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Township of Franklin, PA
Chester County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 701]
1. 
The following principles, standards, and requirements shall be applied by the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission when evaluating plans for proposed subdivision and land development.
2. 
The standards set forth in Chapter 27, Zoning, for the particular district in which the subdivision or land development is taking place shall govern the layout and size of lots, design of buildings, parking lot requirements, and requirements for other facilities.
3. 
The standards and requirements outlined herein shall be considered minimum standards and requirements for the promotion of public health, safety, and general welfare.
4. 
Where it can be clearly demonstrated by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors that, because of peculiar conditions pertaining to a tract of land the literal enforcement of these standards would cause undue hardship, such variations from their literal interpretation may be permitted as may be reasonable and consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter.
5. 
Whenever other Township, county, state or federal regulations impose more restrictive standards and requirements than those contained herein, such other regulations shall be observed. Where there are no standards or requirements, improvements and facilities shall be constructed in accordance with specifications furnished by the Township Engineer.
6. 
As a condition to review of a final plan by the Board of Supervisors and the Township Planning Commission, the applicant shall agree to the installation of all improvements and facilities required by the plan or required by this chapter. The applicant shall further agree that all improvements and facilities shall be installed at their expense.
7. 
The provisions of Part 7, §§ 22-702 through 22-724, of this chapter do not apply to normal agricultural operations that are subject to and governed by state laws and regulatory programs that impose requirements to protect environmental and natural resources; however, an agricultural operation proposing land development must provide proof to the Township of any and all permits and plans required under those programs, including, as applicable, a manure management plan, a nutrient management plan, and/or a mushroom farm environmental management plan. Notwithstanding, any land development proposed for a normal agricultural operation shall comply with §§ 22-714, 22-715, 22-719 and 22-722 of this chapter.
[Added by Ord. 2016-02, 4/20/2016]
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 702]
1. 
The proposed street pattern shall be properly aligned to existing streets, and shall conform to such Township, county and state road and highway plans as have been prepared and adopted, including recorded subdivision plans and the Township Comprehensive Plan.
2. 
Streets shall be arranged in a manner to meet with the approval of the Board of Supervisors, with consideration for both existing and planned streets. Residential and local streets shall be laid out to discourage their use as collector streets. The provision for street connection into and from adjacent areas will generally be required.
3. 
Streets shall be adjusted to the natural contour of land so as to create usable lots, driveways, and streets of reasonable grade, alignment and drainage, and to provide for adequate sight distance.
4. 
Where resulting lots within a subdivision are on sufficient land area to permit further subdivision and development, adequate street rights-of-way to permit safe and efficient access shall be provided.
5. 
Where a subdivision abuts an existing or proposed collector or arterial road, the Board of Supervisors may require dedication of additional right-of-way as specified hereinafter, as well as alternative access design be incorporated, including reverse frontage lots, marginal access streets, rear service alleys, or other treatment which limits the number of new intersections along the collector or arterial road and separates local traffic from through traffic.
6. 
The dedication of half streets at the edges of new subdivisions is prohibited. New half or partial streets shall not be approved, except where essential for reasonable subdivision of a tract in conformance with the other requirements of this chapter. Adequate provision for concurrent dedication of the remaining half of the street must be furnished by the applicant before any partial or half street is approved. Where there exists a half street in an adjoining subdivision or land development, the remaining half shall be provided by the proposed development.
7. 
Dead-end streets shall be prohibited except when approved as extensions to permit future access into adjoining tracts, or when designed as culs-de-sac.
8. 
All streets shall be classified and designed according to their function as either a local residential street, a collector street, an arterial street, a private street or a nonresidential street. The design of all streets shall be in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
9. 
Where a proposed subdivision or land development directly impacts the existing street system, creating additional traffic, drainage or other problems or conditions, the Township may require the applicant to make improvements to the existing street system, at the applicant's expense. To alleviate such impacts, adverse impacts will be as determined by a traffic impact study and/or the Township Engineer.
10. 
Where streets and other public improvements continue into adjoining municipalities, evidence of compatibility of design, particularly with regard to street width, shall be submitted. The applicant shall coordinate such design with both municipalities to avoid abrupt changes in cartway width or in improvements provided.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 703]
1. 
Cul-de-sac streets, designed as such, shall not serve as access to more than 13 lots or dwelling units, unless special conditions warrant approval by the Board of Supervisors. Cul-de-sac streets shall be a minimum of 250 feet in length, and should be limited to a maximum length of 600 feet.
2. 
Cul-de-sac streets shall be provided at the closed end with a paved turnaround having a minimum radius to the outer pavement edge of 40 feet. Right-of-way in the turnaround area shall have a minimum radius of 50 feet.
3. 
The minimum radius at the pavement edge where the cartway and turnaround area intersect shall be 35 feet.
4. 
Where feasible, drainage on cul-de-sac streets shall be toward the open end.
5. 
Unless future extension of a cul-de-sac is considered clearly impractical and undesirable, the turnaround right-of-way shall be placed adjacent to the property line, or a right-of-way of the same width as the street shall be carried to the boundary of the subdivision.
6. 
There shall be a maximum of four lots containing accesses along the turnaround portion of a cul-de-sac.
7. 
At such future time that a cul-de-sac street is extended, the turnaround portion of the cul-de-sac shall be removed and vegetatively restabilized.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 704]
1. 
All materials entering into the construction of streets and the methods of construction and drainage shall conform to the specifications of this section, and to the applicable requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Form 408, latest revision, and be approved by the Township Engineer prior to acceptance by the Board of Supervisors.
2. 
Subgrade.
A. 
The bottom of the excavation and the top of the fill between the outer limits of the paving will be known as the subgrade and shall conform to the lines, grades and cross-sections given.
B. 
The subgrade shall be solidly compacted to a firm and unyielding state by rolling with a minimum ten-ton roller in uniform layers not exceeding eight inches thick.
C. 
Unstable areas shall be removed and replaced with suitable fill and then rerolled.
D. 
Unsuitable wet areas shall be permanently drained and stabilized.
E. 
Backfill of trenches within the outer limits of paving shall be thoroughly compacted in maximum eight-inch lifts prior to application of the base course.
F. 
Whenever possible, the subgrade shall be in cut or undisturbed subsoil. In no case shall the subgrade consist of topsoil or frozen material. All deleterious material, such as tree roots, leaves, branches, trash, stone, construction debris, etc., shall be removed from the subgrade.
G. 
Compaction of the subgrade and trenches shall be to 95% density at the optimum moisture content. Density testing shall be performed by a Pennsylvania registered soil scientist or professional engineer. Testing shall be the applicant's responsibility and shall be at the applicant's expense. The results of all testing shall be supplied to the Township Engineer for review and approval prior to placement of the base course.
3. 
Curbs.
A. 
Curbs shall be required to be installed to facilitate stormwater runoff on proposed streets. Where no curb is provided, if determined acceptable by the Board of Supervisors, there shall be a stabilized shoulder provided as specified in § 22-709.
B. 
Curbs shall be installed along both sides of the street. Curbs may be either the vertical type or roller curb type along cartway grades of 7% or less. Curbs shall be of the vertical type on streets whose grade exceeds 7%. The transition from one type to another shall be made only at street intersections. All curbs shall be built in accordance with the latest PennDOT standards.
C. 
The depressed curb at driveway intersections shall be designed to allow safe vehicular access, and shall be no higher than 1 1/2 inches above the street surface. The maximum length of any single section of depressed curb shall be 35 feet, with a minimum distance of 15 feet between depressed curb segments.
D. 
Excavations shall be made to the required depth, and the material upon which the curb is to be constructed shall be compacted to a firm, even surface.
E. 
Curbs shall be constructed of Class A cement concrete as specified in PennDOT Publication 408, latest revision.
4. 
Base.
A. 
The base shall consist of a minimum compacted thickness of six inches of crushed stone, Type 2A modified.
B. 
The base will be inspected by the Township Engineer for lines, grades, crown, contour and compaction prior to any succeeding courses being placed. Compaction testing will be done utilizing a fully loaded, 20-ton dump truck, supplied by the contractor. Areas of the base which are soft or move will be removed, replaced and retested.
C. 
No base material shall be placed on a wet or frozen subgrade.
5. 
Crown. The crown in any street shall be at a slope of 2% from the center line.
6. 
Bituminous Surface Courses.
A. 
Pavement shall consist of two courses: a binder course and a wearing course.
B. 
A prime course meeting the requirements of PennDOT Publication 408, latest revision, for bituminous prime coat, shall be placed over the base course after acceptance of the base course by the Township Engineer. In no case shall the prime course be placed over a frozen, saturated or excessively dirt-laden base course.
C. 
A binder course consisting of a minimum compacted thickness of 4 1/2 inches of bituminous concrete materials meeting the requirements of PennDOT Publication 408, latest revision, for bituminous binder course (Standard) ID-2, shall be placed over the prime course, after acceptance of the prime course by the Township Engineer. The binder course is to be placed in two equal lifts.
D. 
A wearing course, consisting of a minimum compacted thickness of 1 1/2 inches of bituminous concrete materials meeting the requirements of PennDOT Publication 408, latest revision, for bituminous wearing course (Standard) ID-2, shall be placed over the binder course, after acceptance of the binder course by the Township Engineer. In no case shall the wearing course be applied over a frozen, saturated or excessively dirt-laden binder course. If the wearing course is not placed the same day as the binder course, a tack coat meeting the specifications of PennDOT Publication 408, latest revision, shall be applied over the entire binder course just prior to placement of the wearing course.
E. 
After application of the wearing course, all joints at inlets, manholes, existing streets, driveways, etc., shall be sealed with a PennDOT approved joint sealer.
7. 
Cut-and-Fill Operations. Cut-and-fill operations shall not result in a slope which exceeds two feet horizontal to one foot vertical from the limit of the curb or shoulder to the edge of the right-of-way.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 705; as amended by Ord. 2008-05, 11/19/2008, § 1]
1. 
Minimum street right-of-way and paved cartway widths shall be as follows, except that the street design standards for a TND shall be as outlined in § 27-903:
Type of Street
Cartway
(feet)
Right-of-Way
(feet)
Local-residential
24
50
Local-nonresidential
28
50
Collector
28
60
Arterial
32
80
Private street
18
50
2. 
Additional right-of-way and cartway widths may be required by the Board of Supervisors for the following purposes:
A. 
To promote public safety and convenience.
B. 
To provide parking space in commercial, industrial and high-density residential areas.
C. 
When cut/fill slopes extend beyond the standard right-of-way widths as outlined above, right-of-way widths shall be increased to include all cut/fill slopes within the right-of-way.
D. 
In cases where the potential exists, due to further subdivision, for the level of traffic on a road to increase, additional right-of-way widths may be required so that a higher-level road can ultimately be built.
3. 
When a subdivision fronts on an existing road having a right-of-way of less than the minimum width prescribed by this chapter, an ultimate right-of-way line shall be established. The width of such ultimate right-of-way shall be equal to 1/2 the total prescribed right-of-way, measured from the center line of the cartway. The area between the existing and ultimate rights-of-way shall be offered for dedication.
4. 
The minimum widths for right-of-way and paving shall not be less than those of an existing street of which the new street is to be a continuation.
5. 
Rights-of-way of lesser width than prescribed in this section shall not be permitted.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 706]
1. 
All changes in the horizontal alignment of streets shall be made by horizontal curves. Minimum center-line radii for horizontal curves shall be as follows:
Type of Street
Minimum Center-Line Radii
(feet)
Local
150
All others
500
2. 
There shall be a tangent of at least 100 feet measured at the center line between reverse curves.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 707]
1. 
Center-line grades shall not be less than 1%.
2. 
In addition to the street design standards for TND Districts found in § 27-903, center-line grades shall not be more than the following:
Type of Street
Maximum Grade
Local-residential
10%
Local-nonresidential
7%
Collector
7%
Arterial
7%
Private
10%
3. 
Vertical curves shall be used at changes of grade exceeding 1% and shall be designed to provide at least minimum sight distances in accordance with AASHTO Standards, as found in the latest edition of AASHTO's A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.
4. 
The minimum length of vertical curve shall be 100 feet.
5. 
A combination of minimum radius for horizontal curve and maximum grade shall not be approved.
6. 
The grade within 75 feet of any side of an intersection or the outer perimeter of the turnaround area of a cul-de-sac street shall not exceed 4%. The grade shall be measured on the center line.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 708]
1. 
Streets shall be designed to intersect at right angles whenever practical, particularly where streets will intersect arterial streets. There shall be no intersection angle, measured at the center line, of less than 60°.
2. 
No more than two streets shall cross at the same points. When existing streets intersect at odd angles, or have more than four approaches, the applicant shall be required to make corrective changes to eliminate odd angles or reduce the number of approaches to the intersection by curving the lesser street.
3. 
Streets entering opposite sides of another street shall be laid out directly opposite one another wherever possible. Where intersections are to be separated, the minimum distance between intersections shall be as follows:
Type of Street Being Intersected
Minimum Distance
(feet)
Local-residential
200
Local-nonresidential
400
Collector
400
Arterial
800
Private
200
4. 
Whenever possible, streets entering on the same side of a collector or arterial street shall be separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet, as measured from center line to center line.
5. 
A minimum clear sight triangle shall be maintained at all intersections. No building, tree, hedge or other obstruction shall be permitted in this area. Any obstruction within the sight triangle shall be removed at the time the street is graded. At the intersections of local roads, a minimum clear sight triangle of 75 feet shall be provided along the local roads. At the intersections of collector or arterial streets, minimum sight triangles shall be provided in accordance with PennDOT standards, but in no case shall be less than 400 feet.
6. 
Street intersections shall be rounded at the pavement edge and right-of-way lines as listed below. Where two types of streets intersect, the radii for the widest street shall apply.
Type of Street Being Intersected
Minimum Radius of Pavement Edge
(feet)
Minimum Radius of Right-of-Way Line
(feet)
Local-residential
25
15
Local-nonresidential
30
20
Collector
30
20
Arterial
40
20
Private
25
15
The curb radii requirement may be increased by the Board of Supervisors as is suitable to the specific intersection.
7. 
Acceleration and deceleration lanes may be required at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors along any street.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 709]
1. 
In those cases where the use of shoulders is deemed acceptable by the Board, there shall be a minimum of six-foot shoulder provided on each side of the cartway.
2. 
Shoulders shall have a slope of 6% away from the edge of paving.
3. 
Shoulders shall consist of a minimum compacted thickness of four inches of crushed stone, Type 2A modified.
4. 
All shoulders shall be topped with four inches of topsoil, then seeded or sodded.
5. 
The shoulders will be inspected by the Township Engineer for lines, grades, crown, contour and compaction prior to placement of the topsoil. Compaction testing will be done utilizing a fully loaded, 20-ton dump truck supplied by the contractor. Areas of the shoulder which are soft or move will be removed, replaced and retested.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 710; as amended by Ord. 2008-05, 11/19/2008, § 1]
1. 
Sidewalks may be required to be installed at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors to facilitate pedestrian movement. Sidewalks shall be a logical extension of any existing sidewalk system.
2. 
Where required, sidewalks shall be installed along at least one side of the street. Sidewalks shall be placed within the right-of-way lines, parallel to the cartway edge and a minimum distance of three feet off of the cartway edge. All sidewalks shall be concrete, brick, or approved equal.
3. 
Sidewalks shall be a minimum of four feet six inches in width. All sidewalks shall be built in accordance with the latest Form 408 PennDOT specifications and American with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., (ADA) standards.
4. 
The minimum section for concrete sidewalks shall be a minimum of four inches of minimum 3,000 psi concrete placed on a minimum of four inches, after compaction, of crushed stone, Type 2A modified. The minimum section shall be increased at driveway crossings to a minimum of six inches of minimum 3,000 psi concrete placed on a minimum of six inches, after compaction, of crushed stone, Type 2A modified.
5. 
At all street intersections and other points as necessary, sidewalks shall be provided with a handicap ramp in accordance with PennDOT standards.
6. 
To facilitate access to open spaces and other community facilities, the Board may require installation of walkways outside of the street rights-of-way. In such cases, the walkways shall be installed with a macadam surface with adequate base material. The Board may accept a natural walkway surface such as mulch in environmentally sensitive areas. In all such cases, walkways outside of public rights-of-way shall be installed in community open space or within easements. Community association documents shall provide for perpetual maintenance of walkways outside public rights-of-way.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 711]
All subdivisions and land developments shall provide street lighting in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 27, Zoning.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 712]
1. 
Continuation of existing streets shall be known by the same name. Names for new streets shall not duplicate or closely resemble names of existing streets within the Township or within the same post office district. The Board of Supervisors may reject street names and suggest alternate names.
2. 
Sign posts and name plates shall be approved by the Board of Supervisors. Signs shall be placed at street intersections within the street right-of-way, but a minimum of three feet from the cartway edge. Signs shall be visible from all directions when approaching an intersection.
3. 
Standard traffic control signs shall be required for all streets within a subdivision or land development and shall be the responsibility of the applicant. The proposed location of all signs shall be shown on the preliminary and final plan.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 713]
1. 
Private streets shall be prohibited within subdivisions, unless it is determined by the Board that a public street is impractical due to the size and physical constraints of the tract, and proper maintenance of all improvements is guaranteed by the developer or homeowner organization. In such cases, the Board may require such conditions as will, in its judgment, secure substantially the objectives of this chapter and the Comprehensive Plan.
2. 
Private streets shall comply with all design standards of Part 7.
3. 
There shall be a note included on each preliminary and final plan indicating those streets which are not intended for dedication, and identifying ownership, access rights, and maintenance responsibilities for the private street. The same shall become a part of the deed to affected lots.
4. 
Private streets shall not be offered for dedication unless they first meet all public street design standards.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 714; as amended by Ord. 2008-05, 11/19/2008, § 1; by Ord. 2011-03, 3/16/2011, § 1; and by Ord. 2013-04, 12/18/2013, §§ 5, 6]
1. 
Private driveways shall be located in accordance with § 22-611, Subsection 4, but not less than 40 feet from the end of the radius of the ultimate or proposed right-of-way line at the intersection of streets.
2. 
That portion of a private driveway within 25 feet of the street right-of-way line shall be paved and not exceed 4% grade. The portion of a private driveway beyond 25 feet of the right-of-way line of a street shall not exceed a 12% grade. The grade requirements for uncurbed shoulders within the right-of-way shall be approved by the Township Engineer and/or PennDOT.
3. 
The paved section shall consist of a minimum of six inches of crushed stone, Type 2A modified, overlaid with a minimum compacted thickness of two inches of bituminous concrete materials meeting the requirements of PennDOT Publication 408, latest revision, for bituminous wearing course (Standard) ID-2. The remainder of the driveway may be constructed of any suitable stone or paving material.
4. 
All driveways shall be located, designed and constructed in such a manner as to prevent increased runoff and any erosion and sediment pollution onto public roads. Driveway runoff and erosion control design shall be in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 19, Stormwater Management.
5. 
Roadside Swales. Adequate provision for runoff at the intersection of driveways and streets shall be provided in order to maintain uninterrupted flow in roadside swales. The driveway may be designed using either a swale or a pipe to convey runoff past the driveway. The driveway crossings shall comply with the standards of Chapter 19, Stormwater Management.
6. 
Not more than two driveways shall be permitted to any single property, tract or business establishment. Except that lots fronting on Routes 896 or 841 shall comply with the design standards of § 27-1806. Lots with frontages of 100 feet or less shall be limited to one driveway.
7. 
The Board of Supervisors shall have the authority to approve driveways intended for the use of two or more families, multiple-family developments, commercial and industrial proposals where usage by the occupants constitutes essentially a private street. Driveways serving as private streets shall not be dedicated to the Township, nor does the Township assume any responsibility for their maintenance.
8. 
The Township incorporates by reference the standards for driveways contained in Title 67, Chapter 441, of the Pennsylvania Code, as amended, insofar as it is consistent with this chapter.
9. 
When flag lots abut each other at a common street line, or in other situations considered appropriate by the Board of Supervisors, a common driveway shall be utilized for access to the lots.
10. 
If a subdivision will result in an unacceptable number or arrangement of driveways, the Township may require the property owner to enter into access covenants.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 715]
All subdivisions and land development proposals shall provide for off-street parking in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 27, Zoning. All parking facilities shall be physically separated from the cartway by a minimum of six feet.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 716]
Bridges and culverts shall be designed to meet the current Pennsylvania Department of Transportation standards. Bridges and culverts must be designed to carry appropriate design load as required by PennDOT. Bridges must also be designed to pass the 100-year storm without overtopping. Bridges and culverts shall be constructed to the full width of the cartway and shoulders of the road. All applicable permits from other agencies, including PennDOT, the Department of Environment Protection, the Army Corps of Engineers, etc., must be obtained for any proposed construction.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 717]
1. 
Survey monuments shall be placed by a Pennsylvania registered professional land surveyor at all corners, angle points and the beginning and ending of curves involving:
A. 
All boundaries of the original tract being subdivided.
B. 
The right-of-way line, ultimate or proposed, of all streets.
Monuments shall be constructed of stone or concrete. Permanent reference monuments shall be of cast concrete or durable stone 20 inches deep by four inches by four inches.
2. 
The center line of all new streets shall be marked with spikes and referenced to permanent monuments.
3. 
All lots and any intermediate points along the tract, boundary, proposed, or ultimate right-of-way lines shall be staked by a Pennsylvania registered professional land surveyor when final grading is completed. All lot corner stakes shall be permanently located and shall be a metal pin with a minimum diameter of one inch and a minimum length of 24 inches.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 718; as amended by Ord. 2013-04, 12/18/2013, § 7]
Refer to Chapter 19, Stormwater Management.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 719; as amended by Ord. 2002-04, 2/21/2002, § III; and by Ord. 2013-04, 12/18/2013, § 7]
Refer to Chapter 19, Stormwater Management.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 720; as amended by Ord. 2013-04, 12/18/2013, § 7]
Refer to Chapter 19, Stormwater Management.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 721; as amended by Ord. 2013-04, 12/18/2013, § 7]
Refer to Chapter 19, Stormwater Management.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 722; as amended by Ord. 2002-04, 2/21/2002, § III]
1. 
All sewage disposal systems within the Township shall conform to the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the regulations of the Chester County Health Department. Their installation shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
2. 
Each property shall be connected to a public sewer system, if accessible. Where the public sewer is not yet accessible but is planned for extension to the subdivision, the subdivider shall install sewer lines, including lateral connections as may be necessary, to provide adequate service to each lot when connection with the sewer system is made. The sewer lines shall be suitably capped until sewers are provided. On-site disposal facilities shall also be provided in the interim. Design of a capped sewer system shall be subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Township.
3. 
Sanitary sewers shall be designed and constructed in strict accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection standards and Township specifications. A copy of the approval of such system shall be submitted with the final plan.
4. 
Sanitary sewers shall not be used to carry stormwater.
5. 
All lots which cannot be connected to a public or community sanitary sewage disposal system in operation at the time of construction of a principal building shall be provided with an on-site sanitary sewage disposal system.
6. 
If on-site sanitary sewage disposal facilities are to be utilized, the Township Planning Commission may require that the subdivider submit a feasibility report. Such report shall compare the cost of providing on-site facilities and the cost of public sanitary sewer system with a sewage treatment plant. Based on the analysis of this report, the Township may require the installation of a public sanitary sewer system or capped sewer.
7. 
The proposed site for a sewage disposal facility shall be shown on the preliminary plan for each lot. The site location shall meet or exceed the minimum isolation distances design standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Chester County Health Department. All facilities shall be constructed at locations and grades shown on the approved final plan.
8. 
The proposed method of sanitary sewage disposal shall be in accordance with Franklin Township's officially adopted Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan.
9. 
Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall show evidence of obtaining an installation permit for sewage facilities from the Chester County Health Department.
10. 
Sanitary Sewage Disposal Systems.
A. 
Sanitary sewage disposal systems shall be provided consistent with the design standards and requirements contained in this chapter.
B. 
Whenever a subdivider proposes that individual on-site sanitary sewage disposal systems shall be utilized within the subdivision, the subdivider shall either install such a facility approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, or shall guarantee (by deed restriction or otherwise), as a condition of the sale of each lot or parcel within the subdivision, that such facilities will be installed by the purchaser of such lot or parcel.
C. 
In all other cases, the subdivider shall provide a complete community or public sanitary sewage disposal system. The design and installation of such public system shall be subject to the approval of the Township Engineer, the Township Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. The design and installation of such a community distribution system shall be subject to the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and such systems shall be further subject to satisfactory provisions for the maintenance thereof.
D. 
Where studies by the Township Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors indicate that construction or extensions of sanitary trunk sewers to serve the property being subdivided appears probable within a reasonably short time (up to 10 years), the Township Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors shall require the installation and capping of sanitary sewer mains and house connections, in addition to the installation of temporary individual, on-site sanitary sewage disposal systems. It shall, however, be the responsibility of the Township to supervise the design and connection of such sewers to the trunk sewers.
11. 
On-Site Sewage Disposal.
A. 
Each lot to be served by an individual on-site sewage disposal system shall be of a size and shape to accommodate the necessary length of leach fields at a safe distance from the proposed building(s) and other facilities in accordance with the regulations of the Township, the Chester County Health Department, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and shall be so plotted. On-site sewage disposal systems shall be located upon the same parcel as the use which is served by the system.
B. 
Soil percolation tests shall be conducted for all subdivisions wherein building(s) at the time of construction will not be connected to a public or community sanitary sewage disposal system in operation. Soil percolation tests shall be made in accordance with the procedure required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Chester County Health Department, by either a registered sanitarian or a sewage enforcement officer, at a rate of not less than one per lot. All test locations must be within 10 feet of the final leach field location.
C. 
The backfilling of all percolation test pits on the tract shall be accomplished within one calendar day after the test has been conducted.
D. 
Replacement Areas for On-Site Systems. Where lots are to be served by on-site sewage facilities, both a primary and replacement area for the sewage disposal facilities shall be identified on the plan. No construction or paving shall be permitted on the primary or replacement sewage disposal areas, and the final subdivision or land development plan shall note this deed restriction. Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with the procedure of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Chester County Health Department. In the case of replacement areas, minimal soil testing, i.e., test pits only, may be permitted at the discretion of the Sewage Enforcement Officer.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000, § 723; as amended by Ord. 2004-10, 10/20/2004, § 2]
1. 
Intent; Interpretation.
A. 
It is the intent of the Township through this section and the Township's other ordinances governing the provision and distribution of water within the Township (the "Township's Water Ordinances") to ensure that potable water supply facilities within the Township are: (1) constructed to the highest possible engineering and construction standards utilizing superior quality materials and systems; and (2) of a type and in locations that: (a) promote the best possible utilization of water resources available to the Township; (b) protect and provide for the health, safety and welfare of Township residents; (c) provide the highest possible water quality; (d) are consistent with and promote the purpose and community development objectives of Chapter 27, Zoning; and (e) are consistent with and promote the goals and provisions of the Township's Comprehensive Plan, the Chester County Comprehensive Plan (known as "Landscapes") and the Chester County Water Resources Plan (known as "Watersheds").
B. 
In accordance with § 503(10) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10503(10), it is the further intent of the Township that new developments include adequate provisions for a reliable, safe and adequate water supply to support the intended uses within the capacity of available groundwater resources within the Township, and that the density of new developments be feasible and sustainable based on the quantity of groundwater available in the Township generally and on the development site in particular.
C. 
Words and phrases used in this section defined in § 22-202 of this chapter and § 27-202 of Chapter 27, Zoning, both as amended from time to time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, shall have the meanings set forth therein. All other words and phrases shall be construed according to their common and approved usage, but technical words and phrases and such others as have acquired a peculiar and appropriate meaning shall be construed according to such peculiar and appropriate meaning.
2. 
Plans and Review.
A. 
Every dwelling unit and nonresidential building on an individual lot or in a subdivision or land development shall have an adequate supply of potable water for domestic use supplied by a Township water supply system (as defined in § 22-202).
B. 
The proposed type of and location for each Township water supply system, including individual on-site wells, shall be shown on the preliminary plan.
C. 
The Township Planning Commission may require that the developer of any property within the Township submit a feasibility report. Such report shall compare the costs of providing, operating and maintaining the various types of Township water supply systems for the proposed development.
D. 
Plans and calculations for the water source, pressure maintenance, uninterrupted quality assurance, and hookups shall be submitted to the Township Planning Commission and Board for review and approval during the preliminary subdivision and/or land development review.
E. 
Where a central water supply system is proposed, the developer shall present evidence with the preliminary plan to the Board that the subdivision or land development is to be supplied by a certificated public utility, the Township, a municipal authority organized by the Township or authorized by the Township to conduct business in the Township, or a bona fide association of lot or building owners.
F. 
Where a central water supply system is proposed, at the request of the Planning Commission or the Board, the final purveyor or bulk water provider, if any, or both, shall appear before the Planning Commission and the Board to present: (1) their credentials; (2) their plans for water supply for the proposed subdivision or land development and in the Township in general; (3) information about the quality, quantity, and cost of, and proposed fees or charges for, the water; (4) their plans for water supply facilities and maintenance and repair of such facilities; and (5) such other matters as may be relevant to the provision of water in the Township.
3. 
Construction.
A. 
All water supply facilities shall be constructed at locations and grades shown on the approved final plan.
B. 
Materials and construction methods shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the requirements and specifications of the Township. Construction of water supply facilities and water distribution systems shall not commence until all permits required from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in connection with such facilities and systems have been obtained and a copy of such permits have been submitted to the Township. The Township shall issue no certificates of occupancy until water supply has been provided for in accordance with this section.
C. 
Adequate and potable water supply system(s) shall be installed consistent with design principles and requirements contained in this chapter and Township specifications, which are, at a minimum and unless otherwise specified, the U.S. Public Health criteria for drinking water as established by the existing Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Act.
D. 
Where a developer proposes that individual water supply systems shall be utilized within the subdivision, the developer shall either: (1) install such facilities; or (2) guarantee to the Township the proper installation of such facilities and bind (by a method approved by the Board), as a condition of the sale of each lot or parcel within the subdivision, the purchaser to undertake such proper installation. Individual water supply systems shall be subject to the standards provided by the Chester County Health Department.
4. 
Central Water Supply Systems.
A. 
Standard. Wherever the water needs of a development within the Township, whether residential, commercial or industrial, are proposed to be met with a central water supply system, the testing for, and design and installation of, such public or community water supply system shall be subject to: (1) the approval of the Township and DEP; (2) compliance with Chapter 26, Water, Part 1, Water Wells, if applicable, and all other applicable statutes, ordinances and regulations; and (3) satisfactory provision for the operation and maintenance thereof.
B. 
Fire Protection.
(1) 
Wherever a central water supply system is provided and adequate pressure and volume can be supplied, fire hydrants suitable for the coupling of equipment serving the Township shall be installed as specified by the Insurance Services Offices of Pennsylvania. The location and number of hydrants shall be approved by the Board.
(a) 
Generally, all fire hydrants will be located on an eight-inch line. Where a dead-end line is required to contain a fire hydrant, the portion of the line between the main loop and the hydrant shall be an eight-inch minimum diameter.
(b) 
Fire hydrants shall be spaced in a development so that all proposed building(s) will be no more than 600 feet from the hydrant measured along traveled ways.
(c) 
In order to provide fire hydrants, all central water supply systems must provide a minimum of 500 gallons per minute at a residual pressure of 20 psi for a two-hour period.
(2) 
For fire protection, the Board may require that a standpipe be incorporated into existing and proposed ponds or reservoirs and an access easement be provided for emergency use.
C. 
Central Water Supply Systems. A central water supply system shall be provided for subdivisions and land developments that include multiple-family dwellings or mobile homes and where deemed appropriate by the Board. Where a central water supply system of satisfactory quantity, quality and pressure is available, connection by other multiple-family dwelling developments or mobile home parks may be required by the Board. Such a requirement shall be evidenced by approval of the Board at a public meeting. The developer shall submit detailed evidence of the ability of a central system to accommodate additional connections to the Board. Such evidence shall include flow records over the consecutive twelve-month period immediately preceding the Board's public approval as aforesaid.
D. 
Contamination. Any water supply shall be designed in such a manner that neither underground nor surface contamination will reach the water supply from any source.
E. 
Standard Testing and Correction.
(1) 
All central water supply systems shall conform to the applicable health standards established by the Safe Drinking Water Act (as amended, adopted or expanded upon by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from time to time).
(2) 
The water quality assurance (WQA) requirements provided in the Township's water ordinances shall affect all central water supply systems serving developments, mobile home parks, commercial establishments, industrial facilities, food service establishments and other facilities recognized as involving public transient or nontransient supply service. The WQA requirements shall include water distribution systems within the Township distributing water sources both inside and outside the Township and satellite public supplies, and shall include "terminal" purveyors who purchase water by bulk and distribute it into and through the Township. All terminal purveyors shall be responsible for water quality to its customer located or served in Franklin Township.
(3) 
Water quality of the source and finished water will be tested at a frequency not less than that required by the DEP. The minimum number of samplings shall be four times per year on a quarterly basis.
(4) 
Results of the sampling shall be sent to the all customers located or served in Franklin Township in an annual consumer confidence report (CCR). The Township shall also be provided with the CCR at the same time that customers are sent this information.
(5) 
Whenever any primary, secondary, or MCL quality standard is exceeded as indicated from a routine sampling, the Township shall be notified in writing. Accompanying this notification will be a brief narrative and laboratory data which explains and assures that such exceeded quality standards will be prevented in the future.
(6) 
Should two consecutive sampling events show any single established water quality standard is exceeded, the final purveyor(s) shall meet with the Township to discuss the significance of the exceeded standard, to present information as to how this condition will be corrected, and if the Township determines there is threat to public health, the final purveyor shall take immediate action to remedy the adverse condition.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000; as added by Ord. 2008-05, 11/19/2008, § 1]
1. 
When a property proposed for subdivision or land development is shown on the Franklin Township Trails Map, or other applicable Township map, as having a potential trail corridor or a desirable trail connection, the applicant shall provide a permanent trail easement with connections to abutting properties that will enable the future continuation of the trail and Greenway system. The easement shall be a minimum of 25 feet wide.
2. 
Where the tract does not contain an existing trail, or a potential trail corridor has not yet been identified on any Township map, the Board of Supervisors may require that a trail be created to enable pedestrian, bicycle, or equestrian connections to existing or potential trail corridors off the site and, as appropriate, to contribute to internal circulation.
3. 
The applicant shall be responsible to construct or install any new trail as part of the improvements for the development prior to the issuance of any use and occupancy permits. The cost of such trail improvements shall be included in the escrow agreement for the development.
4. 
Where feasible, trails shall connect to existing trails, open space, or recreation areas on adjacent tracts.
[Ord. 2000-02, 3/9/2000; as added by Ord. 2011-11, 12/21/2011, § 2]
1. 
Unless otherwise specified, a fence or freestanding wall, not including retaining walls, located within any required front yard shall have a maximum height of 48 inches, except that where a fence or wall is constructed with an opacity of 60% or less, such wall, fence or combination thereof may be a maximum of six feet in height.
2. 
Retaining walls with a maximum height as approved by the Township Engineer may be permitted in any required front yard, provided the following criteria are met:
A. 
Any retaining wall located in the required front yard shall be a maximum height of four feet, or increments thereof.
B. 
The retaining wall is erected in a location which does not obstruct clear sight and is located a minimum of 10 feet from any right-of-way.