A.
All subdivision and/or land development plans to be approved by the
Board of Commissioners must comply with the standards contained within
this article. Such standards shall be considered minimum requirements
for the promotion of the public health, safety and general welfare.
However, the Board of Commissioners reserves the right to increase
the minimum standards if conditions so warrant.
B.
Where literal compliance with the standards hereinafter specified is not possible, the Board of Commissioners may modify or adjust the standards to permit reasonable utilization of property while securing substantial conformance with the objectives of these regulations, in accordance with Article VII, § 123-54.
C.
In general, the following shall apply:
(1)
Land shall be developed in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield and other ordinances, codes and regulations in effect in the Township and with the Official Sewage Facilities Plan and other Township plans and maps.
(2)
Land shall be developed in conformance with all pertinent statutes,
regulations, rules and codes of federal, state and county agencies
concerned with subdivision, land development, construction and improvements
or any activity arising out of or elated thereto in any way whatsoever.
(3)
The design of subdivisions and land developments shall preserve,
insofar as possible, the natural terrain, natural drainage, existing
topsoil and existing trees.
(4)
Land subject to hazards to life, health or property, such as may
arise from fire, floods, disease or other causes, shall not be developed
for building purposes unless such hazards have been eliminated or
unless the plan shall show adequate safeguards against them.
(5)
All portions of a tract being developed shall be encompassed in lots,
streets, public lands or other proposed uses so that landlocked areas
shall not be created.
(6)
Property subject to flooding and lots deemed by the Board of Commissioners
to be uninhabitable shall not be considered for residential occupancy,
nor for such other uses as may increase danger to health, life or
property or aggravate the flood hazard. Such land within a subdivision
or land development shall be set aside for such uses that will not
be affected by periodic or occasional inundation or conditions which
produce unsatisfactory living conditions.
(7)
Proposed subdivisions and/or land developments shall be coordinated
with existing nearby neighborhoods so that the community as a whole
may develop harmoniously.
(8)
The name of any subdivision or land development shall not be similar
to or conflict with the name of any existing project in the Township,
and shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners.
D.
All planning, design, construction and maintenance of lots and uses
and structures thereon shall be in accordance with recognized architectural,
engineering and related standards. All work performed in accordance
with this chapter shall be accomplished in a professional and workmanlike
manner.
A.
Monument locations must be shown on the final plan to define the
exact location of all streets and to enable the reestablishment of
all street lines. Monuments shall be placed at the following locations:
(1)
At each intersection.
(2)
At changes in direction of street lines, excluding curb arcs at intersections.
(3)
At each end of every cartway, excluding curb arcs at intersections.
(4)
At locations where topographical conditions obstruct sighting between
two otherwise required monuments.
(5)
At other locations along the lines of streets as may be determined
to be necessary by the Township Engineer.
B.
Monument locations defining the perimeter of the tract shall be determined
by the Township Engineer.
D.
Markers required under Subsection C shall be placed by an engineer or surveyor when final grading has been completed. Such markers shall be placed before any lot is conveyed and shall be visible.
E.
Monuments and markers shall be placed so that the scored and marked
point shall coincide exactly with the intersection of lines to be
marked, and shall be set so that the top of the monument or marker
is level with the surface of the surrounding ground. Monuments and
markers shall consist of the following:
(1)
Monuments shall be of granite with a minimum of six by six by 18
inches. Granite monuments shall be permanently marked on top with
an indented cross or drill hole of 1/4 inch in diameter, which shall
coincide exactly with the point of intersection of the lines being
monumented.
(2)
Markers shall consist of iron pipes or steel bars 30 inches in length
and one inch in diameter.
F.
Monuments shall be placed for all areas of land, improvements or
public easements to be offered for dedication prior to acceptance
thereof by the Township or other entity to which the same are offered.
Monuments shall be placed by an engineer or surveyor and shall be
inspected by the Township Engineer before they are covered.
G.
All elevations shown on plans must be based on datum from the United
States Geological Survey Quadrangle for Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.
A.
Blocks shall not exceed 1,100 feet in length or be less than 500
feet in length.
B.
Where possible, blocks along arterial and collector streets shall
not be less than 1,000 feet long.
C.
Blocks shall be two lot depths in width, and no lot shall front on
more than one street except for lots located at street intersections,
existing lots with reverse frontage or lots which may front on an
arterial or collector street where direct access is inappropriate,
in which case a street shall be created.
[Amended 5-9-1995 by Ord. No. 1314]
D.
Lot lines shall be at right angles to street lines or radial thereto.
E.
No remnants of lots below the minimum size as required in Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield will be permitted.
F.
House numbers shall be assigned to each lot by the Township Engineer.
G.
No flag lots shall be permitted.
[Added 5-9-1995 by Ord. No. 1314]
A.
Streets shall be designed in accordance with the following general
principles and criteria:
(1)
The proposed street pattern and layout shall be properly and logically
related to existing streets and their functional characteristics.
(2)
The proposed street pattern and layout shall be properly and logically
related to the topography of the land with regard to grades and conditions
of drainage. Grades of streets shall conform as closely as possible
to existing grade so as to produce usable lots.
(3)
The proposed street pattern shall be designed to enhance views from
the road and to create a greater variety of lot appearance through
a curvilinear alignment.
(4)
The proposed street pattern and layout shall provide suitable access
to each lot and permit safe and convenient circulation of vehicular
and pedestrian traffic.
(5)
Every lot shall abut on a public street, unless approved otherwise
by the Board of Commissioners.
(6)
Provisions shall be made for the extension and continuation of collector
streets and local primary streets into and from adjoining areas, except
when topographical or hydrological conditions shall make the same
impractical.
(7)
All streets shall lie platted to the boundary lines of the subdivision
or land development if the subdivision or land development adjoins
lands which may be developed in the future, and the same shall be
provided with easements for turnarounds, and, if required by the Board
of Commissioners, improved to the property boundary, including improved
turnaround areas.
(8)
If lots resulting from subdivision are large enough to permit resubdivision,
or if a portion of the tract is not subdivided, adequate street rights-of-way
to permit further subdivision shall be provided as necessary.
(9)
Reserve strips controlling access to public ways will not be permitted,
except where the control and disposal of the land comprising such
strips are placed within the jurisdiction of the Township.
(10)
Streets that are extensions of or in alignment with existing
named streets shall bear the names of such existing streets; new street
names shall not duplicate or be phonetically similar to existing street
names; and all street names shall be selected by the Board of Commissioners.
(11)
Where streets continue into adjoining municipalities, compatibility
of design, particularly with regard to cartway widths, shall be employed
to avoid abrupt changes in the cartway width or to other improvements
within the right-of-way.
(12)
Streets shall be designed so as to avoid edge erosion through the use of curbs and gutters as required in § 123-30.
(13)
In the event that any part of a development abuts on a Township
or state road that is not fully improved with curbs, paved gutters
and sidewalks, curbs and sidewalks shall be installed and the pavement
from the curb to the existing pavement shall be completed in accordance
with applicable design standard requirements.
[Amended 5-9-1995 by Ord. No. 1314]
(a)
Arterial and major collector streets, under the jurisdiction
of PennDOT or the Township, have the primary purpose of carrying through
traffic. Local streets have the primary function or providing access
to abutting properties. It is recognized that vehicles entering and
leaving driveway may disrupt the flow of traffic and cause accidents.
(b)
In order to eliminate hazardous traffic conditions and to maintain
the highest obtainable traffic carrying capacity of major streets,
residential land use should not face directly on arterials or major
collector streets. They should instead face a local primary, local
secondary, cul-de-sac or loop street.
(c)
Any strip of land between the lots and the right-of-way of major
streets may be included in the deed of dedication of adjoining interior
streets.
(14)
Where a subdivision or land development abuts a railroad or
trolley line, streets crossing the rail line shall be kept to a minimum
and placed to facilitate grade separation.
(15)
Streets shall be designed for maximum safety for fire trucks
and other emergency vehicles, and shall be approved by the Board of
Commissioners upon the recommendation of the Fire Marshal.
(16)
If a subdivision or land development abuts an existing or future
arterial or major collector street, the lots shall be designed as
reverse frontage lots or with side lot lines parallel to such thoroughfares.
All driveways shall connect to a minor collector or local street.
That portion of the lots abutting arterial or major collectors shall
include an approved screen planting and/or raised berm, as determined
by the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners, contained in
a nonaccess easement having a minimum width of 15 feet.
[Added 5-9-1995 by Ord. No. 1314]
B.
Cul-de-sac streets shall be designed as follows:
(1)
All culs-de-sac, whether permanently or temporarily designed as such,
shall not exceed 600 feet in length, with a paved turnaround having
a minimum radius of 50 feet to the outside curb or pavement line and
an additional ten-foot right-of-way outside the pavement or curbline.
(2)
When required for future extension, the turnaround right-of-way shall
be placed adjacent to the tract boundary with sufficient width along
the boundary line to permit extension of the street at full width.
(3)
Drainage of culs-de-sac shall, whenever possible, be in the direction
of the open end thereof.
(4)
No cul-de-sac turnaround shall have a grade which exceeds 4%.
C.
In addition to the aforementioned principles and criteria set forth in Subsections A and B, the following shall apply to all streets:
(1)
Streets shall be designed according to their function and laid out
to preserve the integrity of their design. Streets shall be classified
by functions as follows:
(a)
Streets mapped in the Comprehensive Plan as principal arterial,
minor arterial and collector shall be considered as such, except that
all collector streets shown in Map 7 of the plan shall be treated
as major collector streets.
(2)
The following minimum right-of-way and cartway widths shall apply:
[Amended 5-9-1995 by Ord. No. 1314]
Type of Street
|
Assumed Requirements for Traffic
|
Right-of-Way Width
(feet)
|
Cartway Width
(feet)
| |
---|---|---|---|---|
Principal arterial
|
7 traffic lanes (12-foot minimum lane width)
|
120
|
88
| |
Minor arterial
|
5 traffic lanes (12-foot minimum lane width)
|
100
|
64
| |
Major collector
|
3 traffic lanes (12-foot minimum)
|
80
|
40
| |
Minor collector
|
2 traffic lanes (12-foot minimum lane width)
|
60
|
40
| |
Local primary
|
2 traffic lanes (11 feet); 2 shoulder lanes (8 feet)
|
60
|
38
| |
Local secondary
|
2 traffic lanes (9 feet); 2 shoulder lanes (8 feet)
|
55
|
34
| |
Cul-de-sac and loop
|
2 traffic lanes (9 feet); 2 shoulder lanes (8 feet)
|
55 (Does not include turnaround)
|
34
|
(3)
Additional cartway widths may be required by the Board of Commissioners
in specific cases for public safety and convenience, and for accessibility
to development in the E, R, SU and SC Districts in the form of acceleration
and deceleration lanes.
(4)
Right-of-way widths in excess of the aforementioned standards shall
be required whenever, due to topography, additional width is necessary
to provide adequate earth slopes. Such slopes shall not be in excess
of 3:1.
(5)
There shall be a minimum center-line grade of 1% and a maximum center-line
grade of 6% on all streets. Grades exceeding these limits may be permitted
if approved by the Board of Commissioners.
(6)
Maximum grade within any intersection shall not exceed 1%, and approaches
to any intersection shall follow a straight course within 100 feet
of the intersection. Where the grade of any street at the approach
to an intersection exceeds 6%, a leveling area shall be provided with
a maximum grade of 4% within 50 feet of the nearest right-of-way line
of the intersecting street.
(7)
The slope of the crown on proposed streets shall be more than 1/8
inch per foot and less than 1/2 inch per foot, except on superelevated
curves, where the slope shall be not less than 1/4 inch per foot and
shall extend from the inside to the outside edge of the paving.
(8)
The finished road grade on all streets shall be carried the entire
width of the right-of-way. However, grading behind the curbs or beyond
the edge of the cartway may be modified, as determined by the Township
Engineer, provided that the minimum sight distances are maintained
along the vertical and horizontal curvatures of the street, provided
that no obstructions exist at intersections within the clear sight
triangle and provided that no sidewalks are required.
(9)
Maximum slopes of banks measured perpendicular to the center line
of the street shall be three feet horizontal to one-foot vertical
in fill areas and three feet horizontal to one-foot vertical in cut
areas, and shall be planted and vegetated to prevent erosion.
(10)
Vertical curves are required for changes in grade greater than
1%. The rate of change of grade on vertical curves shall be no more
than 4% per 100 feet of road, provided that clear sight distance specified
in these regulations is maintained at all points along the center
line.
(11)
Changes in street direction shall be made by horizontal curves
with a minimum center-line radius of 500 feet for arterial and major
collection streets, 300 feet for minor collector and local primary
streets and 150 feet for local secondary, cul-de-sac and loop streets.
Tangents of at least 100 feet shall be required between reverse curves
and shall be measured at the center line. The foregoing minimum radii
shall apply in all cases where the street deflects 10° or more.
Variations in radii may be permitted when topographic or other conditions
so require.
(12)
A minimum curb or paving radius of 35 feet and a minimum radius
of 25 feet for right-of-way lines shall be provided at all local secondary
and loop street intersections; and a minimum radii of 50 feet and
40 feet, respectively, as above shall be provided on all other street
intersections.
(13)
Proper sight distance shall be provided with respect to both horizontal and vertical alignment. A clear sight distance, as defined in Article II, shall be provided along the center line of streets as follows:
(14)
Proper sight lines shall be maintained at all street intersections
where there shall be a clear sight triangle of 75 feet, measured along
the center lines from the point of intersection. The triangular shaped
portion of land forming the clear sight triangle shall not have anything
erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to
limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists entering or leaving
the intersection, except for utility poles, light standards, street
signs and fire hydrants.
(15)
Right angle intersections shall be used whenever practical and
no intersection angle, measured at the center line, shall be less
than 60°.
(16)
No more than two streets shall cross at the same point.
(17)
Proposed intersections along one side of an existing street
shall coincide with any existing intersections on the opposite side
of such street, or offset by at least 200 feet from center line to
center line.
(18)
Intersections along principal arterial, minor arterial, major
collector and minor collector streets shall be a minimum of 1,100
feet apart.
(19)
Where a subdivision or land development borders an existing street or intersection which is determined to be in need of improvement based on the traffic/transportation analysis conducted as part of the EIA report process as set forth in Article VII, § 123-55C, and according to the traffic control standards of Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield, said street or intersection shall be improved to the full extent as required in § 123-28C(2) with the following considerations:
(a)
This requirement shall apply only to Township roads and those
sides of intersections which pertain to Township roads, unless the
state imposes certain requirements along roads which they own and
maintain.
(b)
Should the tract border an undersized road or intersection on
only one side, then the improvements shall take place on the side
of the road or intersection which is tangent to the tract.
(c)
All improvements to be made to said roads and intersections
shall be determined by the Township Engineer.
(d)
Land associated with the rights-of-way for undersized roads
and intersections shall be delineated, depicted and otherwise noted
on all subdivision and/or land development plans for the subject tract
and shall be offered for dedication with the improvements associated
therewith.
(20)
When a subdivision or land development fronts on an existing
street having a right-of-way less than the minimum width required
in this chapter, an ultimate right-of-way line shall be established
with the following considerations:
(a)
The distance of this ultimate right-of-way line from the center
line of the existing right-of-way shall be 1/2 the width of the required
minimum right-of-way.
(b)
The ultimate right-of-way shall be delineated, depicted and
otherwise noted on all subdivision and land development plans and
shall be offered for dedication with the improvements associated therewith.
(21)
Acceleration and deceleration lanes shall be provided to aid
in ingress and egress relative to principal arterial, minor arterial,
major collector and minor collector streets, with the following considerations:
(a)
Where a subdivision or land development borders a state road,
the landowner or developer shall confer with the Pennsylvania Department
of Transportation (PennDOT) regarding specific design standards for
such lanes.
(b)
Where a subdivision or land development borders a Township road,
the landowner or developer shall confer with the Township Engineer
regarding specific design standards for such lanes.
(22)
Street signs similar to those which exist in the vicinity of
the property shall be provided and erected by the landowner or developer
at all intersections, subject to the prior approval of the Board of
Commissioners.
(a)
Where ornamental streets signs are required to be installed in accordance
with a land development or traditional neighborhood development approval,
the developer or owner of the property shall provide one additional
sign standard to the Township for every five standards approved on
the plan. No less than one street sign standard shall be provided
to the Township for maintenance.
[Added 9-9-2014 by Ord. No. 1550]
(23)
No dwelling or other principal permitted building which depends
upon the improvement of any street for ingress and egress shall be
permitted to be occupied until all improvements are fully completed
from an existing street to and across the front of the lot on which
the building is located and/or to a sufficient depth along the side
of the lot to service any driveway and driveways and parking spaces
as required by this chapter.
(24)
No road or roads shall be constructed between December 1 and
March 15 without written permission of the Board of Commissioners.
(25)
Adequate drainage shall be provided for low points along streets
and where required to intercept runoff.
(26)
Street signs and posts approved by the Board of Commissioners
shall be set one foot back from a sidewalk.
[Amended 9-9-2014 by Ord. No. 1550]
(27)
Streetlighting shall be in accordance with a plan approved by
the Board of Commissioners and installed prior to dedication of streets.
A copy of the proposed final plan shall be submitted by the applicant
to the electric company for the preparation of said streetlighting
plan.
(a)
Where ornamental streetlights are required to be installed in accordance
with a land development or traditional neighborhood development approval,
the developer or owner of the property shall provide one additional
streetlight standard to the Township for every five standards approved
on the plan. No less than one streetlight standard shall be provided
to the Township for maintenance.
[Added 9-9-2014 by Ord. No. 1550]
D.
Construction of streets.
(1)
All materials used in the construction of streets, and the methods
of construction and drainage thereof, shall be in accordance with
the most current requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation,
Form 408, Specifications. This shall include but not be limited to
the following sections of the Form 408, Specifications.
(2)
In addition to the above, all streets shall be constructed in accordance
with any other standards required by the Township Engineer.
A.
Granite curbs shall be constructed for the full length of all new
Township streets in any subdivision or land development.
B.
The Board of Commissioners may approve concrete curbs for Township
streets in lieu of granite curbs.
C.
Concrete curbs constructed along state roads shall be in accordance
with PennDOT's, Form 408, Specifications, Section 630.
D.
The dimensions of the curbs, unless specified otherwise by the Township
Engineer, shall be as follows:
(1)
For granite curbs, the dimensions shall be six inches above grade
and 12 inches below grade.
(2)
For concrete curbs, the dimensions shall be as shown in PennDOT's
Standards for Roadway Construction, Publication No. 72, the most current
edition, Standard Drawing No. RC-64, using the detail entitled "Plain
Cement Concrete Curb."
A.
Individual driveways shall be provided to furnish access on any lot
to every dwelling or nonresidential use.
B.
The width of any individual driveway shall be a minimum of nine feet,
and no driveway in the A, B or C Residence Districts shall exceed
18 feet in width. Such driveways shall have a radius at the curbline
so that the driveway width shall be a minimum of 12 feet for individual
driveways where they meet a street and a minimum of 20 feet for shared
driveways.
C.
The width of any driveway in a nonresidential district shall be 11
feet for individual drives and 22 feet for shared drives. Such driveways
shall have a radius at the curbline so that the driveway width shall
be a minimum of 14 feet for individual driveways where they meet a
street, and a minimum of 25 feet for shared driveways.
D.
A minimum grade of 1% shall be provided on all driveways. A maximum
grade of any driveway within the right-of-way of any street shall
be 4%. Within the property line, exclusive of the right-of-way, the
maximum grade of a driveway shall be less than 10%, unless no other
viable alternative alignment of location is feasible, as acknowledged
by the Township Engineer.
E.
Access drives to all nonresidential uses shall not open upon any
public right-of-way within 150 feet of the nearest right-of-way line
of any intersecting public street or highway.
F.
The edge of all residential driveways shall be located not less than
40 feet from the tangent point of the curb radius of corner lots.
G.
All driveways shall be surfaced with erosion-resistant materials
approved by the Township Engineer from the edge of the street cartway
to a point in the lot 25 feet from the right-of-way line.
H.
A clear sight triangle of 25 feet shall be provided and maintained
at driveway intersections with streets.
A.
Sidewalks shall be constructed along all streets as follows:
(1)
Sidewalks shall be constructed in accordance with PennDOT's
Form 408, Section 676, pertaining to cement concrete sidewalks.
(2)
Sidewalks shall be a minimum of four feet in width.
(3)
Concrete aprons or ramps between the curb and sidewalk shall be constructed
at all driveways.
(4)
Handicapped ramps or handicapped curb cuts shall be provided at all
sidewalk intersections which lead to the cartway of both streets,
and in other locations as required by the Board of Commissioners.
(5)
Sidewalks shall be constructed with four inches of Class A concrete,
placed on an approved aggregate bed four inches in depth, except at
driveway crossings, where the thickness of the sidewalk shall be increased
to six inches.
(6)
When proposed sidewalks adjoin existing sidewalks which are wider
than four feet, a tapered transition shall be constructed.
(7)
Sidewalks shall be located within the street right-of-way. A grass
planting strip shall be provided between the curb and the sidewalk.
The planting strip shall be adequately graded and sodded to provide
for proper stormwater runoff.
(8)
Sidewalks shall be constructed to provide for positive drainage.
B.
Crosswalks shall be created as follows:
(1)
A line-striped crosswalk shall be painted across any street at intersections.
(2)
Crosswalks shall be provided within the E-Business, F-Planned Industrial,
SU-Special Use or SC-Shopping Center Districts as directed by the
Board of Commissioners.
(3)
Crosswalks shall be a minimum of eight feet in width.
C.
Interior walks shall be created as follows:
(1)
To facilitate pedestrian circulation, interior walks shall be provided
within or across a block or on a lot.
(2)
Interior walks shall have a minimum right-of-way width of 10 feet
and a minimum walkway surface of four feet. Such walks shall be constructed
in all planned residential development projects and all open space
option subdivisions.
All parking areas and parking lots shall be in accordance with the requirements of Article XV, Off-Street Parking and Loading, as set forth in Chapter 143, Zoning, and the following;
A.
All parking spaces shall have an area of at least 180 square feet
(nine feet by 20 feet) to which there is adequate access from a street,
except those spaces designated for handicapped use, which shall comply
with the national standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act,[1] which became law on January 26, 1992.
[Amended 5-9-1995 by Ord. No. 1314]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
C.
All parking shall be paved in accordance with PennDOT, Section 408,
Specifications.
A.
In accordance with the Official Sewage Facilities Plan, dwellings
and/or lots within a subdivision or land development shall be connected
with a public sanitary sewer system where accessible and available.
Where such sewer system is not yet accessible and available but is
planned for extension to the tract, the landowner or developer shall
install sewer lines and other facilities, including lateral connections,
force mains, pumping stations and all other appurtenances, to provide
adequate service to each lot when connection with said sewer system
is made. Sewer lines shall be suitably capped at the limits of the
subdivision or land development, and the laterals shall be capped
at the street right-of-way. When capped sewers are so provided, on-site
sewage disposal facilities shall also be installed, provided that
they are so located as to permit the easiest and least expensive connection
to the public sanitary sewer system when such connection becomes available.
B.
A sewer shall be considered to be planned for extension to a given
area any time after preliminary engineering and related studies have
been initiated preparatory to the construction of facilities adequate
to serve the area containing a subdivision or land development or
when the area is shown to be in a proposed sewer service area in the
Official Sewage Facilities Plan.
C.
All sanitary sewer lines, lateral connections and manholes and other
facilities shall be constructed and installed, and shall provide service
to each lot in conformity with standards of the Township, municipal
authority or other authority, at the cost and expense of the landowner
or developer.
D.
When such sanitary sewer facilities are installed in accordance with this section, the same shall be inspected by the Township Engineer during such construction, at the cost and expense of the landowner or developer, in accordance with the standards and procedures established for inspection in Article VIII.
E.
When such sanitary sewer facilities are not to be constructed or otherwise installed, on-lot sewage disposal systems shall be constructed in accordance with statutes and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources and the Township, and as approved by a state licensed sewage enforcement officer. When on-lot sewage disposal systems are to be utilized, the landowner or developer shall furnish evidence of the feasibility and satisfactory operation of the system to be utilized in the subdivision or land development as required in Article IV. [NOTE: Any lot with an on-lot sewage disposal system shall conform to § 143-14A(1) of Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield. which requires that any such lot be a minimum of 1/2 acre in size.]
F.
A one-hundred-percent replacement area shall be provided for any
sand mound system. Such replacement area shall serve as an absorption
area as necessary.
G.
Sanitary sewers shall have a minimum inside diameter of eight inches
and a minimum grade of 1/2%.
H.
Manholes for sanitary sewers shall be not more than 350 feet apart
on straight runs, and there shall be a manhole at every point of change
in course or grade and at intersections of all sewer lines.
I.
Sanitary sewer facilities shall not be used to carry stormwater.
J.
In no case shall any sewer be connected to the main sewer until the
work has been completed, and the sewer is watertight throughout its
entire length and approved by the Township Engineer and accepted by
the Board of Commissioners.
K.
The developer shall maintain barricades as are necessary during the
course of construction of the improvements so as to give all reasonable
protection to the traveling public and to maintain such warning lights
or flares as are necessary for this purpose.
L.
Nothing contained in any application relative to the construction
of any sewer, and no act of the Township or its employees or agents
done pursuant thereto shall be taken or construed as in any way affecting
the status of any private road in which such sewer right-of-way shall
or may be, or as an acceptance of taking over such road as a public
road.
A.
All mains, laterals and other facilities for connection from the
lots to public water supply systems shall be installed by the landowner
or developer in accordance with the standards and materials recommended
by the water utility company.
B.
The landowner or developer shall install fire hydrants in order that
there shall be at least one hydrant within 600 feet of every dwelling
or other principal nonresidential building intended for public use.
C.
Fire hydrants shall be located as required by the Board of Commissioners
and shall be installed prior to the paving of the streets and shall
be energized prior to public dedication.
D.
Wherever a public or community water system is provided, applicants
shall present evidence to the Board of Commissioners that the subdivision
or land development is to be supplied by a certificated public utility,
a bona fide cooperative association of lot owners or by a municipal
authority or utility. A copy of a certificate of public convenience
from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or an application
for such certificate, a cooperative agreement or a commitment or agreement
to serve the area in question, whichever is appropriate, shall be
acceptable evidence.
[Added 9-12-1989 by Ord. No. 1211]
A.
Underground utilities shall be installed before the streets are constructed,
as approved by the Township Engineer.
B.
Easements shall be required to facilitate the maintenance and repair
of utility lines, sewers and drainage structures. Facilities shall
be located within a right-of-way or in the center of an easement not
less than 15 feet wide. Where a subdivision or land development is
traversed by a watercourse, drainage way, channel or stream within
a stabilized structure, there shall be provided a minimum of 15 feet
of right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of such watercourse.
Stabilized structures include pipes, concrete culverts, concrete gutters,
gabions and the like.
A.
General regulations. All stormwater management practices shall be in accordance with the applicable sections of Chapter 39 of the Code of the Township of Springfield pertaining to excavation and filling of ground, and the following:
(1)
All storm drains and drainage facilities such as pipes, gutters,
inlets, catch basins, culverts and other proposed structures necessary
for the collection, retention and conveyance of stormwater runoff
shall be delineated, depicted and otherwise noted at the time of preliminary
plan submission as provided in this chapter.
(2)
Suitable storm drainage facilities shall be provided in order to
maintain or lessen the existing rate of flow from the tract without
damage to land or structures within and adjacent to the subdivision
or land development.
(3)
Storm sewers, culverts, bridges and related drainage installations
shall be provided to:
(a)
Permit unimpeded flow of natural watercourses. Such flow may
be redirected as required, subject to the approval of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources.
(b)
Ensure adequate drainage of all low points as may be related
to streets.
(c)
Intercept stormwater runoff along streets at intervals reasonably
related to the extent and grade of the area drained, to prevent flow
of stormwater across intersections and to prevent the flooding of
intersections during the design storm.
(d)
Ensure adequate and unimpeded flow of stormwater under driveways
in, near or across natural watercourses or drainage swales. Properly
sized pipes or other conduits shall be provided as necessary.
(e)
Prevent excessive flow on or across streets, sidewalks, drives,
parking areas and any other paved surface or accessway.
(f)
Lead stormwater away from springs.
(4)
The stormwater management plan for each subdivision and/or land development shall take into account and provide for upstream areas within the entire watershed in computing discharge quantities, sizing of pipes, inlets and other structures. The runoff from any proposed development shall be subject to evaluation, which includes the anticipated runoff from other existing or proposed developments within the same watershed and storm sewers shall be designed to carry the anticipated runoff of the watershed if fully developed as permitted under the provisions of Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield.
(5)
All natural streams, channels, swales, drainage systems and/or areas
of concentration of surface water shall be maintained in their existing
condition unless alteration is approved by the Township. In any event,
all encroachment activities and drainage facilities for drainage areas
in excess of 1/2 square mile or 320 acres shall conform to the most
current requirements of, and be approved by, the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Resources, Division of Dams and Encroachments.
(6)
Any drainage facility crossing a state road shall conform to all
applicable Pennsylvania Department of Transportation design standards.
(7)
Man-made structures shall be kept to a minimum and bridges, culverts
or riprap shall be constructed to maintain the natural characteristics
of the stream and shall meet the approval of the Township.
(8)
Retention/detention basins shall be designed to utilize slopes as
shallow as possible to blend the structures into the terrain.
(9)
Any subdivision and/or land development within a Flood Hazard District shall comply with all of the provisions of the Springfield Township Flood Hazard District as provided in Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield and the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
(10)
All areas containing lakes, ponds, wetlands and watercourses shall be considered to be reserved for permanent open space. Any alteration, development, filling, piping or diverting of such water resources shall be in strict compliance with the provisions of Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield, especially those pertaining to the Flood Hazard District, and all prevailing rules and regulations of the state.
(11)
The Board of Commissioners may require that a landowner or developer
provide reasonable corrective measures to alleviate an existing off-site
drainage problem which may be affected by the proposed subdivision
and/or land development. It shall be the responsibility of the landowner
or developer to obtain all drainage easements on, over or through
other properties, and the Township, its agents, workmen and employees
shall be indemnified and held harmless from any liability.
(12)
Any water originating from nonnatural sources, such as swimming
pools, air-conditioning units, sump pumps, roof drains or other similar
flow, shall be properly discharged into natural watercourses or storm
drains.
(13)
For the purpose of this section, "streams" and "intermittent
streams" are defined as those watercourses depicted on the Springfield
Township Zoning Map, the USGS Maps of the area and/or determined as
such pursuant to an on-site survey by the Township of their representative.
B.
Specific design standards.
(1)
Design flow rate. The storm sewer system shall be designed to carry
a ten-year peak flow rate, with a twenty-five-year peak flow rate
at all low points. The peak flow rate into each inlet shall be indicated
on the stormwater drainage plan. The design flow rate shall be determined
by the rational formula:
Q = CIA
| ||||
Where:
| ||||
Q
|
=
|
The peak runoff rate in cubic feet per second (CFS).
| ||
C
|
=
|
The runoff coefficient equal to the ratio of the peak runoff
rate to the average rate of rainfall over a time period equal to the
time of concentration.
| ||
I
|
=
|
The average rainfall intensity in inches per hour for a time
equal to the time of concentration.
| ||
A
|
=
|
The drainage area in acres.
|
(2)
Appropriate values for the runoff coefficient and rainfall intensity
shall be taken from the following source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation Design Manual, Part 2, Highway Design,
August 1981 (or the latest revisions thereto).
(3)
Storm sewer system design.
(a)
The storm sewer system shall be designed to the more restrictive
of the following: to collect stormwater at any point where three to
five cubic feet per second is accumulated during the design storm;
and/or inlets/manholes shall not be spaced more than 300 feet apart
on pipe sizes up to 24 inches in diameter and not more than 400 feet
apart on greater sizes.
(b)
Inlets, manholes, grates, covers, frames and the like shall
conform to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Roadway Construction
Standards (Publication No. 72) and Form 408, Specifications, and all
amendments, revisions or updates thereto.
(4)
Bridge/culvert/channel/design.
(a)
Bridges and culverts shall have ample waterway to carry expected
flows, based on a minimum storm frequency of 25 years. Bridge and/or
culvert designs shall be in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department
of Transportation and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Resources requirements. All culverts shall be provided with concrete
end sections unless approved otherwise by the Township.
(b)
All drainage channels shall be designed to carry a flow rate
equal to a one-hundred-year, twenty-four-hour storm.
(c)
All drainage channels shall be designed to prevent the erosion
of the bed and bank areas. The flow velocity in all vegetated drainage
channels shall not exceed the maximum permissible velocity to prevent
erosion. Suitable bank stabilization shall be provided where required
to prevent erosion of the drainage channels. Where storm sewers discharge
into existing drainage channels at an angle greater than 30° from
parallel with the downstream channel flow, the far side bank shall
be stabilized by the use of riprap, masonry and/or concrete walls.
The stabilization shall be designed to prevent erosion and frost heave
under and behind the stabilizing media.
(d)
Any vegetated drainage channel requiring mowing of the vegetation
shall have a maximum slope of three horizontal to one vertical on
those areas to be mowed.
(e)
The design of all channels shall, as a minimum, conform to the
design procedures outlined in:
[1]
United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,
Roadside Drainage Channels, Hydraulic Design Series No. 4.
[2]
United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,
Design Charts for Open Channel Flow, Hydraulic Design Series No. 3.
[3]
Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
in Developing Areas, United States Department of Agriculture, Soil
Conservation Service, College Park, Maryland.
(5)
Overflow system. An overflow system shall be provided to carry flow
to the detention basin when the capacity of the storm drainpipe system
is exceeded. The overflow system shall be of sufficient capacity to
carry the difference between the one-hundred-year and the ten-year
peak flow rates.
(6)
Inlet capacity.
(a)
All inlets must be designed to accommodate the ten-year peak
flow rate except at low points, where they shall accommodate the twenty-five-year
peak flow rate. The capacity of Type C, M or S inlets shall be determined
from the following source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department
of Transportation Design Manual, Part 2, Highway Design (most recent
edition), Chapter 10.
(b)
The capacity of each inlet shall be indicated on the stormwater
drainage plan. All stormwater management plans shall indicate that
inlet grates be installed in such a manner that the roadway stormwater
will be directed into the inlet and away from the roadway. At curbed
street/driveway intersections, inlets shall be placed on the tangent
section and not in the curved portion of the curbing.
(7)
Straight pipe sections. Wherever possible, all storm sewers shall
be designed to follow straight courses. No angular deflections of
storm sewer pipe sections in excess of 5° shall be permitted.
No vertical curves shall be permitted in the storm sewer system.
(8)
Minimum grade and size. All storm drainpipes shall be designed to
maintain a minimum grade of 1%. All storm sewer pipes shall have a
minimum inside diameter of 15 inches.
(9)
Pipe capacity. The capacity of all pipe culverts shall, as a minimum,
provide the required carrying capacity as determined by the following
sources:
(a)
United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,
Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 5, Hydraulic Charts for the Selection
of Highway Culverts.
(b)
United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,
Hydraulic Design Series No. 3, Design Charts for Open Channel Flow.
(c)
United States Department of Transportation, Bureau of Public Roads,
Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 10, Capacity Charts for the Hydraulic
Design of Highway Culverts.
(10)
Pipe arches. Where headroom is restricted, equivalent pipe arches
may be used in lieu of circular pipes.
(11)
Pipe material and gage thickness. All storm sewers shall be
either reinforced cement concrete, corrugated aluminum or corrugated
galvanized steel pipe. Storm sewers shall be of the proper class and
thickness to support the above fill material. Pipe class and gage
or thickness shall be noted on the plans.
(12)
Allowable headwater depth. At all inlets or manholes, the maximum
allowable headwater depth shall be one foot below the top of the inlet
grate or the manhole cover.
(13)
Horizontal pipe deflections. A manhole or inlet shall be provided
at all horizontal deflections in the storm pipe system exceeding 5°.
(14)
Minimum and maximum cover. A minimum of 18 inches of cover shall
be maintained over all storm drainpipes. The top of storm drainpipes
shall be at least 0.5 foot below subgrade elevation. The maximum cover
over storm drainpipes shall be 10 feet, unless approved otherwise
by the Township.
(15)
Storm sewer system outlets. Storm sewer system outlet pipes
shall extend to proposed stormwater management facilities, natural
watercourses and the like. A concrete endwall shall be required on
all storm sewer system outlet pipes.
(16)
Roof drains. Stormwater roof drains shall not discharge water
directly over a sidewalk, into any sanitary sewer line or into a street
or paved area without a straight curbed gutter.
(17)
Drainage easements.
(a)
All storm sewer easements through undedicated land shall be
a minimum of 15 feet in width.
(b)
Where a site is traversed by a watercourse, a drainage easement
or right-of-way conforming substantially with the line of such watercourse
and of such width as will be adequate to preserve natural drainage
and provide sufficient width for maintenance shall be created, as
determined by the Township.
(18)
Diversion of runoff. All storm sewers and/or drainage swales
shall be designed to carry the runoff into a detention basin or similar
facility utilized to control the rate of runoff, unless approved otherwise
by the Township.
(19)
Runoff control measures.
(a)
Runoff control. The rate and quantity of stormwater runoff from
any proposed subdivision and/or land development shall not exceed
the rate and quantity of runoff prior to development (i.e., zero-increase
runoff). This standard shall be maintained for all storms (i.e., both
high-frequency and low-frequency).
(b)
Runoff control devices. The increased runoff which may result
from subdivisions and/or land developments shall be controlled by
permanent runoff control measures that will provide the required runoff
control specified above. All runoff control devices will be evaluated
for their effectiveness to maintain the above-mentioned standard for
all storms with a return period of up to 100 years.
(c)
Detention basin vs. other available methods. Detention basins
are an acceptable technique for controlling the rate of runoff from
a subdivision and/or land development. However, the use of other available
runoff control measures can be employed if no other alternative is
available. Runoff control measures other than detention basins may
include on-lot berms, on-lot or centralized seepage beds or other
techniques when approved by the Township Engineer. All pertinent detention
basin design standards shall be applicable to any such approved facilities.
(20)
Detention/retention basins.
(a)
Detention basins shall be designed in accordance with the soil
cover complex method and the procedures developed by the United States
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, as outlined
in the latest edition of Technical Release No. 55, Urban Hydrology
for Small Watersheds, with specific attention given to antecedent
moisture conditions, flood routing and peak discharge; and Hydrology
National Engineering Handbook Section 4.
(b)
Basins shall be designed to detain the quantity of water resulting
from a one-hundred-year, twenty-four-hour storm (7.2 inches of rainfall)
under full development conditions. Stormwater management calculations
shall ensure that the predeveloped discharge from the site for the
following storms is not exceeded after development:
(c)
The following criteria shall apply in the calculation of stormwater
runoff values. The time of concentration method shall be utilized
in the development of the runoff hydrographs and peak discharges.
Storage-discharge curves shall be provided for all basins:
[1]
Meadow condition shall be used as the basis for establishing
the predeveloped runoff values for all area other than woodland, including
areas which are presently covered by impervious surfaces except as
stated below.
[2]
In the case of an expansion of an existing development, an applicant may request that the Board of Commissioners allow the exclusion of only existing impervious areas from the requirements of Subsection B(20)(a) above, provided that the existing development does not presently contribute to an existing drainage problem downstream.
[3]
Average antecedent moisture conditions.
[4]
A Type II distribution storm.
(d)
Outlet control structures.
[1]
All outlet control structures shall be constructed of galvanized
steel, aluminum or concrete, properly anchored to prevent flotation,
and equipped with childproof, nonclogging trash racks over all design
openings 12 inches or greater in diameter, except those openings designed
to carry perennial stream flows.
[2]
Temporary sedimentation controls shall be provided during construction
to prevent the flow of sediment through the basin outlet pipe. Such
measures may include temporary riser pipes, rock-filled gabions, plywood
standboxes, silt fences and the like.
(e)
Emergency spillways. Whenever possible, the emergency spillway
for basins shall be constructed on undisturbed ground. Emergency spillways
shall be constructed of reinforced concrete, vegetated earth, concrete
rubble and the like. All emergency spillways shall be constructed
so that the basin berm is protected against erosion. The minimum capacity
of all emergency spillways shall be that of the combined capacity
of the emergency spillway and the principal from the one-hundred-year
design storm after development. Emergency spillways shall extend along
the upstream and downstream berm embankment slopes. The emergency
spillway shall not discharge stormwater over earthen fill and/or easily
erodible material without adequate protection against erosion.
(f)
Freeboard. The minimum freeboard shall be two feet. ("Freeboard"
is the difference between the design flow elevations in the emergency
spillway and the top of the settled basin embankment.)
(g)
Anti-seep collars. Anti-seep collars shall be installed around
the principal pipe barrel within the normal saturation zone of the
basin berms. The anti-seep collars and their connections to the pipe
barrel shall be watertight. The anti-seep collars shall extend to
a minimum of two feet beyond the outside of the principal pipe barrel.
The maximum spacing between collars shall be 14 times the minimum
projection of the collar, measured perpendicular to the pipe.
(h)
Basin outlets. Energy dissipating devices (riprap, stilling
basin, concrete aprons, gabions and the like) shall be placed at all
basin outlets. Rock level spreader berms shall be required where basins
do not discharge into an existing drainage swale, ditch or channel.
Concrete end-walls shall be placed at all basin outlets. All basin
outlet pipes 12 inches in diameter or greater, shall be equipped with
devices to deter entry by pedestrians or animals.
(i)
Slope of detention basin embankment. The maximum slope of earthen
basin embankments shall be three to one. The top or toe of any slope
shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from adjacent property lines
with the exception of the downstream property line where the toe of
the embankment shall be placed a sufficient distance to allow for
energy dissipating devices but in no case less than 30 feet unless
approved otherwise by the Township. Whenever possible, the side slopes
and basin shape shall blend with the natural topography. Straight
side slopes and rectangular basins shall be avoided whenever possible.
(j)
Width of berm. The minimum top width of detention basin berms
shall be 10 feet.
(k)
Construction specifications. The plans shall indicate the construction
specifications and compaction requirements for all detention/retention
basins.
(l)
Slope of basin bottom. In order to ensure proper drainage of
detention basins, a minimum grade of 2% shall be maintained for all
sheet flow. A minimum grade of 1% shall be maintained for all channel
flow.
(m)
Cutoff trench. A cutoff trench shall be excavated along the
center line of the dam on earth fill embankments. The minimum depth
shall be three feet. The minimum bottom width shall be 10 feet, or
wide enough to permit operation of compaction equipment. The side
slopes shall be no steeper than 1:1. The trench shall be kept free
from standing water during the backfilling operations.
(n)
Grading and landscaping of basins.
[1]
Cuts and fills. No excavation or fill shall be made with a cut or fill slope steeper than three horizontal to one vertical, except where the excavation or fill is sufficiently stable to prevent sliding or erosion and will not result in property damage or personal injury. A written statement shall be required from an engineer having experience in soils engineering certifying that he has inspected the site and that any proposed deviation from the slope specified above should not endanger any property or result in personal injury. Retaining walls will be required if a stable slope cannot be maintained. Any retaining wall design must be designed by an experienced structural engineer approved by the Township. The toe of any cut or fill slope must be located a minimum of 15 feet from adjacent property lines with the exception stated in Subsection B(20)(i) above.
[2]
Landscaping.
[a]
A minimum of six inches of topsoil shall be placed
on all areas affected by the basin construction (bottom of basin,
side slopes, top of berm and the like).
[b]
All earthen basins shall be stabilized with temporary
and permanent grasses or other approved ground covers within 15 days
after initial construction.
[c]
A six-foot-high chain-link vinyl fence shall be
installed to completely enclose the facility at a location to be determined
by the Township Engineer. A pair of double gates six feet in height,
complete with a center plunging rod and catch with provisions for
padlocking, shall be provided. The width of the gate opening shall
be 10 feet.
[d]
A planting strip with a minimum width of 10 feet shall be provided along all property or street lines immediately adjacent to the exterior of the fence to afford an effective screening to neighboring properties. Plantings shall be evergreen trees with a minimum height of five feet in staggered rows placed on ten-foot centers. All landscaping shall be in accordance with § 123-39.
[3]
Basins shall be installed prior to any earthmoving or land disturbances
which they will serve.
(21)
Subsurface disposal of stormwater.
(a)
Subsurface disposal of stormwater shall only be allowed where
no other viable alternative is available; where natural, well-drained
soils exist; and where such disposal is at least 10 feet from a building.
(b)
Subsurface disposal of stormwater shall only be allowed after
on-site soil percolation tests are performed and certified by a registered
professional engineer experienced in soils engineering; a geologist;
or a qualified soils scientist.
[1]
Soils testing to determine percolation rates shall be performed
at several locations where the subsurface facility is proposed and
also at the proposed invert elevation of the subsurface facility.
(c)
Various methods of subsurface disposal may be employed. The
effectiveness and applicability of each should be evaluated at each
location. Acceptable methods include, but are not limited to, infiltration
basins and/or berms, seepage beds and/or trenches and the like.
(d)
The design and construction of all subsurface facilities shall
provide proper procedures to prevent silt from clogging the aggregate
backfill.
(e)
The following procedures and materials shall be required for
all subsurface facilities:
[1]
Excavation for the infiltration facility shall be performed
with equipment which will not compact the bottom of the seepage bed/trench
or like facility.
[2]
The bottom of the bed and/or trench shall be scarified prior
to the placement of aggregate.
[3]
Only clean aggregate, free of fines, shall be allowed.
[4]
The top and sides of all seepage beds, trenches or like facilities
shall be covered with drainage filtration fabric.
[5]
Perforated distribution pipes connected to centralized catch
basins and/or manholes with provisions for the collection of debris
shall be provided in all facilities. The perforated pipes shall distribute
stormwater throughout the entire seepage bed/trench or like facility.
[6]
A positive outlet pipe placed at or near the bottom of the seepage
bed and/or trench or like facility shall be provided.
(f)
The landowner or developer shall be responsible for the proper
installation, operation and maintenance of all subsurface stormwater
management facilities. If, in the opinion of the Township, the underground
system is not functioning properly, the landowner or developer shall
be required to make the necessary improvements/corrections to the
system or provide an alternate stormwater management facility which
is functional.
(22)
Maintenance of facilities.
(a)
All stormwater management facilities, including retention and
detention basins designed and constructed for the purposes specified
under this chapter shall be maintained in proper working order in
accordance with those design plans filed with the Township and shall
be the responsibility of the property owner(s) upon whose property
the facilities are located. In the case of a homeowners' association
or other entity approved by the Township, the homeowners' association
or other entity shall be considered the responsible owner of all stormwater
management facilities located in the area of development. In those
cases where the Township will accept dedication of the facility, the
developer shall pay the Township, as a contribution toward the cost
of maintenance of the facility, for every square foot of the area
to be dedicated a fee in accordance with the Township fee schedule.
(b)
In order to ensure proper maintenance and functioning of stormwater
management facilities, the Township or their designee shall perform
inspections carried out on a random basis.
(c)
If, at any time, the Township, or its designee, discovers any
violation or condition not conforming with those designs and plans
filed with the Township in regard to the operation of a stormwater
management facility, it shall notify the responsible owners of the
violation, informing them of the nature of such violation and the
manner in which it can be corrected.
(d)
Under no conditions shall any person be allowed to remove any
previously approved stormwater management facility unless an approved
alternate facility is approved by the Township.
(e)
Under no conditions shall any person be allowed to modify, alter
or change a previously approved stormwater management facility unless
approved by the Township.
(f)
In the event that the landowner, developer, occupant or homeowners'
association, as the case may be, shall refuse or neglect to comply
with the provisions of this section as interpreted by the Township,
the Township may direct the work to correct any violation or noncompliance
with this section, at the expense of the owner.
(g)
Maintenance of all drainage facilities and watercourses within any subdivision and/or land development is the responsibility of the landowner or developer until they are accepted by the Township in accordance with Article VI.
(h)
It is the responsibility of any landowner or developer doing
any act on or across a communal stream, watercourse or swale or upon
the floodplain or right-of-way thereof, to maintain, as nearly as
possible in its present state, the stream, watercourse, swale, floodplain
or right-of-way for the duration of the construction activity and
to return it to its original or equal condition after such activity
is completed.
(i)
Maintenance of drainage facilities or watercourses originating
on private property is the responsibility of the owner to his point
of open discharge at the property line or at a communal watercourse
within the property.
(j)
Access to stormwater management facilities shall be provided
by means of a driveway with a minimum right-of-way of 10 feet, accessible
from a street. Such access drive shall not exceed 10% in grade.
A.
General regulations. All soil erosion and sedimentation control practices shall be in accordance with the applicable sections of Chapter 39 of the Code of the Township of Springfield pertaining to excavation and filling of ground, and the following:
(1)
All subdivisions and land developments are required to comply with the Clean Streams Law of Pennsylvania and Chapter 102 of the Rules and Regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, as amended from time to time.
(2)
The landowner or developer shall be responsible for the submission and approval of an application to the regional office of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources for a permit to allow any earthmoving activity where more than 25 acres are disturbed at one time. All landowners or developers are required to obtain such permit except as otherwise provided in Section 102.41, Permits and Plans, of Chapter 102 of the Rules and Regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (DER), as amended from time to time.
(3)
The soil erosion and sedimentation control plan must be available
at all times at the construction site. The permit allowing earthmoving
activity before any construction on the site shall begin.
(4)
The sequence of soils stabilization to control soil erosion and sedimentation
shall be planned so as to compensate for seasonal effects such as
the inability to establish vegetation during winter months, the influence
of freezing and the like.
(5)
Measures shall be taken to preclude the tracking of mud, soil and
the like from construction vehicles and equipment onto streets which
serve the site. Such measures shall include temporary scrub pads with
collector sumps and cleaning devices, which construction vehicles
shall pass through prior to leaving the site.
(6)
Measures used to control erosion and reduce sedimentation shall,
as a minimum, meet the latest revised standards, specifications and/or
regulations of:
(a)
The United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service, as adopted by the Delaware County Conservation District in
their Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook.
(b)
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental
Resources, in their Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Manual.
(c)
Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
in Developing Areas by the United States Department of Agriculture,
Soil Conservation Service, College Park, Maryland. Erosion and sedimentation
control measures shall be required on all erosion and sedimentation
control and stormwater management plans for all subdivisions and/or
land developments within the Township. The Township or their designated
representative shall ensure and enforce compliance with the appropriate
standards.
(7)
All soil erosion and sedimentation control and grading activities
shall be performed in such a manner so as not to endanger or damage
public or private property or to cause physical damage or personal
injury. A landowner or developer shall be responsible for any property
damage or personal injury caused by his activities.
B.
Specific design standards.
(1)
There shall be no increase in discharge of sediment or other solid
materials from the site as a result of stormwater runoff; and, in
the event of any increase, the landowner and/or developer shall be
responsible.
(2)
Soil erosion and sedimentation control devices, such as temporary
vegetation and mulch, temporary earthen berms, interceptor dikes,
ditches, diversion terraces, rock filter berms, crushed stone tire
scrubbers, silt basins, silt fences and the like, appropriate to the
scale of operations, shall be installed concurrent with earthmoving
activities and whenever any situation is created which would contribute
to increased erosion.
(3)
Earthmoving operations shall be minimized where possible and practicable
to preserve desirable natural features and the topography of the site.
(4)
Stripping of vegetation, regrading or other development shall be
done in such a way that will minimize erosion.
(5)
To the maximum extent possible, mature, healthy trees of 12 inches
or greater in caliper and other significant existing vegetation shall
be retained and protected. Such trees shall not be removed, except
as provided on the approved subdivision and/or land development plan.
The filling of soil more than five inches is presumed to extend out
from the tree for the distance the branches of the tree extends outward.
(6)
Land disturbance shall be limited to the actual construction site
and an access strip. The amount of disturbed area and the duration
of exposure shall be kept to a practical minimum. Disturbed areas
shall be stabilized with vegetation, mulch, erosion control fabric
and the like, as soon as possible after earthmoving procedures.
(7)
Provisions shall be made to effectively accommodate the increased
runoff caused by changed soil and surface conditions during and after
development. Water runoff shall be minimized and retained on-site
wherever possible to facilitate groundwater recharge.
(8)
Temporary vegetation and/or mulching soil shall be used to protect
critical areas during development. "Critical areas" shall be construed
to mean those portions of site which are extremely vulnerable to soil
erosion.
(9)
The permanent final vegetation and structural erosion control and
drainage measures shall be installed as soon as practical in the development
in accordance with the approved plans.
(10)
Sediment in the runoff water shall be trapped until the disturbed
area is stabilized by the use of debris and sediment basins, silt
fences or other approved measures. Sediment deposits in basins, silt
fences and the like shall be removed at periodic intervals during
the construction period, as directed by the Township.
(11)
Procedures shall be established for protecting soils and rock
or geologic formations with water supply potential from contamination
by surface water or other source or disruption caused by construction
activity.
(12)
Silt fences shall be utilized in lieu of straw bale silt barriers
downhill of all construction areas. In general, straw bale silt barriers
will be allowed only on projects with a construction period of less
than 60 days and where the uphill drainage area is less than 1/2 acre.
In all applications, silt fences and straw bale silt barriers shall
be securely anchored in place and embedded into the soil.
(13)
Silt fences or silt traps shall be placed at all inlets, head
walls, basin outlets and similar drainage structures during the construction
period in order to prevent sediment from entering any watercourse,
storm drainage system or other areas downstream.
(14)
Crushed stone tire scrubbers shall be placed at all entrances
to construction areas. Tire scrubbers shall be sufficient width and
length to prevent the transportation of sediment off of the construction
site.
(15)
Temporary and permanent seeding and mulch specifications shall
be noted on all plans. The specifications shall include lime and fertilizer
rates of application, as well as other provisions regarding procedures
and materials. In critical areas, the Township may require hydroseeding
and the placement of erosion-control fabric.
(16)
During roadway grading, interceptor dikes shall be installed
on all roadway subgrades with slopes in excess of 5% to prevent erosion
of the subgrade. The interceptor dikes shall divert stormwater runoff
silt traps or silt fences.
(17)
The crushed stone base course for driveways, roadways and parking
areas shall be applied as soon as possible after grading procedures,
in order to prevent erosion of the subgrade.
(18)
Drainage swales and ditches, and all slopes greater than 3:1
shall be protected against erosive velocities with erosion control
measures such as erosion-control fabric and other material as approved
by the Township.
(19)
Energy dissipaters and/or stilling basins shall be installed
at the outlet end of all storm drainage facilities.
C.
Maintenance.
(1)
Whenever sedimentation is caused by stripping vegetation, regrading
or other development it shall be the responsibility of the person
causing such sedimentation to remove the accumulated sediment from
all adjoining or downstream properties, surfaces, drainage systems
and watercourses and to repair any damage at his expense as quickly
as possible.
A.
All landscaping shall be in accordance with the landscaping standards set forth in Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield related to screening and landscaping in parking lots (in Article XV); landscaping as required in the D Residential Apartment District, E Business District, F Planned Industrial District, SU Special Use District and SC Shopping Center District; and the landscaping requirements in Article XVII.[1] In addition, the following shall apply:
(1)
Street trees shall be planted along all new streets in every zoning
district; and along any existing street which abuts a subdivision
or land development site in every zoning district. In addition to
street trees, in all residential districts, at least one tree shall
be planted for each dwelling unit.
(3)
All street trees shall be a minimum of at least 3 1/2 to four
inches in caliper.
[Amended 11-10-1998 by Ord. No. 1346]
(4)
Street trees shall be planted at least three feet on the building
side of the sidewalk; but not within the street right-of-way, and
prior to installation, the developer shall obtain approval of the
Township as to their location, size, type and other characteristics.
All proposals for landscaping shall be made through the submission
of a landscaping plan.
(5)
Requirements and standards for landscaping, in addition to those specified above, shall be made: to reduce glare; to abate other nuisances; to enhance intersections of driveways and streets; to fulfill screening and other related functional purposes; to comply with general standards of § 123-25 and to fulfill the purposes of § 123-2.
(6)
Trees of twelve-inch caliper or more shall be preserved to the extent
possible and the Board of Commissioners may require the landowner
or developer to plant one tree of not less than three inches in caliper
for each tree of twelve-inch caliper or more to be destroyed.
(7)
The landowner or developer shall protect remaining trees from damage
during construction. The following procedures shall be followed in
order to so protect remaining trees:
(a)
No more than five inches of soil shall be placed around the
trunks of trees which are to remain. For those trees which are to
remain, where more than five inches of soil are to be placed, tree
wells shall be constructed to preserve such trees.
(b)
Trees to remain shall be protected by wooden slat snow fencing
placed around such trees.
(c)
No boards or other material shall be nailed to trees during
construction, and no trees shall be sprayed with bright colored paint.
(d)
Heavy equipment operators shall avoid damaging existing tree
trunks and roots. Feeder roots shall not be cut closer than 25 feet
from tree trunks.
(e)
Tree trunks and exposed roots damaged during construction shall
be protected from further damage by being pruned flush, and if trunks
are scarred they shall be traced out for proper healing.
(f)
Tree limbs damaged during construction shall be sawed flush
to tree trunks and treated with tree paints as necessary.
(g)
The operation of heavy equipment over root systems of such trees
shall be minimized in order to prevent soil compaction.
(h)
Deciduous trees shall be given a heavy application of fertilizer
to aid in their recovery from possible damage caused by construction
operations.
(i)
Construction debris shall not be disposed of near or around
the bases of such trees.
(8)
All final landscaping plans shall be accompanied by a cost estimate
prepared by the developer. The cost estimate shall be evaluated by
the Township and revised by the Township if necessary. The cost estimate
shall serve as a basis of establishing an escrow account related to
landscaping.
[Amended 3-22-2010 by Ord. No. 1505]
A.
The Board of Commissioners may require the public dedication of land
suitable for the use intended and, upon agreement with the applicant
or developer, the construction of recreational facilities, the payment
of fees in lieu thereof, the private reservation of land, or a combination,
for park or recreation purposes as a condition precedent to final
plan approval, in accordance with the following provisions:
(1)
Each application for subdivision and/or land development shall set aside and clearly identify land to be used for open space and recreational areas in accordance with Articles IV, XII, XIV and XVIII of Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield within any planned residential development, multifamily residential project in the A Residence District where the open space option is utilized, and the TND-5 Overlay District.
B.
Where the Board of Commissioners agrees with the applicant or developer that the land proposed as designated recreational area is not suitable for the use intended by reason of its size, shape, topography and/or location pursuant to Subsection D herein, the applicant or developer shall make payment of a fee in lieu of a recreational area as a condition of final plan approval. Such determination shall also be made in accordance with the following general provisions:
(1)
The calculation of the fee in lieu of a recreational area shall be set forth in detail in a resolution and shall bear a reasonable relationship to the use of the park and recreation facilities by future inhabitants of Springfield Township. Payment shall be due and payable at the time of final plan approval of the application for subdivision and/or land development or, if as a condition of final plan approval, shall be included in the required development agreement in accordance with § 123-14 of this chapter, together with posting of financial security in accordance with Section 509 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1] However, all such payments shall be made by the time of
application for building permit for each lot or dwelling unit.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10509.
(2)
All moneys paid to the Township pursuant to the provisions of this
section shall be placed in a neighborhood park and recreation development
fund to be established by the Board of Commissioners. Upon payment,
such funds shall be deposited in an interest-bearing account, clearly
identifying the specific recreational facilities for which the fee
was received. Interest earned on such account shall become funds of
the account. Said funds shall be used by the Township for the acquisition
and/or improvement of park or recreational sites and land in accordance
with the Comprehensive Plan, recognizing that funds shall be expended
only on portions of the cost incurred to acquire land or construct
or renovate the specific recreational facilities for which the funds
were collected.
C.
Unless a greater requirement is specified in another section of the
ordinances of Springfield Township, subdivisions and land developments
which provide or are intended to provide housing facilities for more
than 20 dwelling units shall provide open areas for recreation. Standards
to be used as guides in determining the space needed for recreation
shall be as follows:
Dwelling Units
|
Acres of Active Recreation Area
| |
---|---|---|
20 to 49
|
2.0
| |
50 to 74
|
3.0
| |
75 to 99
|
5.0
| |
100 to 149
|
6.0
| |
150 to 199
|
8.0
| |
200 to 249
|
10.0
| |
250 or more
|
12.0
|
D.
The determination of the suitability of land which is acceptable
for dedication or use for recreational areas shall include its overall
size, shape, location and natural features and shall also be based
on the following criteria:
(2)
The land shall be easily accessible to all inhabitants of the development
by virtue of at least one side of each parcel of land abutting an
existing or proposed street for a minimum distance of 50 feet.
(3)
The land shall be located so that it serves all inhabitants of the
subdivision or land development.
(4)
Areas set aside for recreational purposes shall be reasonably compact
and contiguous parcels that are not excessively irregular in shape
or configuration.
(5)
The shape of the land shall be suitable to accommodate those park
or recreational activities appropriate to the location and needs of
the residents or expected users of the development.
(6)
Such land shall have an average slope of less than 8%. Active recreational
areas shall be graded and constructed to serve as playfields, playgrounds,
tot-lots and the like.
(7)
Soil and drainage shall be suitable for the intended park or recreational
uses.
(8)
Provisions shall be made for vehicular parking so that any site can be adequately served and accessed pursuant to § 123-32 of this chapter.
(9)
Provisions shall be made for sidewalks, trails, footpaths, bicycle
paths, crosswalks and other pedestrian circulation systems and accessways.
A.
In addition to all standards set forth in Article XIII of Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield pertaining to the Flood Hazard District, and Article XIIIA of Chapter 20[1] of the Code pertaining to permits in the Floodplain District
the following shall apply:
(1)
The finished elevation of any proposed streets shall be no less than
at the regulatory flood level elevation.
(2)
All bridges, culverts and other drainage openings shall be so designed
and constructed that they are capable of withstanding the pressures
of the floodwaters generated by a one-hundred-year flood and are capable
of accommodating the natural flow of the floodwaters without creating
additional hazards through obstruction.
(3)
All sanitary sewer systems located in any Flood Hazard District shall
be floodproofed up to the regulatory flood elevation. No part of any
on-site sewage disposal system shall be located within any Flood Hazard
District.
(4)
All water systems located in any Flood Hazard District shall be floodproofed
up to the regulatory flood elevation.
(5)
All other public and private utilities located in any Flood Hazard
District shall be floodproofed up to the regulatory flood elevation.
(6)
No proposed development shall alter the existing location or capacity
of any channel, floodway, watercourse, drainage ditch or any drainage
facility in any Flood Hazard District, unless the applicant satisfies
the Board of Commissioners that:
(a)
Such alteration has been approved by the Department of Environmental
Resources.
[Amended 2-8-1994 by Ord. No. 1300]
(b)
Notification of such proposed alteration has been given to adjacent
municipalities with a reasonable opportunity to comment.
(c)
A copy of such notification has been mailed to the Federal Emergency
Management Administration and to the Department of Community Affairs.
(d)
Such alteration does not increase potential flood levels or
flood hazards in any way.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Ch. 20, Building Code, Part 1, General Regulations, adopted 12-17-1931 by Ord. No. 70, as amended, was repealed 10-13-1998 by Ord. No. 1345, and Part 2, BOCA National Building Code, adopted 8-14-1979 by Ord. No. 1012, as amended, was repealed 6-8-2004 by Ord. No. 1418. See now Ch. 134, Uniform Construction Code.
B.
Where any subdivision or land development lies partially or completely
within a Flood Hazard District, all preliminary and final plans shall
show the following:
(1)
The elevation of the one-hundred-year flood in relation to the elevation
of proposed streets, sidewalks, utilities, buildings, building sites,
parking lots, bridges, culverts and other required or proposed improvements
and structures.
(2)
The elevation of the regulatory flood level in relation to the proposed
streets, sidewalks, utilities, buildings, building sites, parking
lots, bridges, culverts and other required or proposed improvements
and structures.
[Added 1-11-1994 by Ord. No. 1294]
A.
Purposes. The purpose of this section is to expand upon the community development objectives associated with environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources expressed in Article I, § 143-3, of Chapter 143, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Springfield and to complement the provisions in Article XVIII of Chapter 143, Zoning, relating to open space. Further, the provisions of this section are designed to encourage the sensitive treatment of hillsides and their related soil and vegetation resources in an effort to minimize adverse environmental impacts. The following objectives serve to complement these specific purposes and the overall purposes of this district:
(1)
To conserve and protect steep and very steep slopes from inappropriate
development, such as excessive grading, land form alteration and extensive
vegetation removal.
(2)
To avoid potential hazards to property and the disruption of
ecological balance which may be caused by increased runoff, flooding,
soil erosion and sedimentation, blasting and ripping of rock and landslide
and soil failure.
(3)
To encourage the use of steep and very steep slopes for open
space and other uses which are compatible with the preservation of
natural resources and protection of areas of environmental concern.
B.
General provisions.
(1)
Compliance. No area within the Steep Slope Conservation District
shall hereafter be used without full compliance with the terms of
this section and other applicable regulations.
(2)
Preservation of other restrictions. It is not intended by this
section to repeal, abrogate or impair any regulations set forth in
any other regulations of this chapter or any easements, covenants
or deed restrictions, except that where this section imposes greater
restrictions, its provisions shall prevail. Further, nothing contained
in this section shall diminish in any way the provisions of the Clean
Streams Law[1] and/or Chapter 102 of the Department of Environmental Resources Rules and Regulations or any other applicable state, federal, county or Township regulations, codes, ordinances and the like.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.
(3)
Boundary definition and mapping.
(a)
The Steep Slope Conservation District is comprised of areas
of steep and very steep slopes, as shown on the Springfield Township
Steep Slope Conservation District Map dated June 25, 1985, which is
incorporated herein by reference thereto.[2] The map constitutes only a general representation of steep and very steep slopes, based on the analysis of the contours displayed on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Quadrangle for Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. As such, refined mapping will be required to more accurately define the district, as specified in Subsection B(3)(e) below.
[2]
Editor's Note: The Steep Slope Conservation District
Map is on file in the Township offices.
(b)
Areas of steep slope are characterized by a change in elevation
from 15% to 25% over a specified distance or contour interval.
(c)
Areas of very steep slope are characterized by a change in elevation
greater than 25% over a specified distance or contour interval.
(d)
The Steep Slope Conservation District Map shall be considered
as an overlay to the Springfield Township Zoning Map,[3] subject to the following:
[1]
The district shall have no effect on the permitted uses in the underlying zoning district, except where said uses, intended to be located within the boundaries of the district, are in conflict with the permitted uses set forth in Subsection C.
[2]
In those areas of the Township where the district applies, the
requirements of the district shall supersede the requirements of the
underlying zoning district(s).
[3]
Should the district boundaries be revised as a result of judicial
decision, the zoning requirements applicable to the area in question
shall revert to the requirements of the underlying zoning district(s)
without consideration of this section.
[3]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is on file in the Township
offices.
(e)
Interpretation of district boundaries.
[1]
The applicant shall use an actual field topographic survey as
the source of contour information and the basis for depicting steep
and very steep slopes as described below.
[2]
The Steep Slope Conservation District Map, based on the ten-foot contour interval from the United States Geological Survey, shall be used as a general guide for determining the boundaries of the district. In any application for subdivision and/or land development, the applicant shall, using two-foot contours as required in Chapter 123, Subdivision and Land Development, delineate slopes from 15% to 25% and greater than 25%. However, for the purposes of this section, such slopes shall be delineated on the basis of three consecutive contour intervals or a six-foot cumulative vertical change in grade.
[3]
Once delineated, the mapping of the applicant will be reviewed
by the Township Engineer. The applicant will be required to follow
all regulations of this section for those areas which reflect steep
slope and very steep slope conditions as determined through the Township
Engineer's review.
C.
Use regulations. The following uses shall be permitted in the Steep
Slope Conservation District:
(1)
Areas of very steep slope (greater than 25%).
(b)
Uses permitted if a waiver and/or modification is granted pursuant to § 123-54.
[1]
Conservation and recreation uses requiring structures.
[2]
Agricultural structures and cultivation.
[3]
Proposed utilities, easements and rights-of-way.
[4]
Accessory uses customarily incidental to any of the foregoing.
[5]
Roads and driveways only when no viable alternative alignment
or location is feasible, provided that such roads and driveways are
aligned predominantly parallel to the contours.
[6]
Uses permitted in the underlying zoning district.
D.
Application procedure. All applications for any use of land within
the Steep Slope Conservation District shall include the submission
of the following materials and information:
(1)
Plans drawn to a scale of at least one inch equals 50 feet,
sealed by a registered professional engineer and depicting the following:
(a)
The location, dimensions and elevation of the property.
(b)
Existing and proposed uses and development.
(c)
Existing and proposed contours at two-foot intervals.
(d)
The location and boundaries of steep slopes and very steep slopes.
(e)
Typical cross sections and elevations of the property and proposed
structures at intervals prescribed by the Township Engineer.
(f)
Existing land cover characteristics of that portion of the property
within the Steep Slope Conservation District indicating wooded areas,
open areas and their ground cover type and any areas with impervious
surfaces. The modifications proposed to the existing land cover shall
also be indicated.
(g)
Photographs showing existing uses, vegetation and topography
of areas within the Steep Slope Conservation District.
(h)
A report describing the slope, soil and vegetation characteristics of that portion of the property within the subject district. Such report shall also describe the proposed type and methods of proposed building construction, the type of foundation system(s) to be employed and proposals for landscaping, sewage disposal and water supply. Further, the report shall describe all sediment and erosion control measures to be used as required by Springfield Township, the Department of Environmental Resources and/or the Delaware County Conservation District, all measures to be undertaken to comply with Chapter 39, Excavation and Filling of Ground, and any and all additional engineering and conservation techniques designed to alleviate environmental impacts which may be created by proposed development activities.
E.
Information required to accompany a request for a waiver and/or modification under § 123-54.
(1)
In addition to the information described in § 123-54 pertaining to waivers and/or modifications, the Board of Commissioners shall require a written report addressing the following:
(2)
Any application for a waiver under § 123-54 shall also provide evidence that:
(a)
The Steep Slope Conservation District is being proposed for
development since no other alternative location is feasible or practical.
(b)
Earthmoving activities and vegetation removal will be conducted
only to the extent necessary to accommodate proposed uses and structures
and in a manner that will not cause excessive surface water runoff,
erosion, sedimentation and unstable soil conditions.
(c)
Mitigation techniques will be utilized, including but not limited
to retaining walls, tree wells, the establishment of ground covers
and/or low spreading shrubs, the use of erosion control fabric and
the like. Such techniques shall be evidenced through the submission
of plans and construction details which depict, delineate and otherwise
describe the land development proposal.
(d)
Proposed buildings and structures will be of sound engineering
design and footings will be designed in response to the site's
slope, soil and bedrock characteristics. Such design shall be evidenced
through the submission of plans and construction details which depict,
delineate and otherwise describe the land development proposal.