[Ord. 6-97-429, 6/12/1997, § 3.1]
This Part provides an overview of the general procedure for the Township review of proposed subdivisions and land developments (§ 22-302) and of the general procedures for submitting plans to the Township (§ 22-303). This Part is intended to be instructional and exemplary only and does not set forth mandatory requirements which are binding on the Township or an applicant.
1. 
Review and Approval Stages:
A. 
Four types of plan submission are included in the procedure for approval of subdivision and land development plans: sketch, preliminary, final and preliminary/final.
B. 
These plans enable the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners to have an adequate opportunity to review the submission and to ensure that their formal recommendations are reflected in the final plan which is recorded.
C. 
The table below outlines the stages for the different types of proposed subdivision or land development.
Type of Proposed Subdivision or Land Development[1]
Stage
Part of This Chapter
Land Development
Major Subdivision
Minor Subdivision Resubdivision
Sketch Plan
4
Not Required
Not Required
Not Required
Preliminary Plan
5
Required
Required
Required[2]
Final Plan
6
Required
Required
Required[3]
Guarantee of Improvements
8
Required
Required
Generally Not Required
Recording of Final Plan
9
Required
Required
Required
[1]
See Part 2 for precise definitions.
[2]
See Part 7 for minor subdivision, resubdivision and lot consolidation, preliminary/final plan submission and review requirements.
[3]
See Part 7 for minor subdivision, resubdivision and lot consolidation, preliminary/final plan submission and review requirements.
2. 
Sketch Plan.
A. 
While sketch plans are not required, it is recommended that they be submitted for major subdivision and land development plans so as to allow the applicant to consult early and informally with the Planning Commission and, in some circumstances, with the Board of Commissioners, before preparing a preliminary and/or final plan in an effort to resolve potential development difficulties and avoid unnecessary engineering and other expense and delay.
B. 
Comments made by the Planning Commissions and/or Board of Commissioners on the sketch plan are only recommendations and are not binding.
3. 
Preliminary Plan: Major Subdivisions and Land Development.
A. 
Except for any sketch plan which is submitted, the initial plan submitted for formal review of a major subdivision or land development shall be considered the official preliminary plan.
B. 
The purpose of the preliminary plan is to achieve formal approval of the overall development scheme proposed in order to minimize the need for any revisions of final plans.
4. 
Final Plan: Major Subdivisions and Land Developments.
A. 
After approval of the preliminary plan of a major subdivision or land development, the applicant submits a final plan.
B. 
The purpose of the final plan is to obtain formal approval before plans for all major subdivisions and land developments are recorded.
5. 
Preliminary/Final Plan; Minor Subdivisions, Resubdivisions, and Lot Consolidations.
A. 
The applicant submits a preliminary/final minor subdivision plan or a preliminary/final resubdivision plan or a preliminary/final lot consolidation plan to the Planning Commission.
B. 
The purpose of the preliminary/final plan is to secure formal approval by the Planning Commission, as the sole reviewing and approving body, before plans for minor subdivisions, resubdivisions, or lot consolidations are recorded.
6. 
Guarantee of Improvements Installation. Before approving any subdivision or land development plan for recording, the Board of Commissioners shall require that the Township be assured (by means of a proper developer's improvements agreement with performance guarantee) that the improvements required by this Part will subsequently be installed in strict compliance with the standards and specifications of this Part.