The following plan submission procedures shall be followed by all applicants for approval of a subdivision or land development:
A. 
All plans filed for approval shall be submitted in the following order and shall be accompanied by the appropriate subdivision/land development application form and checklist along with the required plans for the different types of subdivisions/land developments:
Plan
Minor Subdivision
Major Subdivision
Land Development
Sketch
Not required
Recommended
Recommended
Preliminary
Not required
Required
Required
Final
Required
Required
Required
B. 
Applications for approval of a subdivision or land development plan shall be received by Township personnel at the Township Building. The applicant or his agent shall be required to appear in person at the Township Building in order to make application for approval of a plan and file plans therewith.
C. 
Each plan, whether preliminary or final, shall be filed one at a time; no subsequent plan shall be filed until approval of the preceding plan has been granted. A submission of a revised plan shall constitute a new application.
[Amended 5-6-2003 by Ord. No. 311]
The following number of copies of each plan shall be submitted with the application to the Township:
A. 
Sketch plan. One electronic copy of the plan with each plan submission in a .pdf format and nine paper copies for distribution.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 400]
B. 
Preliminary plan. One electronic copy of the plan with each plan submission in a .pdf format and 10 paper copies for distribution, or as requested in the Doylestown Township application for review of subdivision or land development proposal in effect at the time of the submission.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 400]
C. 
Final plan. One electronic copy of the plan with each plan submission in a .pdf format and 10 paper copies for distribution, or as requested in the Doylestown Township application for review of subdivision or land development proposal in effect at the time of the submission.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 400]
D. 
Two paper copies of the approved final plan shall be provided to the Township. In addition, one electronic copy of the final plan shall be submitted to the Township as a .dwg file in AutoCAD Release 14, or latest version, or other compatible format, on a compact disk, in accordance with standards established by Doylestown Township and the Bucks County Planning Commission.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 400]
E. 
Additional copies. Additional copies of plans shall be provided to the Township, at no cost, for submission to other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction.
A. 
General. In order to discharge the duties imposed by law, the Board of Supervisors has adopted the following procedures, which shall be observed by all subdividers and land developers. The review process for all applications required by the Township shall require no more than 90 days following the date of application, which is determined as the date of the regular meeting of the Township Planning Commission next following the date that a complete application, including all required plans, documents, applications forms, required fees and studies, is filed, provided that should the next regular meeting occur more than 30 days following the filing of a complete application, the ninety-day period shall be measured from the 30th day following the day that the complete application was filed. The Township shall make a determination as to whether or not the application and plans are complete, as required by this chapter. The applicant shall be notified as to the completeness of the application. The ninety-day period shall begin only after the determination of completeness has been made. Said ninety-day period may be extended where the subdivider or land developer agrees in writing to an extension of time. The presentation of a revised preliminary or final plan shall each be considered a separate submission. A complete application shall include the required plans as set forth herein, the traffic impact study, as required herein, and other studies as required by this chapter.
B. 
Sketch plan for major subdivision or land development.
(1) 
Purpose. The purpose of the sketch plan is to afford the applicant the opportunity to consult early and informally with the Township Planning Commission before preparation of the preliminary plan application.
(2) 
Procedures.
(a) 
Applicant submits the required number of copies of the sketch plan to the Township Secretary. The Township will distribute copies of the sketch plan to the Planning Commission and other reviewing bodies. The applicant shall submit the plan 15 days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission in order to be placed on the agenda of that meeting.
(b) 
The Planning Commission shall evaluate the submission to determine if the sketch plan appears to meet the objectives and requirements of this chapter and Chapter 175, Zoning, and is consistent with sound planning principles.
(c) 
Applicants may also submit sketch plans to the Board of Supervisors.
(d) 
Applicants are encouraged to submit sketch plans to the Bucks County Planning Commission for review and comment.
C. 
Preliminary plan.
(1) 
Purpose. The purpose of the preliminary plan is to require formal approval by the Board of Supervisors in order to minimize changes and revisions before final plans.
(2) 
General. The preliminary plan and all information and procedures relating thereto shall in all respects be in compliance with the requirements of the applicable zoning ordinance and these regulations, except where variation therefrom may be specifically approved by the Township Zoning Hearing Board or by the Board of Supervisors. The plan shall provide sufficient information for Township review of the typical cross section of the streets and horizontal and vertical details of all streets, drainage facilities, sanitary sewers, water mains, fire hydrants, streetlights and all underground and aboveground utility conduits and poles.
(3) 
Procedures.
(a) 
Applicant shall submit the required number of copies of the preliminary plan to the Township Secretary. The applicant shall be responsible for distributing plans as required to all other county, state or federal agencies with requests for their review and comment. Preliminary plan applications shall be submitted to the Township at least 20 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting. Within five days the Township shall determine whether or not the plans as submitted constitute a complete submission. If the plan shall be deemed incomplete in accordance with Subsection A above, complete plans must be resubmitted at least 20 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission in order to be placed on the agenda for that meeting.
(b) 
The Township shall, in the interest of highway safety and the safety of area residents and in order to promote orderly community development, require the owner/developer of any large complexes such as shopping centers, industrial parks or plants, housing projects, apartment complexes, major educational or recreational facilities and other significant traffic generators located on a state road or taking access onto a state road to meet jointly with representatives of the Township and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to achieve the best possible traffic design system.
(c) 
At the first scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission after a complete plan has been submitted or at such other subsequent meeting as may be determined by the Township, the applicant or his agent shall make a formal presentation of the plan to the Commission and shall provide such additional information as may be required by the Commission.
(d) 
The Planning Commission shall determine whether the preliminary plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances. To accomplish this purpose, the Commission may delay a decision to further investigate the submission or to await such supplemental information as the applicant may be requested to submit.
(e) 
In making its recommendation, the Planning Commission shall receive and review the reports of the Township Engineer, the Township Planning Consultant, the Bucks County Planning Commission and the Bucks County Conservation District, where applicable, and any other reviewing agencies.
(f) 
The Bucks County Planning Commission shall review the plans and prepare a report to the Board of Supervisors within 30 days from the date the application was received by the county.
(g) 
The Board of Supervisors shall evaluate the applicant's submission, presentation, the discussion with the applicant and the reports of the Planning Commission, Engineer, the Bucks County Planning Commission and any other pertinent agencies.
(h) 
Within the ninety-day review period, the Board of Supervisors shall render its decision and communicate it to the applicant.
(i) 
The decision of the Township 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, the decision shall specify the reasons therefor, citing the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon. When the application is approved with conditions, the specific conditions to be met by the final plan shall be stated.
(4) 
Decision. 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. The Township may approve plans subject to conditions which may require the consent of the applicant, in which event the applicant shall advise the Board of Supervisors prior to the final vote by the Board of Supervisors on the plan as to whether he accepts or rejects said conditions.
D. 
Final plan.
(1) 
Purpose. The purpose of the final plan is to require formal approval by the Board of Supervisors before plans for all subdivisions and land developments are recorded as required by this chapter.
(2) 
General. A final plan consisting of a record plan and improvement construction plan shall be submitted conforming to the changes recommended during the preliminary plan procedure and meeting any conditions set forth as part of preliminary plan approval. The final plan and all information and procedures relating thereto shall in all respects be in compliance with the provisions of these regulations except where variation therefrom may be specified in writing by the Board of Supervisors.
(3) 
Procedures.
(a) 
The applicant shall submit the required number of copies of the final plan to the Township. The applicant shall be responsible for distributing plans as required to all other applicable county, state or federal agencies with a request for their review and comment. With regard to the Township Planning Commission, such final plan shall be submitted to the Township at least 20 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting. Within five days the Township shall determine whether or not the plans as submitted constitute a complete submission. If the plan shall be deemed incomplete in accordance with Subsection A above, complete plans must be resubmitted at least 20 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission in order to be placed on the agenda for that meeting.
(b) 
At the first scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission after the submission of a complete application or at such other subsequent meeting as may be determined by the Township, the applicant or his agent shall make a formal presentation of the plan to the Commission and shall provide such additional information as may be required by the Commission.
(c) 
The Planning Commission shall determine whether the final plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances. To accomplish this purpose, the Commission may delay a decision to further investigate the submission or to await such supplemental information as the applicant may be requested to submit.
(d) 
In making its recommendation, the Planning Commission shall receive and review the reports of the Township Engineer, the Township Planning Consultant, the Bucks County Planning Commission and any other pertinent agencies.
(e) 
The Bucks County Planning Commission shall review the plans and prepare a report to the Board of Supervisors within 30 days from the date the application was received by the county.
(f) 
The Board of Supervisors shall evaluate the applicant's submission, presentation, the discussion with the applicant and the reports of the Planning Commission, Engineer and the Bucks County Planning Commission.
(g) 
Within the ninety-day review period, the Board of Supervisors shall render its decision and communicate it to the applicant.
(h) 
The decision of the Township 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, the decision shall specify the defects found in the application and describe the requirements which have not been met and shall cite the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon.
(i) 
If the submission satisfies all ordinances and regulations of the Township, the applicant shall construct (or provide financial security to the Township for the construction of) any improvements or common amenities as required by the Township and regulated by law.
(j) 
Upon satisfaction of requirements for the improvements and common amenities, two paper copies of the approved record plan, properly executed by the owner and with the required notations as set forth under Article V of this chapter, shall be submitted for the signatures of the proper Township officials. The plans shall then be recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, within 90 days from the date of approval. Failure to have the plan recorded within 90 days from the date of approval shall automatically void the approval unless a written extension of time is granted by the Board of Supervisors upon written request by the applicant.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 400]
(k) 
One positive print of the record plan as recorded and bearing the plan book, page, and date of recording shall be submitted to the Township Manager immediately after the plan has been recorded.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 400]
(4) 
PennDOT review.
(a) 
No plan which will require access to a highway under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) shall be finally approved unless the plan contains a notice that a highway occupancy permit is required pursuant to Section 420 of the Act of June 1, 1945 (P.L. 1242, No. 428), known as the "State Highway Law,"[1] before driveway access to a state highway is permitted. The plan shall be marked to indicate that access to the state highway shall be only as authorized by a highway occupancy permit. The Township shall not be held liable for damages to persons or property arising out of the issuance or denial of a driveway permit by PennDOT.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 36 P.S. § 670-101 et seq.
(b) 
The applicant shall obtain a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation indicating that the plan has been reviewed and approved in concept and that traffic considerations, driveways and the discharge of water on the road right-of-way have been approved.
(5) 
No sanitary sewer, sewer pumping station, sewage treatment plant or drainage facility shall be constructed or no earthmoving activity shall be permitted until the permits as required by law have been obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources and/or other state or federal agencies with jurisdiction.
(6) 
If the improvements have been commenced and there has been no substantial activity for a period of six months, the Township may revoke building permits prior to any further construction; and when required, additional surety shall be posted to guarantee completion of the improvements.
E. 
Minor subdivision.
(1) 
Purpose. In case of minor subdivisions, it is the purpose of this subsection to provide a simplified procedure by which said minor subdivisions may be submitted and approved.
(2) 
General. In the event that the proposed subdivision shall require improvements of streets, sanitary sewers, drainage facilities, water mains, culverts or other municipal improvements, then the provisions of this subsection on minor subdivisions shall not be applicable and the applicant shall be required to comply with the requirements of Subsection C above.
(3) 
Procedures.
(a) 
The applicant shall submit the required number of copies of the plan to the Township Secretary. The applicant shall be responsible for distributing plans as required to all other applicable county, state or federal agencies with a request for their review and comment. Plans shall be submitted to the Township at least 20 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting. Within five days the Township shall determine whether or not the plans as submitted constitute a complete submission. If the plan shall be deemed incomplete in accordance with Subsection A above, complete plans must be resubmitted at least 20 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission in order to be placed on the agenda for that meeting.
(b) 
The Planning Commission shall determine whether the final plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other ordinances. To accomplish this purpose, the Commission may delay a decision to further investigate the submission or to await such supplemental information as the applicant may be requested to submit.
(c) 
In making its recommendation, the Planning Commission shall receive and review the reports of the Township Engineer, the Bucks County Planning Commission and any other pertinent agencies.
(d) 
The Bucks County Planning Commission shall review the plans and prepare a report to the Board of Supervisors within 30 days from the date the application was received by the county.
(e) 
Within the ninety-day review period, the Board of Supervisors shall render its decision and communicate it to the applicant.
(f) 
The decision of the Township 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, the decision shall specify the defects found in the application and describe the requirements which have not been met and shall cite the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon.
(g) 
Upon satisfaction of requirements for the improvements and common amenities, two paper copies of the approved record plan, properly executed by the owner and with the required notations as set forth under Article V of this chapter, shall be submitted for the signatures of the proper Township officials. The plans shall then be recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, within 90 days from the date of approval. Failure to have the plan recorded within 90 days from the date of approval shall automatically void the approval unless a written extension of time is granted by the Board of Supervisors upon written request by the applicant.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 400]
(h) 
One positive print of the record plan as recorded and bearing the plan book, page, and date of recording shall be submitted to the Township Manager immediately after the plan has been recorded.
[Amended 2-16-2021 by Ord. No. 400]
A. 
General. Following the action of the Board of Supervisors or the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, or any other court with jurisdiction, in approving any subdivision or land development plan, the plan shall be recorded by the Township at the applicant's expense in accordance with § 153-14D(3) or E(8), as applicable, of this chapter. The Board of Supervisors may extend the ninety-day period in writing upon written request by the applicant.
B. 
Effect of recording.
(1) 
After a subdivision or land development has been duly recorded, the streets, parks or other public improvements shown thereon shall be considered to be a part of any official map which may be adopted by the Township in accordance with Article IV of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247, as amended).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10401 et seq.
(2) 
Streets, parks and other public improvements or open space 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 Township and accepted by resolution and recorded in the Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division, of Bucks County, or until it has been condemned as a public street, park or other improvement.
A. 
When an application for approval of a plan, whether preliminary or final, has been approved without conditions or approved by the applicant's acceptance of conditions, no subsequent change or amendment in the zoning, subdivision or other governing ordinance or plan shall be applied to adversely affect the right of the applicant to commence and to complete any aspect of the approved development in accordance with the terms of such approval within five years of such approval. The five-year period shall be counted from the date of the preliminary plan approval. Failure to substantially complete the required improvements within the aforesaid five-year period or within any extension thereof as may be granted by the Board of Supervisors or as may be permitted by Section 508(4)(v) and (vi) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code for staged developments[1] shall make the application subject to any and all changes in zoning, subdivision and any other governing ordinance enacted by the Township subsequent to the date of the initial preliminary plan approval.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10508(4)(v) and (vi).
B. 
If the improvements have been commenced and there has been no substantial activity for a period of six months, the Township may revoke building permits prior to any further construction; and when required, additional surety shall be posted to guarantee completion of the improvements in accordance with the provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
Prior to the final release of any guaranty required by this chapter, the owner shall furnish to the Township complete as-built drawings of all improvements constructed within any subdivision or land development, showing the precise locations and details of all such improvements required by this chapter or as required by the Board of Supervisors at the time of final plan approval. The Township Engineer shall approve such as-built plans prior to acceptance by the Township.