMINANCE
The physical and measurable quantity corresponding to the brightness of a surface in a specific area from which light is emitted or reflected (e.g., lamp, luminaire, reflecting material). Can be measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2) or footlamberts.
LUX
The standard unit of illuminance. One lux is one lumen per square meter and the nominal equivalent at 0.1 footcandle.
NIGHTTIME
The hours between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight. Civil twilight ends in the evening when the center of the sun's disk is 6° below the horizon and begins in the morning when the center of the suns disk is 6° below the horizon.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
The nighttime illumination of an outside area or object by any man-made device that produces light by any means regardless of whether the actual source of the light is outside or within a structure.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING, TEMPORARY
Outdoor lighting that is used for a period of less than seven days, with at least 180 days passing before being used again or used annually for a period of 45 days or less.
C. 
Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply to all outdoor lighting installations as follows:
(1) 
Outdoor lighting installations that are designed, constructed, erected or otherwise placed into operation in conjunction with an application pursuant to this chapter.
(2) 
Alterations, rehabilitations, or renovations to existing outdoor lighting installations, which are commenced with after the effective date of this section, and which involve the replacement of at least 25% of an existing lighting system with a new lighting system.
(3) 
Nonapplicability. Routine maintenance of these preexisting outdoor lighting installations shall not have to comply with the requirements of this section. Routine maintenance includes the following:
(a) 
Replacement of lamps of the same wattage which are burned out or inoperative.
(b) 
Replacement/repair of damaged or inoperative luminaire components such as ballasts, ignitors, lenses, reflectors, refractors, sockets, drivers and motion, dimmer or photocell controls.
(4) 
Exemptions. The requirements of this section shall not apply in the following circumstances:
(a) 
Where superseded by state or federal law.
(b) 
Temporary emergency lighting used by police, fire, emergency medical services, public works or other public safety services.
(c) 
Hazard/warning lights required by state or federal regulations, except that all luminaires used must be red and must be shown to be as close as possible to the minimum lumen output required for that specific task.
D. 
Adoption by reference.
(1) 
Adoption. Cheltenham Township hereby adopts, for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the construction, alteration, design, layout, installation and use of outdoor lighting, the specifications laid out in the "IESNA Lighting Handbook," 10th Edition, published by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and hereby incorporates such recommended practices as fully as if set forth at length herein, save and except such portions as are herein after deleted, modified or amended. From the date on which this section shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling in the design, construction and operation of all outdoor lighting within Cheltenham Township.
(2) 
Amendments. The recommended practices of the Lighting Handbook hereby adopted are amended as follows:
(a) 
All the recommendations made in the Lighting Handbook shall be considered mandatory requirements. For the purposes of this section, the words "should," "may," "can't," etc., shall be read as "shall" or "must," the words "recommend" or "recommendation" shall be read as "require" or "requirement," the phrase "it is recommended" shall be read as "it is required," and the phrase "it is not recommended" shall be read as "it is prohibited."
(b) 
Future amendments to the recommended practices of the Lighting Handbook shall become a part of this section without further action by the Township.
(c) 
Where the Lighting Handbook provides for alternatives, this section requires that the safest alternative, as determined by the Township, be used.
(3) 
General design requirements. The design calculations for outdoor lighting installations shall be in accordance with the Lighting Handbook. This includes, but is not limited to, technical definitions, terminology, calculation methods and procedures, photometric classifications and photometric testing procedures. Illuminance selection should be based on the usage of the area to be illuminated, the level of activity and nighttime security requirements.
(4) 
Illumination levels. Illumination shall have intensities and uniformity ratios in accordance with the current recommended practices of IESNA as contained in the Lighting Handbook.
E. 
General regulations.
(1) 
Unless otherwise specifically approved, LED light sources shall have a correlated color temperature (CCT) that does not exceed 3000K.
(2) 
Floodlights and spotlights, when permitted by the Township, shall be installed and/or aimed so that they do not project their output at neighboring residences, adjacent uses, directly skyward or onto a roadway.
(3) 
Except as otherwise permitted in this section, all lighting fixtures shall meet IESNA full cutoff criteria. No lighting shall be permitted that results in glare beyond the boundaries of the property upon which the luminaire is located.
(4) 
Except as otherwise permitted in this section, fixtures shall not be mounted in excess of 18 feet above finished grade (AFG). If a higher mounting height is permitted in the respective zoning district as per Chapter 295, Zoning, of the Township Code, then a fixture may be installed to this higher mounting height, provided it otherwise complies with all other requirements of this section.
(5) 
Fixtures shall be of a type and design appropriate to the lighting application and aesthetically acceptable to the Township. The use of searchlights, flashing strobe lights and laser lights is prohibited.
(6) 
Unless the Board of Commissioners specifically approves all-night lighting (e.g., for safety and/or security or all-night facility operations), outdoor lighting shall be controlled by an astronomical dial time clock with battery or capacitor backup for daylight saving time and seasonal changes and power outage compensation to extinguish lighting between a time no later than 11:00 p.m. and dawn, or for facilities that remain open after 11:00 p.m., within one hour after closing.
(7) 
Where all-night safety and/or security lighting is proposed, or when all-night facilities are proposed, such lighting shall not be derived from more than 25% of the fixtures providing the normal illumination or shall be dimmed to 25% normal light output. All-night safety or security lighting includes the following:
(a) 
Lighting essential for the deterrents of break-ins. This type of lighting is limited to exterior door locations.
(b) 
Lighting controlled by motion sensors/detectors. This type of lighting is to be used to deter vandalism and theft and shall be placed in locations where the sensors will not be tripped on a reoccurring basis and shall be installed and/or aimed so that they do not project their output at neighboring residences, adjacent uses, directly skyward or onto a roadway.
(c) 
Lighting used in conjunction with surveillance cameras. This type of lighting is limited to illuminating automatic teller machines, deposit boxes, building entrances and parking lots/driveway entrances. Fixtures used for this type of lighting shall be designed, fitted and aimed so as to not project their output beyond the objects intended to be illuminated.
(8) 
Vegetation screens shall not be employed to serve as the primary means for controlling glare. Rather glare control shall be achieved primarily through the use of such means as full cutoff fixtures, shields and baffles and appropriate application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming angle and fixture placement.
(9) 
Electrical feeds for lighting standards shall be run underground.
(10) 
Lighting standards located directly behind perpendicular parking spaces shall be placed a minimum of five feet behind face of curb or tire stop or on concrete pedestals at least 30 inches high above pavement, or shall be suitably protected by other means approved by the Township.
(11) 
Fixtures and ancillary equipment shall be maintained so as always to meet the requirements of this section.
F. 
Requirements for outdoor area and roadway lighting installations.
(1) 
This subsection applies to the following:
(a) 
All outdoor lighting installations employed for nighttime area illumination of parking lots, car sales lots, yards, roadways, streets, driveways, walkways, bikeways, cartways, entryways, and similar areas or lots; and
(b) 
All outdoor lighting installations on any property within the Township, except any lot developed with one single-family dwelling.
(2) 
Use of full cutoff luminaires required. All luminaires employed in outdoor area and roadway lighting installations shall be full cutoff.
(a) 
The candlepower distribution classification of the luminaire as a full cutoff type shall be in accordance with the IES Lighting Handbook. The manufacturer of the luminaire shall provide certification of the full cutoff (U=0) classification based on photometric testing performed in accordance with the Lighting Handbook and the applicable testing procedures referenced therein. The requirement for the use of full cuttoff luminaire type shall include, but is not limited to, the following outdoor area and roadway lighting configurations:
[1] 
Pole-mounted luminaires.
[2] 
Luminaries mounted on the exterior of buildings and structures.
[3] 
Luminaries mounted on or within exterior canopies of buildings and structures.
[4] 
Pedestal- or bollard-mounted luminaires.
(b) 
Full cutoff luminaires shall be mounted plumb and level in accordance with the intended application of their design. For the purposes of this requirement, the photometric nadir of the luminaire (zero-degree vertical angle of the candlepower distribution) shall be oriented plumb, and the vertical angle of 90° above nadir (horizontal) shall be oriented level. Full cutoff luminaires shall not be installed in a canted or tilted position which permits candlepower distribution above the horizontal.
(c) 
Luminaires that do not meet the strict definition for full cutoff luminaires, yet employ advanced or alternative technology which causes the photometric performance to approach that of full cuttoff luminaires, may be approved by the Township on a case-by-case basis. Such luminaires include, but are not limited to, period-style luminaires with refractive globes and internal cutoff reflectors. At a minimum, all period-style decorative luminaires, when their use is approved by the Township for a specific application, shall be fully shielded luminaires.
(3) 
Maximum illuminance at property line.
(a) 
The following table lists the maximum permitted illuminance levels, from all sources, that can be projected onto an adjacent property:
Figure 6.3, Maximum Illuminance Levels Permitted at Property Lines Produced by Outdoor Area Lighting Installations
Maximum Maintained Illuminance Level Permitted at Property Line Measured at Five-Foot AFG in Vertical Footcandles
Maximum Maintained Illuminance Level Permitted at Property Line Measured at Five-Foot AFG in Vertical Lux
Property line adjoins a public roadway or public right-of-way
0.5
5.4
Property line adjoins a nonresidential, multifamily or mixed used district property
0.2
2.2
Property line adjoins a single-family residential district (R1, R2, R3 and R4), or a property used exclusively for residential purposes
0.1
1.1
(b) 
Exceptions to the requirements listed in Figure 6.3:
[1] 
Outdoor roadway lighting installations intended for the nighttime illumination of public roadways, streets, highways, alleys, cartways, and the like.
[2] 
Designated vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian entries/exits between properties and public roadways, streets, highways, alleys, cartways, and the like, provided that the excepted area of illumination (maintained illuminance levels at grade higher than permitted in Figure 6.3) is limited to the said property and the adjoining pavement and right-of-way of public roadways, streets, highways, alleys, cartways, and the like. The excepted area of illumination shall not extend beyond 50 feet from the center line of the designated entry/exit in any direction along the property line(s) of the said property.
(4) 
Illumination under outdoor canopies. All outdoor lighting installations which illuminate the area under outdoor canopies shall comply with the requirements of this subsection. All such canopy lighting shall be accomplished using flat-lens full-cutoff fixtures aimed straight down and shielded in such a manner that the lowest opaque edge of the fixture shall be level with or below the light source. Canopies themselves may not be illuminated, however, with the exception of the portion which is classified as a sign. Outdoor canopies include, but are not limited to, the following applications:
(a) 
Fuel island canopies associated with service stations.
(b) 
Exterior canopies above storefronts in shopping centers and malls.
(c) 
Exterior canopies above driveways and building entrances.
(d) 
Pavilions and gazebos.
G. 
Outdoor sports and recreational lighting. These regulations apply to all sports and recreational facilities including, but not limited to, ball fields, ballparks, stadiums, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, recreation fields, swimming pools, skating rinks, golf driving ranges, golf courses, firearm shooting facilities and the like. Where permitted, the outdoor lighting of sports and recreational facilities shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) 
The requirements of this subsection apply to all outdoor lighting installations employed for nighttime area illumination of sports and recreational facilities. All sports and recreational facilities shall be illuminated with the following two systems:
(a) 
Performance area lighting. This is the lighting directed upon the field, court, rink, etc., to illuminate the sports/recreational activity taking place upon/within that facility. The maximum permitted post height for the performance area lighting is 60 feet; however, the post height shall be limited to minimum height necessary to meet the performance area lighting needs of that specific sports/recreational use as determined by the Township. The applicant shall provide an analysis by a lighting engineer or specialist to demonstrate that the proposed post height is the minimum necessary.
(b) 
General area lighting. This is a low-level lighting system used to facilitate pedestrian circulation, patrons leaving the facility, cleanup, nighttime maintenance, etc. General area lighting shall meet all the requirements for outdoor area and roadway lighting installations listed above in § 260-86F.
(2) 
Use of full cutoff luminaries required. All luminaires employed in outdoor sports and recreational lighting installations shall be the full cutoff luminaire type unless the performance area lighting needs of the sports/recreational use cannot be met through the use of full cutoff luminaires, as determined by the Township.
(3) 
Use of glare shields required for noncutoff luminary types. Where noncutoff luminaires, such as floodlights, are specifically permitted by the Township for performance area lighting, the luminaires shall be equipped with glare shields, visors, barn doors or other similar shielding accessories as required to meet the following criteria:
(a) 
Luminaires shall be fully shielded.
(b) 
To the extent practicable, the candlepower distribution from all luminaires shall be further cut off at angles below the horizontal (level) to restrict direct illumination to within the performance area being illuminated for sports and recreation purposes.
(4) 
Maximum maintained illuminance levels. The maximum maintained illuminance levels permitted at the property line(s) during the nighttime produced by the sum of all outdoor sports and recreation lighting installation on a lot shall meet the requirements of Figure 6.3 above.
(5) 
Design submittal and approval requirements. The design for all outdoor sports and recreation lighting installations shall be submitted for review and approval by the Township. The submission shall include a visual impact plan that demonstrates appropriate steps have been taken to prevent or mitigate glare on site, off site, as viewed by drivers on adjacent streets, and so as to retain the intended character of the general vicinity of the site. This submission may also require the inclusion of initial vertical footcandle values at specific off-site venues, e.g., bedroom windows of adjacent residential uses.
(6) 
All outdoor sports and recreation lighting shall be extinguished between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday nights and between 11:00 p.m. (10:00 p.m. when in or adjacent to residential districts) and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and nights preceding federal holidays. In addition, the performance area lighting shall be turned off no more than 30 minutes after the end of the event or use of the sports-recreational facility. Signage regarding the hours of lighting shall be posted for users of the facilities.
(7) 
Golf driving ranges, firearms shooting facilities, batting cages and racetracks shall not be artificially lit and shall not be permitted to operate in the Township during the nighttime hours.
H. 
Requirements for outdoor sign lighting, outdoor lighting of facades of buildings and structures and outdoor landscape lighting.
(1) 
Applicability of requirements. The requirements of this subsection apply to all outdoor lighting installations employed for the nighttime illumination of signs, billboards, the facades of buildings and structures, fountains, trees, shrubs, vegetation and the like.
(2) 
Use of full cutoff luminaries required. All luminaires employed in outdoor lighting of signs, facades and landscape shall be of the full cutoff luminaire type, unless the lighting needs of the signs, facades or landscaping cannot be met through the use of full cutoff luminaires, as determined by the Township.
(3) 
Use of glare shields required for noncutoff luminaire types. Where noncutoff luminaires such as floodlights are used to meet the lighting design objectives for outdoor sign, billboard, facade and/or landscape lighting, the luminaires shall be equipped with glare shields, visors, barn doors and other similar shielding accessories as required to ensure that the candlepower distribution from all lighting installations shall be cut off from at all angles beyond those required to restrict direct illumination to within the perimeter of the object being illuminated.
(4) 
Externally illuminated signs, billboards and facades shall be lighted by fixtures mounted at the top of the sign and aimed downward.
(5) 
Fixtures used for architectural lighting, e.g., facade, fountain, feature and landscape lighting shall be designed, fitted and aimed so as not to project their output beyond the objects intended to be illuminated.
(6) 
All outdoor lighting falling under the requirements of this subsection shall be extinguished between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. This restriction does not apply to nonresidential uses that are open between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., in which case the lighting must be extinguished when the nonresidential use is closed.
I. 
Requirements for residential lighting.
(1) 
Applicability of requirements. The requirements of this subsection apply to all outdoor lighting installations located on residential lots developed with a single-family dwelling or a two-family dwelling. Luminaries with an aggregate rated output of a standard forty-watt incandescent lamp (i.e., 500 lumens), are exempt from the requirements of this subsection.
(2) 
Use of glare shields required for nonfully shielded luminaire types. All nonfully shielded luminaires, such as floodlights, shall be equipped with glare shields, visors, barn doors, or other similar shielding accessories as required to meet the following criteria:
(a) 
For area lighting applications, the light output from all luminaires shall be fully shielded at and above the horizontal (level).
(b) 
For all other applications, light output from all luminaires shall be fully shielded at all angles beyond those required to restrict direct illumination to within the area or surface being illuminated.
J. 
Temporary outdoor lighting.
(1) 
Applicability of requirements. The requirements of this subsection apply to all outdoor lighting installations which are employed on a temporary basis not exceeding 45 days in duration. Temporary lighting installations include, but are not limited to, seasonal or holiday displays, carnivals, community fairs, traveling circuses and the like.
(2) 
Use of glare shields required for nonfully shielded luminaire types. All nonfully shielded luminaires such as floodlights, shall be equipped with glare shields, visors, barns, or other similar shielding accessories as required to meet the following criteria:
(a) 
The light output from all lighting installations shall be fully shielded at all angles beyond those required to restrict direct illumination to within the perimeter of the area, surface, object or feature being illuminated.
K. 
Maximum permitted illumination.
(1) 
Total outdoor light output for all uses other than single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings shall not exceed the lumens/acre of hardscape set forth in Figure 6.4. The values in this table are the upper limits. The property owner shall only install those fixtures necessary to meet the minimum outdoor lighting needs of the use. Performance area lighting systems discussed under outdoor sports and recreational lighting are excluded from this lumen/acre of hardscape cap requirement.
(2) 
Sites/properties improved with only full cutoff and/or cutoff fixtures shall comply with the first row of Figure 6.4 below. Sites/properties improved with only noncutoff fixtures shall comply with the second row of the following table. Where there are both full cutoff and nonfull cutoff (cutoff, semicutoff and noncutoff) fixtures on a property, the maximum allowed lumens per acre of hardscape shall be calculated twice, once for the total of all fixtures and once including only the noncutoff fixtures. In such a case, the maximum lumens per acre of hardscape must meet both requirements.
Figure 6.4, Maximum Allowed Lumens/Acre of Hardscape by Fixture Type
Zoning District
Fixture Type
C-1, C-2, MU1, MU2, MU3, LI
(lm/ac)
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, M1 and M2
(lm/ac)
Total for all fixtures
100,000
50,00
Total for all nonfull cutoff fixtures
7,500
7,500
(3) 
Total outdoor light output for single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings shall not exceed 7,500 total lumens for all fixtures or the amount allowed under Figure 6.4, whichever is greater.
A. 
Street signs. The developer shall erect a street sign or street signs at every intersection. At intersections where streets cross, there shall be at least two such street signs and at the intersections where one street ends or joins another street, there shall be at least one sign. Street signs shall be erected when the first dwelling on the street is occupied or when streets are paved with their base course whichever comes first. Temporary street signs may be erected with the permission of the Board of Commissioners. Any temporary signs will be replaced prior to roadway dedication.
B. 
Street names. Street names shall be determined in consultation with the Township. Street names shall bear a reasonable relationship to significant natural features or the history of the community. Efforts shall be made to reduce the occurrence of similar names or similar sounding names within the Township or postal delivery area.
The following specifications shall apply to all plants and landscaping provided in subdivisions and land developments regulated by this chapter, and shall be demonstrated on the required landscape plans, which shall be prepared, signed and sealed by a registered landscape architect licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A. 
General requirements.
(1) 
The location, dimensions, and spacing of required plantings shall be adequate for their proper growth and maintenance taking into account the sizes of such plantings at maturity and their present and future environmental requirements and tolerances including wind, moisture, and sunlight.
(2) 
Plantings shall be selected and located where they will not contribute to conditions hazardous to public safety. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, public street rights-of-way, underground and aboveground utilities, and sight triangle areas required for unobstructed views at street intersections.
B. 
Plant specifications.
(1) 
All plants shall meet the minimum standards for health, form, and root condition as outlined in AmericanHort's American Standard for Nursery Stock (ASNS), 2014 or as later amended.
(2) 
All plant material shall be hardy and within the USDA Hardiness Zone 7a applicable to Cheltenham Township.
(3) 
Canopy trees or shade trees shall reach a minimum height and spread of 30 feet at maturity as determined by the ASNS Standards and shall be deciduous. New trees shall have a minimum caliper of 2 1/2 inches at planting. Larger size trees may be required as street trees in commercial areas.
(4) 
Understory or ornamental trees or large shrubs shall reach a typical minimum height and spread of 15 feet at maturity, based upon AAN standards. Such trees and shrubs may be deciduous or evergreen and shall have a distinctive ornamental characteristic such as prominent flowers, fruit, habitat, foliage or bark. New understory trees shall have a minimum height of six feet and a minimum of 1 1/2 inch caliper at the time of planting. New large shrubs shall have a minimum height of 2 1/2 feet at the time of planting.
(5) 
Small shrubs may be evergreen or deciduous and shall have a minimum height at maturity of four feet based upon ASNS standards. New shrubs shall have a minimum height of 24 inches at the time of planting.
(6) 
Evergreen trees shall reach a typical minimum height of 20 feet at maturity based upon ASNS standards for that species and shall remain evergreen throughout the year. New evergreens shall have a minimum height of eight feet at the time of planting.
C. 
Minimum soil volumes. Applicant shall provide details that show a longitudinal section and depth of planting areas 1,000 square feet and under in area showing compliance with minimum soil volume standards. The following minimum soil volume per plant type shall apply when such plant is proposed in any planting areas 1,000 square feet and under in area:
(1) 
Canopy or shade tree (large): 1,200 cubic feet; 900 cubic feet when clustered.
(2) 
Understory or ornamental tree (medium): 900 cubic feet; 700 cubic feet when clustered.
(3) 
Evergreen or small tree: 600 cubic feet.
D. 
Maintenance.
(1) 
Safety. All sight triangles shall remain clear, and any plant materials that could endanger safety such as unstable limbs shall be removed and the plant materials shall be replaced if necessary. It shall be the responsibility of all property owners to maintain all plantings and architectural elements to insure a safe environment.
(2) 
Maintenance guidelines for the plantings shall be developed by the planting plan designer to be used by grounds maintenance personnel.
A. 
All new commercial development shall locate their trash storage and collection equipment interior to the buildings.
B. 
All other trash collection equipment shall be placed within enclosures. Enclosures shall be at least large enough to adequately contain all trash and recyclable material containers. Generally the sizing and type of storage containers will depend upon the amount of trash and recyclables expected to be generated in the buildings they service.
C. 
Enclosures shall be six feet high or at least one foot higher than the proposed collection container.
D. 
Enclosures shall be made of durable material including masonry blocks or steel reinforced wood fencing (such enclosure is also subject to the screening requirements of § 260-49, Landscaping and screening buffers).
E. 
The entrance to the enclosure shall be at least 10 feet wide to accommodate front loading trucks. Gates shall be self-closing and self-latching, placed on the entrance shall be durable and equipped with piston type bolts to secure gates in both a closed and open position.
F. 
The trash storage area shall be placed on a concrete pad. The dimensions of the pad are dependent on the number and size of proposed containers. The pad shall extend six feet to 10 feet in front of where the proposed container is to be placed to support the front wheels of the trash truck servicing the site. The area above the container shall be free of obstructions for at least fifteen-foot clearance above the storage area is sufficient.