A. 
This chapter establishes regulations and standards governing subdivision and land development within the Township of Abington, setting forth the procedures to be followed by the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission and authorized municipal personnel in administering the provisions set forth and establishing the penalties for the violation thereof.
B. 
This chapter amends Chapter 146 of the Abington Township Code by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the contents herein.
C. 
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Subdivision and Land Development Regulations of the Township of Abington."
A. 
The Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington herein adopt an ordinance establishing regulations and standards governing the approval of subdivision and land development within the municipality.
B. 
These regulations shall become effective five days after adoption and shall remain in effect until modified, amended or rescinded by the Board of Commissioners.
C. 
All previous municipal subdivision and land development regulations and subsequent amendments thereto are hereby repealed.
This chapter is established to regulate and control the subdivision and development of land within the Township of Abington, so as to provide for:
A. 
Sites suitable for building purposes and human habitation;
B. 
The harmonious development of the community in conformance with the Township Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance;[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The current Zoning Ordinance is on file in the township offices.
C. 
The installation, coordination and expansion of facilities such as drainage, sewerage, streets, utilities and improvements; and
D. 
Subdivision and development of land to promote and protect the health, safety and general welfare of the community.
A. 
Article V of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, latest revision by Act 170 of 1988,[1] provides that the Township of Abington may regulate subdivision and land development by enacting an ordinance for that purpose.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10501 et seq.
B. 
This chapter requires that all plans for the subdivision or development of land lying within the Township of Abington are to be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for approval, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this chapter.
C. 
Illustrations in this chapter are not part of the chapter, but are included herein for purposes of explanation and clarification.
A. 
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, the Board of Commissioners shall hold them to be the minimal standards for the promotion of the public health, safety and general welfare.
B. 
Where the provisions of this chapter impose greater restriction than those of any other ordinance or statute, this chapter shall prevail. Where the provisions of other ordinances or statutes impose greater restriction than this chapter, those regulations shall prevail.
A. 
Plan approval required. No individual, partnership, corporation or other entity shall subdivide or develop land in the Township of Abington unless and until a final plan thereof has been:
(1) 
Prepared and submitted according to the provisions of this chapter;
(2) 
Approved, in writing thereon, by the Board of Commissioners;
(3) 
Where applicable, secured by the completion of public improvements or by financial security to guarantee completion of public improvements; and
(4) 
Recorded by the County Recorder of Deeds.
B. 
Restriction. No subdivision or development of any lot, tract or parcel of land shall be made, no street, sanitary or storm sewer, water main or other improvement in conjunction therewith shall be laid out, constructed, opened or dedicated for public use or for the common use of occupants of buildings on or abutting said lot, tract or parcel of land nor shall any lot in a subdivision or potential land development site be sold or issued permits to erect, alter or repair any building thereon unless there is a final plan and until the final plan therefor complies with the provisions of this chapter.