A.
In order to discharge the duties imposed by law, the
Borough has adopted the following procedures which shall be observed by all
applicants.
B.
The review process for the plans shall include no more
than 90 days following the date of the regular meeting of the planning commission
next following the date the application is filed, provided that should said
next regular meeting occur more than 30 days following the filing of the application,
the said ninety-day period shall be measured from the thirtieth day following
the day the application has been filed. The applicant may agree to waive or
extend the time requirement.
C.
The presentation of a preliminary plan and final plan
shall each be a separate submission and the maximum ninety-day review period
may be required for each such plan.
D.
The submission of revised preliminary or final plans
shall constitute a new and separate submission subject to the review procedures
set forth in this chapter. A revised plan must be accompanied by a completed
application, all required information and appropriate fees. With a revised
plan, the applicant must submit a written withdrawal of the previously submitted
plan.
E.
The separate stages of approval include the submission
of an optional sketch plan, a preliminary plan, and a final plan. These plans
differ in their purpose and required level of detail. The table below indicates
the recommended and required plans for the different types of submissions.
|
Plan Approval Stage
|
Type of Submission
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Plan
|
See Section
|
Minor
Subdivision
|
Major
Subdivision
|
Land Development
| |
|
Sketch
|
390-14
|
Recommended
|
Recommended
|
Recommended
| |
|
Preliminary
|
390-15
|
Not Required
|
Required
|
Required
| |
|
Final
|
390-16 and 390-17
|
Required
|
Required
|
Required
| |
[Amended 6-8-1993 by Ord. No. 863]
A.
Purpose.
(1)
The purpose of the sketch plan is to afford the applicant
the opportunity to consult early and informally with both the Morrisville
Borough and the Bucks County Planning Commissions before preparation of the
preliminary plan and formal applications for approval.
(2)
During the sketch plan procedure, the applicant can advantageously
make use of the services of both planning commissions to help him analyze
any problems of the development and plan more adequately for its sound coordination
with the community. The sketch plan procedure also affords both planning commissions
the opportunity to give informal guidance to the applicant at a stage when
potential points of difference can be more easily resolved. It can also simplify
official actions and save unnecessary expense and delay.
(3)
The sketch plan is not required but is an option which
the applicant may select.
B.
Fee. The sketch plan step is not a formal application,
and therefore, no fee is required by the Borough. The Bucks County Planning
Commission may also participate at the sketch plan stage. Review by the Bucks
County Planning Commission may require payment of a fee.
C.
Application procedure.
(1)
Applicant prepares sketch plan and application.
(2)
Applicant submits to the Borough Zoning Officer seven
copies of the sketch plan, one Borough application form, one county application
form, and appropriate fee as may be required by the Bucks County Planning
Commission.
(3)
The Borough Zoning Officer checks the submission for requirements noted under Subsection C(2), above. If the submission is incomplete, the applicant and the Planning Commission should be notified of the incomplete elements. The date of receipt shall be noted as the filing date and copies of the plan are to be distributed as follows:
(4)
Bucks County Planning Commission reviews sketch plan
and prepares analysis for review by Morrisville Borough Planning Commission.
(6)
The Morrisville Borough Planning Commission shall, with
all due diligence:
(a)
Evaluate applicant's submission, presentation, discussion
with applicant, and the County Planning Commission's report;
(b)
Determine whether the sketch plan meets the objectives
and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances; and,
(c)
Inform the applicant of the informal discussion which
ensued regarding the application.
(7)
Any plan containing existing trees that are proposed
to be protected/saved shall be submitted to and reviewed by the municipal
arborist.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the preliminary plan stage is
to ensure that the proposed subdivision or land development will be in strict
compliance with the requirements of this chapter and other applicable ordinances.
B.
General.
(1)
The preliminary plan and all related information and
procedures shall in all respects be in compliance with the provisions of these
regulations, except where variation may be specifically recommended by the
Planning Commission and approved in writing by the Borough Council. If the
sketch plan procedure was followed, the preliminary plan should reflect recommendations
made at that stage.
(2)
No preliminary plan shall be required in the case of
minor subdivisions.
(3)
The applicant may, with written permission from the Planning
Commission and Council, submit preliminary and final plans simultaneously,
in which case the plan requirements for both shall be satisfied.
C.
Deposit and fee.
(1)
Upon submission of the complete preliminary plan, the
applicant shall deposit with the Borough Zoning Officer a sum as stipulated
by Borough ordinance to reimburse the Borough for all reasonable engineering,
legal and other expenses incurred by the Borough for services rendered. As
the above amount is expended, the applicant shall make further deposits upon
notice from the Borough Zoning Officer in such manner as to maintain the stipulated
amount. Upon approval of the final plan, the Borough Zoning Officer shall
refund to the applicant any deposit remaining.
(2)
In addition to the above deposit, a review fee in accordance
with the fee schedule adopted by the Borough Council shall accompany the submission
of the completed preliminary plan. Review by the Bucks County Planning Commission
may also require payment of a fee. No preliminary plan shall be accepted by
the Borough unless the required fees are paid at the time of submission.
D.
Application procedure.
(1)
Applicant prepares preliminary plan and application.
(2)
Applicant submits to the Borough Zoning Officer 12 copies
of the preliminary plan, one Borough application form, one county application
form, and appropriate fees as may be required by the Borough and the Bucks
County Planning Commission.
(3)
The Borough Zoning Officer checks the submission for compliance with regulations noted under Subsection D(2), above. If the submission is incomplete, the applicant and the Planning Commission should be notified of the incomplete elements. The date of acceptance shall be noted as the filing date, and copies of the plan are to be distributed as follows:
(4)
Bucks County Planning Commission reviews preliminary
plan and prepares analysis for review by Morrisville Borough Planning Commission.
(6)
At the first regular meeting after the filing of the
application, the Morrisville Borough Planning Commission:
(7)
The Morrisville Borough Planning Commission shall, within
60 days following the start of the preliminary plan review period:
(a)
Evaluate applicant's submission, presentation, discussion
with applicant, and the Engineering Consultant's report (if such has been
requested);
(b)
Determine whether the preliminary plan meets the objectives
and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances; and,
(c)
Report to the Borough Council and the applicant, in writing,
the recommendation of the Planning Commission, including any stipulations
or conditions which may be appropriate.
(8)
The Morrisville Borough Council shall, within the maximum
90 days review period:
(a)
Evaluate the applicant's submission, presentation, and
the recommendations of the Borough Planning Commission, the Bucks County Planning
Commission, and other correspondence;
(b)
Determine whether the preliminary plan meets the objectives
and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances; and
(c)
Approve or deny the application. The Council's decision
shall be in writing and shall be communicated to the applicant personally
or mailed to him at his last known address not later than 15 days following
the decision. When the application is not approved in terms as filed the decision
shall specify the defects found in the application and describe the requirements
which have not been met and shall in each case, cite the provisions of the
ordinance relied upon.
(9)
Approval of the preliminary plan shall constitute approval
of the subdivision or land development as to the character and intensity,
but shall not constitute approval of the final plan or authorize the sale
of lots or construction of buildings.
[Amended 6-8-1993 by Ord. No. 863]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the final plan is to require a final recommendation by the Planning Commission and formal approval by the Borough Council before plans for all subdivisions and land developments are recorded as required by § 390-8 of this chapter.
B.
General. A final plan shall be submitted satisfying all
conditions of preliminary plan approval. The final plan submission shall in
all respects be in compliance with the provisions of these regulations, except
where variation may be specifically recommended by the Planning Commission
and approved in writing by the Borough Council. Before acting on any subdivision
or land development, Borough Council may arrange for a public hearing thereon,
after giving such notice as required by the Municipalities Planning Code.
C.
Deposit and fee.
(1)
If no preliminary plan has been filed, a deposit and fees as required in § 390-15C shall be paid upon submission of the complete final plan to the Borough Zoning Officer.
(2)
If the final plan is submitted more than one year after
approval of the preliminary plan, an additional review fee shall be paid in
accordance with the fee schedule adopted by Borough Council. An additional
deposit is not required, unless the total deposit with the Borough is less
than that required by Borough ordinance, in which case an amount must be deposited
to equal the stipulated sum.
D.
Application procedure.
(1)
Applicant prepares final plan and application.
(2)
Applicant submits to the Borough Zoning Officer 12 copies
of the final plan, one Borough application form, one county application form,
and appropriate fees as may be required by the Borough and the Bucks County
Planning Commission.
(3)
The Borough Zoning Officer checks the submission for compliance with regulations noted under Subsection D(2), above. If the submission is incomplete, the applicant and the Planning Commission should be notified of the incomplete elements. The date of acceptance shall be noted as the filing date, and copies of the plan are to be distributed as follows:
(4)
Bucks County Planning Commission reviews final plan and
prepares analysis for review by the Morrisville Borough Planning Commission.
(6)
At the first regular meeting after the filing of the
application, the Morrisville Borough Planning Commission:
(7)
The Morrisville Borough Planning Commission shall within
60 days following the start of the final plan review period:
(a)
Evaluate applicant's submission, presentation, discussion
with the applicant, and the engineering consultant's report (if such has been
requested);
(b)
Determine whether the final plan meets the objectives
and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances; and,
(c)
Prepare a written report on the project for use by the
Borough Council.
[1]
If the final plan is substantially the same as the preliminary
plan and meets the conditions rendered in the preliminary plan approval and
continues to meet the objectives and regulations of this chapter, the Planning
Commission shall issue a favorable report to the Borough Council.
[2]
If the final plan does not comply with the conditions in Subsection D(7)(c)[1], the Planning Commission may recommend to the Borough Council that final plan approval be denied and that the application be reconsidered if resubmitted as a preliminary plan under § 390-15.
(8)
The Morrisville Borough Council shall, within the maximum
90 days review period:
(a)
Receive and review the applicant's submission;
(b)
Receive and review the reports of the Borough Planning
Commission and of the engineering consultant (if such has been requested),
and if the applicant is present;
(c)
Listen to applicant's presentation; and
(d)
Discuss project with applicant;
(e)
Evaluate applicant's submission, presentation, and the
recommendations of the Borough Planning Commission, the Bucks County Planning
Commission, and other correspondence;
(f)
Determine whether the final plan meets the objectives
and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances; and
(g)
Approve or deny the application. The Council's decision
shall be in writing and shall be communicated to the applicant personally
or mailed to him at his last known address not later than 15 days following
the decision. When the application is not approved in terms as filed the decision
shall specify the defects found in the application and describe the requirements
which have not been met and shall in each case, cite the provisions of the
ordinance relied upon.
(9)
If the final plan is approved:
(a)
Borough Council shall adopt a resolution to that effect.
(b)
Three exact copies of the approved final plan, with the signatures of the required agencies as specified in § 390-63B(4) shall be submitted to the Borough Council for its signature.
E.
Plan requirements. A final submission, in the case of major subdivisions and land developments, should be accompanied by the information outlined under § 390-62 of these regulations.
F.
Appeal. Any person aggrieved by the decision of Borough
Council may, within 30 days, appeal to the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks
County, in accordance with Article X-A of the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code.
[Amended 6-8-1993 by Ord. No. 863]
A.
Purpose. In the case of minor subdivisions (as defined under § 390-7), it is the purpose of this section to provide a simplified procedure by which said minor subdivisions may be submitted and approved.
B.
General. In the event that the proposed subdivision shall involve a change in streets, sanitary or storm sewers, water mains, culverts, or other municipal improvements, then the provisions of this section on minor subdivisions shall not be applicable and the owner shall be required to comply with the requirements of § 390-15.
C.
Fees. Upon the submission of the complete minor subdivision
plan, the applicant shall pay a review fee in accordance with the fee schedule
adopted by Borough Council. Review by the Bucks County Planning Commission
may also require payment of a fee. No minor subdivision plan shall be accepted
by the Borough unless the required fees are paid at the time of submission.
No deposit shall be required for minor subdivision plans.
D.
Application procedures.
(1)
Application prepares minor subdivision plan and application.
(2)
Applicant submits to the Borough Zoning Officer eight
copies of the minor subdivision plan, one Borough application form, one county
application form, and appropriate fees as may be required by the Borough and
the Bucks County Planning Commission.
(3)
The Borough Zoning Officer checks the submission for compliance with regulations noted under Subsection D(2), above. If the submission is incomplete, the applicant and the Planning Commission should be notified of the incomplete elements. The date of acceptance shall be noted as the filing date, and copies of the plan are to be distributed as follows:
(4)
Bucks County Planning Commission reviews minor subdivision
plan and prepares analysis for review by the Morrisville Borough Planning
Commission.
(6)
The Morrisville Borough Planning Commission shall, within
the maximum ninety-day review period:
(a)
Evaluate the applicant's submission, presentation, discussion
with the applicant, and the County Planning Commission's report.
(b)
Determine whether the final plan meets the objectives
and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances; and
(c)
Approve or deny the application. The Borough Planning
Commission's decision shall be in writing and shall be communicated to the
applicant personally or mailed to him at his last known address not later
than 15 days following the decision. When the application is not approved
in terms as filed, the decision shall specify the defects found in the application
and describe the requirements which have not been met and shall in each case,
cite the provisions of the ordinance relied upon.
E.
Plan requirements. A final plan submission, in the case of minor subdivisions, should be accompanied by the information outlined under § 390-60 of these regulations.
F.
Appeal. Any person aggrieved by the decision of Borough
Planning Commission may, within 30 days, appeal to the Court of Common Pleas
of Bucks County, in accordance with Article X-A of the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code.
[Amended 6-8-1993 by Ord. No. 863]
A.
Recording.
(1)
Upon the approval of a final plat, the developer shall
within 90 days of such final approval record such plat in the office of the
recorder of deeds of the county in which the Borough is located. The recorder
of deeds shall not accept any plat for recording unless such plat officially
notes the approval of the Borough Council, and review by the county planning
agency.
(2)
The recording of the plat shall not constitute grounds
for assessment increases until such time as lots are sold or improvements
are installed on the land included within the subject plat.
B.
Record plan. The requirements of the record plan are outlined under § 390-63 of these regulations.
C.
Effect of recording.
(1)
After a plat has been approved and recorded as provided
in this chapter, all streets and public grounds on such plat shall be, and
become a part of the official map of the Borough without public hearing.
(2)
Streets, parks, and other public improvements shown on
a subdivision or land development plan to be recorded may be offered for dedication
to the Borough by formal notation thereof on the plan, or the owner may note
on the plan that such improvements have not been offered for dedication to
the Borough.
(3)
Every street, park, or other improvement shown on a subdivision
or land development plan that is recorded, as provided herein, shall be deemed
to be a private street, park, or improvement until such time as the same has
been offered for dedication to the Borough and accepted, by resolution, and
recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Courts of Bucks County, or until it
has been condemned for use as a public street, park, or other improvement.
