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Township of Radnor, PA
Delaware County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[Amended 6-12-1989 by Ord. No. 89-23]
A. 
There are three stages in the procedure for approval of subdivision and land development plans. These stages are necessary to 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 plans. The separate stages of approval include the submission of an optional sketch plan, a preliminary plan and a 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
Minor Subdivision
Major Subdivision
Land Development
Sketch (§ 255-13)
Recommended
Recommended
Recommended
Preliminary (§ 255-14)
Not required
Required
Required
Final (§§ 255-15 and 255-16)
Required
Required
Required
B. 
Sketch plans shall require no more than a sixty-day review period. The review process required for preliminary and final plans shall include no more than 90 days, starting from the date of the regular meeting of the Planning Commission next following the date the application is accepted by the Township Engineer and ending with the applicant being notified of the decision of the Board of Commissioners.
C. 
The submission of amended or revised plans, whether in the form of a sketch, preliminary or final plan, shall constitute a new application date, and the 60 or 90 days mentioned above for the required review process shall begin upon the date of resubmission of the amended or revised plans.
D. 
The presentation of a preliminary plan and a final plan shall each be considered a separate submission, and the maximum ninety-day review period may be required for each. A sixty-day review period may be required for a sketch plan. No limitations for the action of any public official or agency set forth in this article shall be construed as mandatory.
E. 
The applicant is encouraged to meet informally with the Township Engineer and the Director of Community Development to obtain information regarding zoning and subdivision requirements and development alternatives prior to the initial submission.
A. 
Purpose.
(1) 
The purpose of the sketch plan, which is an optional submission, is to afford the applicant the opportunity to consult early and informally with both the Planning Commission, the Director of Community Development and the Township Engineer before the preparation of the preliminary plan and formal application for approval.
(2) 
During the sketch plan procedure, the applicant can advantageously make use of the services of the Planning Commission, the Director of Community Development and the Township Engineer to help him analyze the problem of the development and plan more adequately for its sound coordination with the community. The sketch plan procedure also affords 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 action and save unnecessary expense and delay.
B. 
Deposit and fees. The Township shall collect and transmit all fees to applicable agencies.
C. 
Procedure.[1]
(1) 
The applicant shall prepare the sketch plan and application form, including the data specified in § 255-19.
(2) 
The applicant shall submit 15 copies of the sketch plan and one application form to the Township Engineer.
[Amended 5-26-1987 by Ord. No. 87-13]
(3) 
The Township Engineer shall check the submission for completeness and, if the submission is incomplete, shall notify the applicant within seven days and indicate the deficiencies. If the application is complete, the Township Engineer shall accept the sketch plan and application form.
(4) 
The Township Engineer shall retain four copies and immediately distribute copies of the sketch plan and application form in the following manner:
(a) 
One copy to the Delaware County Planning Commission.
(b) 
Nine copies to the Planning Commission.
[Amended 5-26-1987 by Ord. No. 87-13]
(c) 
One copy to the Radnor Township Zoning Officer.
(5) 
The Zoning Officer shall, within 30 days following acceptance of the sketch plan application, review the zoning considerations in the applicant's submission and make recommendations to the Township Engineer.
(6) 
The Planning Commission may, within 30 days following acceptance of the sketch plan application, meet with the applicant to review the submission.
(7) 
The Township Engineer shall, within 30 days following acceptance of the sketch plan application:
(a) 
Review the engineering, design and site planning considerations in the applicant's submission.
(b) 
Review the recommendations of the Zoning Officer.
(c) 
Prepare a report for the Planning Commission and the applicant.
(8) 
The Delaware County Planning Commission may review the sketch plan and prepare a report for the Township Engineer and the Planning Commission.
(9) 
The Planning Commission shall, within 60 days following acceptance of the sketch plan application:
(a) 
Review the reports on the submission by the Township Engineer and the Delaware County Planning Commission.
(b) 
Determine whether the sketch plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other pertinent regulations and ordinances.
(c) 
Recommend revisions, if any, so that the subsequent preliminary or final plan will conform to Township regulations and ordinances.
[1]
Editor's Note: A diagram outlining sketch plan procedure is included at the end of this chapter.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the preliminary plan is to obtain formal conditional approval in order to minimize changes and revisions before final plans are submitted.
B. 
General.
(1) 
A preliminary plan shall be submitted conforming to the changes recommended during the sketch plan procedure, if any.
(2) 
The preliminary plan and all information and procedures relating thereto shall, in all respects, be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, except where variation therefrom may be required pursuant to § 255-11.
C. 
Deposit and fee.
(1) 
Deposits and fees for the different types of subdivision and land development submissions are listed in the Radnor Township Fee Schedule.[1] Fees, pursuant to the Delaware County Planning Commission Fee Schedule, may also be required.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 162, Fees.
(2) 
The Township shall collect and immediately deposit all Township fees in the proper Township bank account, as directed by the Board of Commissioners, and shall collect and transmit all other fees to applicable agencies.
D. 
Procedure.[2]
(1) 
The applicant shall prepare the preliminary plan and application form as specified in §§ 255-18 and 255-20.
(2) 
The applicant shall submit to the Township Engineer:
(a) 
Eighteen copies of the preliminary plan.
[Amended 5-26-1987 by Ord. No. 87-13]
(b) 
The Radnor Township subdivision and land development application form.
(c) 
The Delaware County Planning Commission application form.
(d) 
The application for the planning module for land development.
(3) 
The Township Engineer shall check the submission for completeness and, if the submission is incomplete, shall notify the applicant within 14 days and indicate the deficiencies. If the submission is complete, the Township Engineer shall accept the preliminary plan and applications.
(4) 
The Township Engineer shall retain two copies and immediately distribute the preliminary plan and applications in the following manner:
[Amended 5-26-1987 by Ord. No. 87-13]
(a) 
Four copies of the plan to the Delaware County Planning Commission.
(b) 
One copy of the plan to the Delaware County Conservation District.
(c) 
Nine copies of the plan to the Planning Commission.
(d) 
One copy of the plan to the Radnor Township Public Works Department.
(e) 
One copy of the plan to the Radnor Township Zoning Officer.
(f) 
The application for the planning module for land development to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
(5) 
The Zoning Officer shall, within 30 days following acceptance of the preliminary plan application:
(a) 
Review the proposed zoning considerations in the application's submission.
(b) 
Make recommendations to the Township Engineer.
(6) 
The Public Works Department shall, within 30 days following acceptance of the preliminary plan application:
(a) 
Review the proposed public improvements in the applicant's submission.
(b) 
Make recommendations to the Township Engineer.
(7) 
The Township Engineer shall, within 40 days following acceptance of the preliminary plan application:
(a) 
Review the engineering, design and site planning considerations in the applicant's submission.
(b) 
Review the recommendations of the Zoning Officer and Public Works Department.
(c) 
Prepare a report for the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners and the applicant.
(8) 
The Delaware County Planning Commission shall review the preliminary plan and prepare a report for the Township Engineer, Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners shall not approve or deny any preliminary plan until it has received the report from the County Planning Commission or until 30 days have been allowed for receipt of such report.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(9) 
The Planning Commission shall, within 60 days following acceptance of the preliminary plan application:
[Amended 5-28-1985 by Ord. No. 85-13]
(a) 
Meet with the applicant at its scheduled meeting to discuss the plan. Failure of the applicant to appear at this meeting, after proper notification, may result in the subdivision application being denied.
(b) 
Review the reports on the submission by the Township Engineer and Delaware County Planning Commission and other pertinent reports. The Planning Commission may also solicit reviews and reports from adjacent municipalities and other governmental agencies affected by the plan.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(c) 
Determine whether the preliminary plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other pertinent regulations and ordinances.
(d) 
Recommend revisions, if any, so the plan will conform to Township regulations and ordinances.
(e) 
Recommend approval or disapproval of the preliminary plan in a written report to the Board of Commissioners.
(10) 
The Board of Commissioners shall, within 75 days following acceptance of the preliminary plan application:
[Amended 5-28-1985 by Ord. No. 85-13]
(a) 
Meet with the applicant at its scheduled caucus meeting to discuss the plan. Failure of the applicant to appear at this meeting after proper notification may result in the subdivision application being denied.
(b) 
Review the reports of the Planning Commission, Delaware County Planning Commission, Township Engineer and other pertinent reviewing agencies.
(c) 
Determine whether the preliminary plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other pertinent regulations and ordinances.
(d) 
Recommend revisions, if any, so the plan will conform to Township regulations and ordinances.
(e) 
Approve or disapprove the preliminary plan. If approved, the Board of Commissioners shall express its approval and state the condition of approval, if any, in writing. Whenever approval is subject to such specified conditions, the written action of the Board of Commissioners also shall require the written approval of the applicant to the conditions. If such written approval of the conditions is not received by the Board of Commissioners within the time period required by this chapter for a decision, the plan shall be deemed to have been denied by the Board of Commissioners. If disapproved, the Board of Commissioners shall state the reasons for this action.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(11) 
The decision of the Board of Commissioners shall be in writing and shall be communicated to the applicant (or his agent) personally or mailed to him at the last known address not later than 15 days following the decision.
(12) 
Approval of the preliminary plan shall not constitute approval of the final plan or authorize the sale of lots or construction of buildings.
(13) 
If the preliminary plan is disapproved, the applicant may file a revised preliminary plan with the Township Engineer in order to secure approval. The normal fee will be charged for this revision.
[Amended 11-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-46]
(14) 
If the preliminary plan is approved, the Township may submit a copy of the approved plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
[2]
Editor's Note: A diagram outlining preliminary plan procedure is located at the end of this chapter.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the final plan is to require formal approval by the Board of Commissioners before plans for all subdivisions and land developments are recorded as by § 255-17.
B. 
General. The final plan shall conform to the preliminary plan, as approved. The final plan and all information and procedures relating thereto shall, in all respects, be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, except where variation therefrom may be specifically approved by the Board of Commissioners pursuant to § 255-11.
C. 
Deposit and fee.
(1) 
Deposits and fees for the different types of subdivision and land development submissions are listed in the Radnor Township Fee Schedule.[1] Fees pursuant to the Delaware County Planning Commission Fee Schedule may also be required.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 162, Fees.
(2) 
The Township shall collect and immediately deposit all Township fees collected in the proper Township bank account, as directed by the Board of Commissioners, and shall collect and transmit all other fees to applicable agencies.
D. 
Procedure.[2]
(1) 
The applicant shall prepare the final plan and application form as specified in §§ 255-18 and 255-21.
(2) 
The applicant shall prepare planning modules for land development as required in Chapter 71 of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
(3) 
The applicant shall submit to the Township Engineer:
(a) 
Twelve copies of the final plan.
(b) 
The Radnor Township subdivision and land development application form.
(c) 
The Delaware County Planning Commission application form.
(d) 
Three copies of the planning modules for land development.
(4) 
The Township Engineer shall check the submission for completeness and, if the submission is incomplete, shall notify the applicant within 14 days and indicate the deficiencies. If the submission is complete, the Township Engineer shall accept the final plan, applications and planning modules.
(5) 
The Township Engineer shall retain four copies of the plan and one copy of the planning module; and immediately distribute copies of the final plan, applications and planning modules in the following manner:
(a) 
Four copies of the plan and one copy of the planning module to the Delaware County Planning Commission.
(b) 
One copy of the plan to the Planning Commission.
(c) 
One copy of the plan to the Radnor Township Public Works Department.
(d) 
One copy of the plan to the Radnor Township Zoning Officer.
(e) 
One copy of the plan and one copy of the planning module to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
(6) 
The Zoning Officer shall, within 30 days following acceptance of the final plan application:
(a) 
Review the zoning considerations in the applicant's submission.
(b) 
Make recommendations to the Township Engineer.
(7) 
The Public Works Department shall, within 30 days following acceptance of the final plan application:
(a) 
Review the proposed public improvements in the applicant's submission.
(b) 
Make recommendations to the Township Engineer.
(8) 
The Planning Commission may, within 30 days following acceptance of the final plan application, meet with the applicant to review the submission.
(9) 
The Township Engineer shall, within 40 days following acceptance of the final plan application:
(a) 
Review the engineering, design and site planning considerations in the applicant's submission.
(b) 
Review the recommendations of the Zoning Officer and Public Works Department.
(c) 
Prepare a report for the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners and the applicant.
(10) 
The Delaware County Planning Commission shall review the final plan and prepare a report for the Township Engineer, Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners. The Board shall not approve or deny any final plan until it has received the report from the County Planning Commission or until 30 days have been allowed for the receipt of said report.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(11) 
The Planning Commission shall, within 60 days following acceptance of the final plan application:
[Amended 5-28-1985 by Ord. No. 85-13]
(a) 
Meet with the applicant at its scheduled meeting to discuss the plan. Failure of the applicant to appear at this meeting, after proper notification, may result in the subdivision application being denied.
(b) 
Review the reports on the submission by the Township Engineer, Delaware County Planning Commission and other pertinent reports. The Planning Commission also may solicit reviews and reports from adjacent municipalities and other governmental agencies affected by the plan.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(c) 
Determine whether the final plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other pertinent regulations and ordinances.
(d) 
Recommend revisions, if any, so that the plan will conform to Township regulations and ordinances.
(e) 
Recommend approval or disapproval of the final plan to the Board of Commissioners.
(12) 
The Board of Commissioners shall, within 75 days following the date of the first meeting of the Planning Commission next following the date of the acceptance of the final plan application:
[Amended 5-28-1985 by Ord. No. 85-13]
(a) 
Meet with the applicant at its scheduled caucus meeting to discuss the plan. Failure of the applicant to appear at this meeting, after proper notification, may result in the subdivision application being denied.
(b) 
Review the reports of the Planning Commission, Delaware County Planning Commission, Township Engineer and other reviewing agencies.
(c) 
Determine whether the final plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other pertinent regulations and ordinances.
(d) 
Recommend revisions, if any, so that the plan will conform to Township regulations and ordinances.
(e) 
Approve or disapprove the final plan. If approved, the Board of Commissioners shall express its approval and state the conditions of approval, if any, in writing. Whenever approval is subject to such specified conditions, the written action of the Board shall also require the written approval of the applicant to the conditions. If such written approval of the conditions is not received by the Board within the time period required for a decision, as specified by this chapter, the plan shall be deemed to have been denied by the Board. If disapproved, the Board of Commissioners shall state the reasons for this action.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(13) 
The decision of the Board of Commissioners shall be in writing and shall be communicated to the applicant (or his agent) personally or mailed to him at the last known address, not later than 15 days following the decision.
(14) 
If the final plan is approved:
(a) 
The Board of Commissioners shall adopt a resolution approving the final plan.
(b) 
Approval shall not be final until entry into contract and production of completion guaranty as set forth in Article VII.
(c) 
Two exact copies of the approved final plan on linen, with the signatures of the required agencies as specified in § 255-23, shall be submitted to the Board of Commissioners.
(15) 
If the final plan is disapproved, the applicant may file a revised final plan with the Township Engineer in order to secure approval. The normal fee will be charged for this revision.
[Amended 11-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-46]
[2]
Editor's Note: A diagram outlining final plan procedure is included at the end of this chapter.
A. 
Purpose. In the case of minor subdivisions, it is the purpose of this section to provide a simplified procedure by which said minor subdivision may be submitted and approved.
B. 
General. In the event that the proposed subdivision shall involve a change in the location of streets, 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 § 255-15.
C. 
Deposit and fees.
(1) 
Deposits and fees for the submission of a minor subdivision plan are listed in the Radnor Township Fee Schedule.[1] Fees, pursuant to the Delaware County Planning Commission Fee Schedule, may also be required.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 162, Fees.
(2) 
The Township shall immediately deposit all Township fees collected in the proper Township bank account, as directed by the Board of Commissioners, and shall transmit all other fees to applicable agencies.
D. 
Procedure.
(1) 
The applicant shall prepare a minor subdivision plan and application form as specified in §§ 255-18 and 255-22.
(2) 
The applicant shall prepare planning modules for land development as required by Chapter 71 of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act,[2] if required by the Township Engineer.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
(3) 
The applicant shall submit to the Township Engineer:
(a) 
Eighteen copies of the final minor subdivision plan.
[Amended 5-26-1987 by Ord. No. 87-13]
(b) 
The Radnor Township subdivision and land development application form.
(c) 
The Delaware County Planning Commission application form.
(d) 
Two copies of the planning modules for land development.
(4) 
The Township Engineer shall check the submission for completeness and, if the submission is incomplete, shall notify the applicant within seven days and indicate the deficiencies. If the submission is complete, the Township Engineer shall accept the final minor subdivision plan, application, planning modules and fees.
(5) 
The Township Engineer shall retain two copies of the plan and one copy of the planning module and immediately distribute copies of the final minor subdivision plan, applications and planning modules in the following manner:
[Amended 5-26-1987 by Ord. No. 87-13]
(a) 
Four copies of the plan and one copy of the planning module, if required, to the Delaware County Planning Commission.
(b) 
Nine copies of the plan to the Planning Commission.
(c) 
One copy of the plan to the Radnor Township Public Works Department.
(d) 
One copy of the plan to the Radnor Township Zoning Officer.
(e) 
One copy of the plan and one copy of the planning module to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, if required.
(6) 
The Zoning Officer shall, within 30 days following acceptance of the final minor subdivision application:
(a) 
Review the zoning considerations in the applicant's submission.
(b) 
Make recommendations to the Township Engineer.
(7) 
The Public Works Department shall, within 30 days following acceptance of the final minor subdivision application:
(a) 
Review the proposed public improvements in the applicant's submission, if any.
(b) 
Make recommendations to the Township Engineer.
(8) 
The Planning Commission may, within 30 days following acceptance of the final minor subdivision application, meet with the applicant to review the submission.
(9) 
The Township Engineer shall, within 40 days following acceptance of the final minor subdivision plan application:
(a) 
Review the engineering, design and site planning considerations in the applicant's submission.
(b) 
Review the recommendations of the Zoning Officer and Public Works Department.
(c) 
Prepare a report for the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners and the applicant.
(10) 
The Delaware County Planning Commission shall review the final minor subdivision plan and prepare a report for the Township Engineer, Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners. The Board shall not approve or deny any final plan until it has received the report from the County Planning Commission or until 30 days have been allowed for the receipt of said report.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(11) 
The Planning Commission shall, within 60 days following acceptance of the final plan application:
[Amended 5-28-1985 by Ord. No. 85-13]
(a) 
Meet with the applicant at its scheduled meeting to discuss the plan. Failure of the applicant to appear at this meeting, after proper notification, may result in the subdivision application being denied.
(b) 
Review the reports on the submission by the Township Engineer, Delaware County Planning Commission and other pertinent reports. The Planning Commission also may solicit reviews and reports from adjacent municipalities and other governmental agencies affected by the plan.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(c) 
Determine whether the final minor subdivision plan meets the objectives and requirements of this chapter and other pertinent regulations and ordinances.
(d) 
Recommend revisions, if any, so the plan will conform to Township regulations and ordinances.
(e) 
Recommend approval or disapproval of the final minor subdivision to the Board of Commissioners.
(12) 
The Board of Commissioners shall, within 75 days following the date of the first meeting of the Planning Commission next following the date of the acceptance of the final minor subdivision plan application:
[Amended 5-28-1985 by Ord. No. 85-13]
(a) 
Meet with the applicant at its scheduled caucus meeting to discuss the plan. Failure of the applicant to appear at this meeting, after proper notification, may result in the subdivision application being denied.
(b) 
Review the reports of the Planning Commission, Delaware County Planning Commission, Township Engineer and other reviewing agencies.
(c) 
Determine whether the final minor subdivision plan meets the objectives and requirements of other pertinent regulations and ordinances.
(d) 
Recommend revisions, if any, so the plan will conform to Township regulations and ordinances.
(e) 
Approve or disapprove the final minor subdivision plan. If approved, the Board of Commissioners shall express its approval and state the conditions of approval, if any, in writing. Whenever approval is subject to such specified conditions, the written action of the Board also shall require the written approval of the applicant to the conditions. If such written approval of the conditions is not received by the Board within the time period required for a decision, as specified by this chapter, the plan shall be deemed to have been denied by the Board. If disapproved, the Board of Commissioners shall state the reasons for this action.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
(13) 
The decision of the Board of Commissioners shall be in writing and shall be communicated to the applicant (or his agent) personally or mailed to him at the last known address not later than 15 days following the decision.
(14) 
If the final minor subdivision plan is approved, two exact copies of the approved final minor subdivision plan on linen, with the signatures required in § 255-23, shall be submitted to the Board of Commissioners.
(15) 
If the final minor subdivision plan is disapproved, the applicant may file a revised final minor subdivision plan with the Township Engineer in order to secure approval. The normal fee will be charged for this revision.
[Amended 11-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-46]
A. 
Copies of the approved final plan shall, within 90 days of the date of approval, be recorded by the applicant in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Delaware County. No such plan shall be accepted for recording without official notification of approval by the Board of Commissioners and of review by the Delaware County Planning Commission.
[Amended 10-22-1990 by Ord. No. 90-49]
B. 
Effect of recording.
(1) 
Streets, open space, parks and other public improvements shown on the subdivision or land development plan to be recorded may be offered for dedication to the Township 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 Township.
(2) 
Every street, open space, park or other improvement shown on a subdivision or land development plan that is recorded, as provided therein, shall be deemed to be a private street, open space, park or improvement until such time as the same has been offered for dedication to the Township and accepted, by ordinance, and recorded in the office of the Clerk of Common Pleas of Delaware County or until it has been condemned for use as a public street, park or improvement.
C. 
Recorded plan. All plans recorded shall contain the information specified in § 255-23.