A. 
Intent. It is the intention of East Hempfield Township to efficiently process all subdivision and/or land development plans in accordance with the PA MPC. Therefore, the Township encourages applicants to meet with and discuss their projects with Township staff so as to gain a complete understanding of the Township's review process specific to each project.
B. 
Types of plans. Henceforth, East Hempfield Township recognizes the following plan types for processing:
(1) 
Sketch plans.
(2) 
Preliminary plans.
(3) 
Final plans.
(4) 
Minor plans.
C. 
Overview of plan processing procedures. Applicants are encouraged to meet with the Township's Director of Planning, Township Planning Staff, and Township Engineer to discuss the plan processing requirements for each project.
(1) 
Sketch plans.
(a) 
Sketch plans are optional and are not required to be submitted; however, sketch plans are highly encouraged.
(b) 
An applicant who is requesting a modification of preliminary plan processing requirements must do so by submitting a sketch plan, except where a preliminary plan is specifically not required in accordance with § 265-4.3C.
(c) 
Sketch plans shall be submitted and processed in accordance with § 265-4.2.
(2) 
Preliminary plans.
(a) 
Except as noted in § 265-4.1C(2)(b) and (c) below, preliminary plans are required to be submitted and processed in accordance with § 265-4.3.
(b) 
The Township's Board of Supervisors has determined that some types of projects may be exempted from preliminary plan requirements (see § 265-4.3C below).
(c) 
Based on the unique circumstances of each project, the Township's Board of Supervisors, at its discretion and upon consideration of the recommendations made by the Township Planning Commission, may waive/modify preliminary plan requirements and permit projects to proceed directly to final plan (see § 265-4.3D below).
(3) 
Final plans. Final plans shall be submitted and processed in accordance with § 265-4.4.
(4) 
Minor plans. Minor plans shall be submitted and processed in accordance with § 265-4.5.
The Township places great value on the open exchange of ideas between the applicant and Township before the applicant invests considerable time and funds in the preparation and submittal of the applicant's preliminary and/or final subdivision and/or land development plan. The applicant is encouraged, but not required, to initiate the subdivision and/or land development process by completing the sketch plan process. The sketch plan shall be prepared in accordance with Article 5 and is a permissive and not a mandatory submission. The submission of the sketch plan enables East Hempfield Township to openly discuss the applicant's project and to make recommendations for the applicant to consider in preparing the formal submission. In accordance with § 265-4.3D(1)(a), an applicant who elects to take advantage of the sketch plan process will, at the applicant's option, have the right to seek a modification of the preliminary plan process and, if approved, forego the preliminary plan processing requirements. Again, the sketch plan process is encouraged in all situations, but is not mandatory; however, an applicant cannot request a modification of the preliminary plan process unless he has submitted a sketch plan. In accordance with Section 265-4.3.D.(1)(b), an applicant who obtains conditional use approval of its project shall also have the right, at the applicant's option, to seek a modification of the preliminary plan process if a site plan was included with the conditional use application, said site plan must have illustrated all salient features of a sketch plan (§ 265-5.2). If approved, the applicant may forego the preliminary plan processing requirements.
A. 
General. All applicants for subdivision and/or land development are encouraged to submit a sketch plan to East Hempfield Township for review prior to submission of a formal application; however, submission of a sketch plan is not mandatory. Submission of a sketch plan does not constitute a formal subdivision or land development application.
B. 
Plan information. Sketch plan reviews are not required to be consistent with procedures of the PA MPC. Sketch plans prepared for review and discussion should include those items listed in § 265-5.2.
C. 
Submission, meeting, and consultant review. Submission of the sketch plan application to the Township shall consist of:
(1) 
Sketch plan. Sufficient paper copies of the sketch plan as determined by the Board of Supervisors, plus one additional copy if the subject tract is within one mile of a Township boundary and one additional copy if the subject tract abuts a state highway. In addition, two CD/DVDs with PDFs of all submitted documents shall be required.
(2) 
Supplemental data. Two paper copies of all reports, notifications and certifications that are not provided on the sketch plan.
(3) 
Zoning approval.
(a) 
If the sketch plan has been the subject of a zoning approval process (variance, special exception, and/or conditional use), this zoning approval process should be decided by the Board of Supervisors and/or the Zoning Hearing Board, as applicable, prior to submission of the sketch plan. A paper copy of all prior, relevant zoning decisions must be submitted with the sketch plan. A sketch plan may be submitted prior to final resolution of zoning approvals when the Township's recommendations on a sketch plan may influence the particular zoning approval to be sought by a plan's applicant.
(b) 
The applicant shall meet with the Township Zoning Officer prior to submitting the sketch plan. The Township Zoning Officer shall review the plan with the applicant and issue a letter identifying either that the proposed activity/plan appears to generally comply with the Township Zoning ordinance[1] or that the proposed activity/plan does not appear to comply with the Township Zoning ordinance and that corrections will be made prior to submitting the sketch plan or that zoning approval will be sought in accordance with Subsection C(1)(a) above. Such letter, as issued by the Zoning Officer, shall be submitted with the sketch plan.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 270, Zoning.
(4) 
Application form. One application form completely and correctly executed, with all information legible, and bearing all required signatures.
(5) 
Filing fee. A filing fee in accordance with East Hempfield Township's current fee schedule.
D. 
Meeting and consultant review.
(1) 
The applicant may schedule a review meeting with the Township Staff which may include the Township Manager, Assistant Manager, Director of Planning (or his designee), Zoning Officer, Township Engineer, other appropriate Township staff, and/or County Community Planner. The applicant shall be responsible for costs associated with this meeting.
(2) 
The Township Planning Commission, Township Engineer, and/or legal consultant may perform a written review of the sketch plan, at the applicant's sole cost and expense; however, such written review is required if, following the sketch plan, a final plan will be submitted in lieu of a preliminary plan. In such cases, the written review shall be provided to the applicant with copies to Township Staff, the Township Planning Commission, and the Lancaster County Planning Commission.
E. 
Review by Township Planning Commission.
(1) 
The Township Planning Commission shall review the sketch plan submission and, as applicable, the consultant reviews and advises the applicant how the proposed subdivision or land development may conform or fail to conform to the requirements and objectives of this chapter and other applicable plans and ordinances. The Township Planning Commission may then submit its written comments and recommendations to the applicant.
(2) 
If the applicant has requested a modification of the preliminary plan process as part of his sketch plan submission, the Township Planning Commission shall recommend approval or denial of the waiver/modification during its review of the sketch plan. The Planning Commission will not make recommendations on any other modification requests during the sketch plan process.
F. 
Review by Board of Supervisors.
(1) 
The applicant may, but need not, request further review of the sketch plan submission by the Board of Supervisors at a regularly scheduled meeting. The Board of Supervisors may provide written comments to the applicant. Said comments shall not be deemed to be an approval of any application or to vest any rights in the applicant.
(2) 
At this time, the Board of Supervisors shall also take note of the Township Planning Commission's recommendation for approval/denial of a modification of the preliminary plan process and may approve/deny such request as part of its review of the sketch plan. The Board of Supervisors does not approve, deny, or act on a sketch plan request and Board comments shall not be deemed to be an approval of any application or to vest any rights in the applicant.
G. 
Completion of the sketch plan process. After completion of the sketch plan process or conditional use process (if required by the Zoning ordinance), the applicant is allowed to do one of the following:
(1) 
Preliminary plan submission processed per § 265-4.3; followed by final plan submission, per § 265-4.4.
(2) 
Final plan submission, processed per § 265-4.4 if the Board of Supervisors approved the modification of the preliminary plan process.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the preliminary plan is to require formal preliminary approval in order to vest the plan from changes in Township ordinances, phase development, and provide additional time to complete conditions of approval.
B. 
Preliminary plans Required. Unless the plan is exempted from preliminary plan requirements (pursuant to § 265-4.3C below) or a modification of preliminary plan processing has been granted by the Board of Supervisors (pursuant to § 265-4.3D below), preliminary plans are required. Preliminary plans are also required when any of the following conditions exist:
(1) 
The applicant proposes to establish an access which does not meet the safety criteria of the Township's current ordinances.
(2) 
The applicant proposes to phase construction of required infrastructure improvements including, but not limited to, streets, sewer and water facilities, and stormwater management facilities.
C. 
Plans exempted from preliminary plan requirements. Preliminary plans are not required in the following circumstances. Applicants for such projects may submit final plans only; however, they are encouraged to submit a sketch plan prior to submitting a final plan.
(1) 
The construction of a new or expansion of an existing single, nonresidential building of less than 1,000 square feet on a lot that was approved for such nonresidential use. The proposed building shall be on a lot of record for which all improvements associated with the approval of such lot shall be completed and for which access to the lot shall meet the standards of the current chapter and traffic generated by the proposed use shall not exceed an additional 10% of the currently generated average daily trips (ADT).
(2) 
The construction of a new or expansion of a second principal building of less than 1,000 square feet on a lot which contains an existing principal building and for which traffic generated by the new use shall not exceed an additional 10% of the currently generated ADT.
(3) 
The development of a residential building with less than three units of occupancy that is served by public water and sewer facilities.
(4) 
A subdivision plan of not more than nine residential lots served by public water and sewer facilities and for which no new street provisions are required.
(5) 
Minor plans (§ 265-4.5).
D. 
Modification of preliminary plan requirements.
(1) 
In accordance with § 265-3.1E, applicants may request the Board of Supervisors' consideration of a modification of preliminary plan requirements. Upon consideration of the recommendation made by the Township Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors may allow preliminary plan requirements to be waived. Such projects can include but are not limited to the following:
(a) 
Subdivision and land development activities for which a sketch plan has been submitted and reviewed by the Township in accordance with § 265-4.2.
(b) 
Subdivision and land development activities for which conditional use approval has been obtained and for which a site plan was included with the conditional use application, said site plan must have illustrated all salient features of a sketch plan (Section 265-5.2).
(2) 
In so granting a modification of the preliminary plan process, the Board of Supervisors is granting an expedited plan review process to the applicant. However, if, at the discretion of the Township's Director of Planning, and with Board of Supervisors' concurrence, the subsequent final plan submission is substantially different than the sketch plan or the representations made by the applicant at the time that the sketch plan was submitted and reviewed and/or preliminary plan modification was applied for and granted, the modification/waiver of the preliminary plan processing requirements may be revoked by the Board of Supervisors, causing the applicant to submit a preliminary plan.
E. 
Plan requirements. All preliminary plans shall be prepared in conformance with the provisions of § 265-5.3 and any other applicable requirements of law.
F. 
Submission. Official submission of the preliminary plan application to the Township shall consist of:
(1) 
Preliminary plan. Sufficient paper copies of the preliminary plan as determined by the Board of Supervisors, plus one additional copy if the subject tract is within one mile of a Township boundary and one additional copy if the subject tract abuts a state highway. In addition, two CD/DVDs with PDFs of all submitted documents shall be required.
(2) 
Supplemental data. Two paper copies and two CD/DVDs with PDFs of all reports, notifications and certifications that are not provided on the preliminary plan, including stormwater management plans and calculations.
(3) 
Zoning approval.
(a) 
If the preliminary plan has been the subject of a zoning approval process (variance, special exception, and/or conditional use), this zoning approval process must have been decided by the Board of Supervisors and/or the Zoning Hearing Board, as applicable, prior to submission of the preliminary plan. A paper copy of all prior, relevant zoning decisions must be submitted with the preliminary plan.
(b) 
The applicant shall meet with the Township Zoning Officer prior to submitting the preliminary plan. The Township Zoning Officer shall review the plan with the applicant and issue a letter identifying either that the proposed development appears to generally comply with the Township Zoning ordinance[1] or that the proposed development does not appear to comply with the Township Zoning ordinance and that corrections will be made prior to submitting the preliminary plan or zoning approval will be sought in accordance with Subsection F(3)(a) above. Such letter, as issued by the Zoning Officer shall be submitted with the preliminary plan.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 270, Zoning.
(4) 
Application form. One application form completely and correctly executed, with all information legible, and bearing all required signatures.
(5) 
Filing fee. A filing fee in accordance with East Hempfield Township's current fee schedule.
(6) 
Application completeness review. All required plans and documents and the required filing fee shall accompany a preliminary plan application. East Hempfield Township shall have seven days from the date of submission of an application to check the plans and documents to determine if, on their face, they are in proper form and contain all the information required by this chapter. Within these seven days, the Township may reject an application as incomplete, in such case the required time for Township action on a plan does not start and will not start until a complete application is received by the Township. (Refer to checklists.)
(7) 
Submission to the Lancaster County Planning Commission. Upon receiving notice from the Township that the preliminary plan submission is complete, or the passage of the above-referenced seven days, or upon the Township's execution of necessary Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC) applications, it is the responsibility of the applicant to make a complete submission of plans, supplemental data, zoning approval, application form, and filing fee to the LCPC, in accordance with the requirements of the LCPC.
G. 
Acknowledgement and referral/notification.
(1) 
At the first Planning Commission meeting following the Township's determination that the preliminary plan application is complete, the Planning Commission shall acknowledge the preliminary plan.
(2) 
The Township shall then notify the following of the preliminary plan application, as deemed applicable by the Township, and provide a copy of the plan and application if requested:
(a) 
Township Engineer.
(b) 
Fire company.
(c) 
Water Authority.
(d) 
Wastewater Authority.
(e) 
Other municipalities when part of an intermunicipal agreement.
(f) 
Lancaster Countywide Communications.
(g) 
Township Planning Commission.
(h) 
Township Traffic Commission.
H. 
Planning Commission action. In general, the Planning Commission will schedule the preliminary plan application for action at the first Planning Commission meeting that is at least 30 days following the date of the Planning Commission meeting at which time they acknowledged the preliminary plan. The Planning Commission may schedule a preliminary plan for action at an earlier meeting if the Commission believes that the plan is ready for action. In considering the preliminary plan application, the Planning Commission shall:
(1) 
Review and evaluate the application and all reports received from applicable reviewing agencies and Township consultants.
(2) 
Determine whether the preliminary plan meets the requirements and objectives of this chapter and other applicable ordinances.
(3) 
If available, review Lancaster County Planning Commission comments.
(4) 
Send meeting minutes or a written report recommending approval or disapproval of the preliminary plan and the reasons therefor citing the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon, to the following:
(a) 
Landowner or his agent.
(b) 
Applicant.
(c) 
Firm that prepared the plan.
(d) 
Board of Supervisors.
(e) 
Lancaster County Planning Commission.
I. 
Board of Supervisors action. Following receipt of the Planning Commission's report and within 90 days following the date of the first regular meeting of the Planning Commission next following the date the application is filed, unless additional time has been granted in writing by the applicant, the Board of Supervisors will schedule the preliminary plan application for action at a regularly scheduled public meeting. In considering the preliminary plan application, the Board of Supervisors shall:
(1) 
Review and evaluate the application and all reports received from applicable reviewing agencies and consultants for compliance with all Township ordinances.
(2) 
Review comments from the Lancaster County Planning Commission and Township Planning Commission.
(3) 
Take formal action on the preliminary plan and any associated modification requests.
J. 
Notification of Board of Supervisors action.
(1) 
Written notification. Within 15 days of the meeting at which the preliminary plan application is acted upon by the Board of Supervisors, written notice of the Board of Supervisors' action shall be sent to the applicant. The Township may also send copies to the following individuals:
(a) 
Landowner or his agent.
(b) 
Firm that prepared the plan.
(c) 
Lancaster County Planning Commission.
(2) 
Disapproval of application. If the preliminary plan application is disapproved, the Board of Supervisors will notify the above individuals, in writing, of the defects in the application and will identify the requirements that have not been met, citing the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon.
(3) 
Failure of Board of Supervisors to act. Failure of the Board of Supervisors to render a decision and communicate it to the applicant within the time and manner required herein shall be deemed an approval of the application in terms as presented unless the applicant has agreed in writing to an extension of time or change in prescribed manner of presentation of communication of the decision, in which case, failure to meet the extended time or change will have a like effect.
K. 
Compliance with Board of Supervisors action.
(1) 
If the Board of Supervisors conditions its preliminary plan approval upon receipt of additional information, changes and/or notifications, such data shall be submitted and/or alterations noted on two paper copies of the plan to be submitted to the Township for approval by the Board of Supervisors.
(2) 
Failure to reject the conditions in writing by the applicant within 30 days after written notification by the filing of an appeal shall constitute an acceptance of the conditions by the applicant.
L. 
Board of Supervisors approval and certification.
(1) 
Preliminary plan approval. Approval of a preliminary plan application shall constitute approval of the proposed subdivision and/or land development as to the character and intensity of development and the general arrangement of streets, lots, structures and other planned facilities, but shall not constitute final plan approval. The preliminary plan may not be recorded in the office of the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds.
(2) 
Time period of approval. Consistent with Section 508 of the PA MPC, preliminary plan approval will be protected for a five-year period from the date of the Board of Supervisors' approval of the preliminary plan application; therefore, the subsequent final plan or construction of the project must be substantially completed within five years of said date unless the Board of Supervisors grants a modification by extending the effective time period of the approval.
(3) 
Submission of application Materials in Electronic Format to the Township.
(a) 
An electronic-format copy of all information submitted to the Township that was considered in the course of the review and approval of the preliminary plan shall be provided to the Township, including:
[1] 
PDF submissions. Any hard copies of narratives, letters, plans, drawings, sketches, details, maps, aerial photos, reports, studies, or any other written and graphic representation submitted (as deemed necessary by the Township) shall be submitted in an electronic media version acceptable to the Township with all such information individually recorded in a current ".pdf" format.
[2] 
Other submissions. All projects which receive preliminary plan approval shall be submitted in an electronic media version in accordance with the Township's electronic media policy for subdivision and land development projects.
(b) 
For purposes of this section, such terms as "electronic media version," "PDF," "GIS," and "AutoCAD" are not intended to limit the use and application of future innovations in electronic formatting systems and/or electronic drafting software as may be suitable to the Township.
M. 
Improvement construction from preliminary plan. In accordance with the option as set forth in Section 509 of the PA MPC authorizing an applicant to complete construction of the subdivision/land development improvements prior to approval and recording of a final plan and, hence, avoiding the requirements for the deposit with the Township of financial security to cover the costs of such improvements, an applicant electing to do so shall meet the following requirements.
(1) 
Requirements.
(a) 
At the time of submission of the sketch plan or preliminary plan, the applicant shall indicate to the Township in writing his intent to construct the improvements based on the preliminary plan. As such, at its sole discretion, the Township may determine that additional plan requirements be met that exceed the requirements of preliminary plans but do not exceed the requirements of final plans.
(b) 
Plans must also receive approval when applicable from all authorities having jurisdiction including by way of example, but not limited to, highway occupancy permit, erosion and sedimentation control approval, and the like.
(c) 
The applicant may, after receipt of acknowledgment from the Board of Supervisors of the satisfactory completion of all conditions of preliminary plan approval, proceed to construct the improvements required by this chapter and shown on the approved preliminary plan.
(d) 
The applicant shall complete and enter into the appropriate developer's agreement. The applicant shall indicate the timetable for the construction of the improvements including a schedule and plan of the proposed phasing of sections.
(e) 
An as-built plan, prepared in accordance with § 265-6.9, will be required to be recorded as the final plan after constructing Improvements from each phase of a preliminary plan. Such final plan shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with §§ 265-4.4 and 265-5.4.
(2) 
Limitations. Construction and completion of the improvements shall not constitute permission to sell lots or occupy proposed buildings shown on the plan. Such permission shall occur concurrently with the recordation of the final plan and issuance of appropriate permits.
A. 
General.
(1) 
Final plan submission. Applications for final plan approval can be submitted only after the following, when required, have been completed:
(a) 
The applicant has satisfied any conditions of preliminary approval which the Board of Supervisors' preliminary plan approval has required to be completed prior to the submission of a final plan.
(b) 
When a preliminary plan is not required.
(c) 
When a preliminary plan has been approved with conditions to be resolved during the final plan review process and the applicant has not chosen to construct and complete the subdivision/land development improvements pursuant to § 265-4.3M.
(2) 
Final plan submitted in phases. The final plan may be submitted in phases, each phase covering a reasonable portion of the entire proposed subdivision or land development as shown on the approved preliminary plan.
(a) 
In the case of residential-only projects and mixed-use projects that include residential, each phase, except for the last, shall contain a minimum of 25% of the total number of dwelling units as depicted on the approved preliminary plan unless the Board of Supervisors specifically approves a lesser percentage for one or more phases.
(b) 
In the case of all other projects than those described in § 265-4.4A(2)(a) above, the project's phasing shall be as required by the applicant and as approved by the Board of Supervisors.
(3) 
Modified final plan. The Board of Supervisors may accept a final plan modified to reflect a change to the subject tract or its surroundings that occurs after the preliminary plan review. The Board of Supervisors shall determine whether a modified final plan will be accepted or whether a new preliminary plan shall be submitted. The Board of Supervisors' determination in this matter will be based upon, but not limited to, the significance of:
(a) 
The change in density of development.
(b) 
Revisions to street and access drive design.
(c) 
Increased public water and wastewater demand.
(d) 
Impact on stormwater management facilities.
(e) 
Change in land use.
(f) 
Subsequent zoning requests that may result from the modifications to the plan.
B. 
Purpose. The purpose of the final plan is to record the subdivision and/or land development according to state law, ensure formal approval by the Board of Supervisors before plans are recorded, and to provide sufficient information so that the Board of Supervisors can assure construction according to the requirements of this chapter.
C. 
Plan requirements. All final plans shall be prepared in conformance with the provisions of § 265-5.4 and any other applicable requirements of law.
D. 
Submission. Official submission of the final plan application to the Township shall consist of:
(1) 
Final plan.
(a) 
Sufficient paper copies of the final plan as determined by the Board of Supervisors, plus one additional copy if the subject tract is within one mile of a Township boundary and one additional copy if the subject tract abuts a State highway. In addition, two CD/DVDs with PDFs of all submitted documents shall be required.
(b) 
The final plans shall be clearly marked, indicating which sheets are to be recorded. It should be noted, however, that, at its discretion, the Township may require more plan sheets and possibly all plan sheets to be recorded or, in lieu of recording all plan sheets, require that a plan note be added indicating that all plan sheets are recorded by reference.
(2) 
Supplemental data. Two paper copies and two CD/DVDs with PDFs of all reports, notifications and certifications that are not provided on the final plan, including Stormwater Management plans and calculations.
(3) 
Zoning approval.
(a) 
If the final plan has been the subject of a zoning approval process (variance, special exception, and/or conditional use), this zoning approval process must have been decided by the Board of Supervisors and/or Zoning Hearing Board, as applicable, prior to submission of the final plan. A paper copy of all prior, relevant zoning decisions must be submitted with the final plan.
(b) 
The applicant shall meet with the Township Zoning Officer prior to submitting the final plan. The Township Zoning Officer shall review the plan with the applicant and issue a letter identifying either that the proposed activity/plan appears to generally comply with the Township Zoning ordinance[1] or that the proposed activity/plan does not appear to comply with the Township Zoning ordinance and that corrections will be made prior to submitting the final plan or zoning approval will be sought in accordance with Subsection D(3)(a) above. Such letter, as issued by the Zoning Officer, shall be submitted with the final plan.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 270, Zoning.
(4) 
Application form. One application form completely and correctly executed, with all information legible, and bearing all required signatures.
(5) 
Filing fee. A filing fee in accordance with East Hempfield Township's current fee schedule.
(6) 
Application completeness review. All required plans and documents and the required filing fee shall accompany a final plan application. The Township shall have seven days from the date of submission of an application to check the plans and documents to determine if, on their face, they are in proper form and contain all the information required by this chapter. Within these seven days, the Township may reject an application as incomplete, in such case the required time for Township action on a plan does not start and will not start until a complete application is received by the Township. (Refer to checklists.)
(7) 
Submission to the Lancaster County Planning Commission. Upon receiving notice from the Township that the final plan submission is complete, or the passage of the above-referenced seven days, or upon the Township's execution of necessary Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC) applications; it is the responsibility of the applicant to make a complete submission of plans, supplemental data, zoning approval, application form, and filing fee to the LCPC, in accordance with the requirements of the LCPC.
E. 
Acknowledgement and referral/notification.
(1) 
At the first Planning Commission meeting following the Township's determination that the final plan application is complete, the Planning Commission shall acknowledge the final plan.
(2) 
The Township shall then notify the following of the final plan application, as deemed applicable by the Township, and provide a copy of the plan and application if requested:
(a) 
Township Engineer.
(b) 
Fire Company.
(c) 
Water Authority.
(d) 
Wastewater Authority.
(e) 
Other municipalities when part of an intermunicipal agreement.
(f) 
Lancaster Countywide Communications.
(g) 
Township Planning Commission.
(h) 
Township Traffic Commission.
F. 
Planning Commission Action. In general, the Planning Commission will schedule the final plan application for discussion at the first Planning Commission meeting that is at least 30 days following the date of the Planning Commission meeting at which time they acknowledged the final plan. The Planning Commission may schedule a final plan for action at an earlier meeting if the Commission believes that the plan is ready for action. In considering the final plan application, the Planning Commission shall:
(1) 
Review and evaluate the application and all reports received from applicable reviewing agencies and Township consultants.
(2) 
Determine whether the final plan meets the requirements and objectives of this chapter and other applicable ordinances.
(3) 
If available, review Lancaster County Planning Commission Comments.
(4) 
Send meeting minutes or a written report recommending approval or disapproval of the final plan and the reasons therefor, citing the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon, to the following:
(a) 
Landowner or his agent.
(b) 
Applicant.
(c) 
Firm that prepared the plan.
(d) 
Board of Supervisors.
(e) 
Lancaster County Planning Commission.
G. 
Board of Supervisors action. Following receipt of the Planning Commission's report and within 90 days next following the date the application is filed, unless additional time has been granted in writing by the applicant, the Board of Supervisors will schedule the final plan application for action at a regularly scheduled public meeting. In considering the final plan application, the Board of Supervisors shall:
(1) 
Review and evaluate the application and all reports received from applicable reviewing agencies and consultants for compliance with all Township ordinances.
(2) 
Review comments from the Lancaster County Planning Commission and Township Planning Commission.
(3) 
Take formal action on the final plan and any associated modification requests.
H. 
Notification of Board of Supervisors action.
(1) 
Written notification. Within 15 days of the meeting at which the final plan application is acted upon by the Board of Supervisors, written notice of the Board of Supervisors' action shall be sent to the applicant. The Township may also send copies to the following individuals:
(a) 
Landowner or his agent.
(b) 
Firm that prepared the plan.
(c) 
Lancaster County Planning Commission.
(2) 
Disapproval of application. If the final plan application is disapproved, the Board of Supervisors will notify the above individuals, in writing, of the defects in the application and will identify the requirements that have not been met, citing the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon, and/or where the final plan fails to meet the terms and conditions of the approved preliminary plan, if applicable.
(3) 
Failure of Board of Supervisors to act. Failure of the Board of Supervisors to render a decision and communicate it to the applicant within the time and manner required herein shall be deemed an approval of the application in terms as presented unless the applicant has agreed in writing to an extension of time or change in prescribed manner of presentation of communication of the decision, in which case, failure to meet the extended time or change will have a like effect.
I. 
Compliance with Board of Supervisors action.
(1) 
If the Board of Supervisors conditions its final plan approval upon receipt of additional information, changes and/or notifications, such data shall be submitted and/or alterations noted on two paper copies of the plan to be submitted to the Township for approval by the Board of Supervisors.
(2) 
Failure to reject the conditions in writing by the applicant within 30 days after written notification by the filing of an appeal shall constitute an acceptance of the conditions by the applicant.
J. 
Plan certification. After the final plan has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and the required changes, if any, are made, the applicant shall prepare two Mylar copies and two paper copies of the approved version of the final plan. One paper copy of the plan shall be kept in the Township files and one paper copy of the plan shall be kept in the Lancaster County Planning Commission's files. Both Mylar copies of the plan shall be certified in accordance with the provisions of § 265-4.4M.
K. 
Board of Supervisors signatures required. Both Mylar copies and one paper copy of the approved version of the final plan shall be presented to the Board of Supervisors for signature.
L. 
Lancaster County Planning Commission signature required. After obtaining the required Township signatures, both Mylar copies and one paper copy of the approved version of the final plan shall be presented by the applicant to the Lancaster County Planning Commission for signature.
M. 
Recordation.
(1) 
Recording of final plan. Upon approval and certification of a final plan, the applicant shall record the plan in the office of the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds, in accordance with the procedures of the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds. No final plan for any subdivision and/or land development may be recorded unless it bears the signature of an authorized representative of the Township denoting approval of the plan by the Board of Supervisors and the signature of two individuals authorized to sign for the Lancaster County Planning Commission per Section 513 of the PA MPC, as amended. Unless all site improvements have been constructed and completed in accordance with Section 265-4.3M above, the final plan shall not be released for recording until the applicant has provided an improvement construction guarantee in accordance with Article 6 hereof.
(2) 
Time period of approval.
(a) 
The developer shall within 90 days of such final approval or 90 days after the date of delivery of an approved plan signed by the Township Board of Supervisors, following completion of conditions imposed for such approval, whichever is later, record such plan in the office of the recorder of deeds per Section 513 of the PA MPC, as amended.
(b) 
In the event the plan is not recorded as stated above, the Board of Supervisors' action is null and void unless the Board of Supervisors has granted a waiver by extending the effective time period of the approval.
(3) 
Recording number and complete sets of documents required. A recording number and a complete set of plans with all signatures, stamps and seals must be provided to East Hempfield Township before any permits are issued. A CD/DVD of all plans and documents shall be provided to East Hempfield Township before any permits are issued [see § 265-4.4M(5)].
(4) 
Reporting to Lancaster County GIS. An electronic copy of the approved final plan, including lot and tract boundaries, streets, water, sewer, utility, and building locations, shall be provided to the staff planner/reviewer at the Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC) at the time of plan recording. The LCPC is responsible for forwarding same to the Lancaster County GIS Department. Such electronic copy shall comply with the requirements of the Lancaster County GIS Department.
(5) 
Submission of application materials in electronic format to the Township.
(a) 
An electronic-format copy of all information submitted to the Township that was considered in the course of the review and approval of the final plan shall be provided to the Township, including:
[1] 
PDF submissions. Any hard copies of narratives, letters, plans, drawings, sketches, details, maps, aerial photos, reports, studies, or any other written and graphic representation submitted (as deemed necessary by the Township) shall be submitted in an electronic media version acceptable to the Township with all such information individually recorded in a current ".pdf" format.
[2] 
Other submissions. All projects which receive preliminary plan approval shall be submitted in an electronic media version in accordance with the Township's electronic media policy for subdivision and land development projects.
(b) 
For purposes of this section, such terms as "electronic media version," "PDF," "GIS," and "AutoCAD" are not intended to limit the use and application of future innovations in electronic formatting systems and/or electronic drafting software as may be suitable to the Township.
N. 
Prior conveyance of lots prohibited. The final plan shall be filed with the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds before proceeding with the conveyance of lots, condominiums, and/or leaseholds. Lots may be placed under agreement of sale prior to plan recording but not conveyed.
O. 
Dedication by recording the final plan. After approval of the final plan by the Board of Supervisors, the act of recording the final plan shall have the effect of an irrevocable offer to dedicate all streets and other areas designated for public use, unless reserved by the landowner as provided in § 265-4.4P. However, the approval of the Board of Supervisors shall not impose any duty upon the commonwealth, county, or Township concerning acceptance, maintenance or improvement of any such dedicated areas or portion of same until proper authorities of the commonwealth, county, or Township actually accept same by ordinance or resolution, or by entry, use or improvement.
P. 
Notice of reservation from public dedication. The landowner shall place a notation on the final plan when there is no offer of dedication to the public of certain designated areas, in which event the title to such areas shall remain with the landowner, and the commonwealth, county and local authorities shall assume no right to accept ownership or right-of-way.
The following minor plans shall be processed as a single submission and handled as a final plan: centerline separation plan, lot add-on plan, lot consolidation plan, and revised subdivision and/or land development plan.
A. 
Plan types.
(1) 
Centerline separation plan. The division of an existing tract along the centerline of an existing street to create two lots whose common boundary is said centerline if it is in conformance with the criteria specified in § 265-4.5B.
(2) 
Lot add-on plan. The proposal to alter the location of lot lines between existing lots of separate ownership or under the same ownership with separate deeds for the sole purpose of increasing lot area if it is in conformance with the criteria specified in § 265-4.5B.
(3) 
Lot consolidation plan. The consolidation of two or more existing lots to create one lot with revised lot lines if it is in conformance with the criteria specified in § 265-4.5B.
(4) 
Revised subdivision and/or land development plan.
(a) 
Revised subdivision and/or land development plans may include one or more of the following circumstances:
[1] 
Replatting of recorded plans due to survey corrections.
[2] 
Revision due to survey corrections of approved final plans which have not yet been recorded.
[3] 
Redivision of leasehold space in multi-tenant, flexible-space buildings, including but not limited to retail centers and light industrial facilities, where the redivision of leasehold space will not negatively impact available parking; existing water, sewer, and stormwater facilities; and, traffic infrastructure.
[4] 
Field changes made during construction of improvements as authorized under an approved preliminary or final plan. Such field changes shall, in the opinion of the Township's Director of Planning, be substantial enough to require further documentation and approval than would be satisfied by the as-built plan requirements found in § 265-6.9. Such changes include amending the location of easements and substantial changes to the physical location of improvements caused by unanticipated field conditions; in no way shall these changes impact the intended function of the easement and/or improvements.
[5] 
Minor revisions to previously recorded plans not addressed by § 265-4.5A(4)(a)[1] through [4] above, where, in the opinion of the Township's Board of Supervisors, the revision will not negatively impact available parking; existing water, sewer, and stormwater facilities; traffic infrastructure; and the previously approved site design.
(b) 
At the time of submittal of the revised subdivision and/or land development plan, the applicant shall identify all such corrections, changes, and/or amendments that are being addressed by the plan and stipulate that all other features of the previous plans, as applicable, remain unchanged.
(c) 
Such replatting, revision, and/or field changes can be made if they are in conformance with the criteria specified in § 265-4.5B.
B. 
Plan criteria. Minor plans shall only be permitted when all of the following criteria are satisfied, as applicable:
(1) 
The resultant lots meet all dimensional, area, and bulk requirements of the applicable zoning district.
(2) 
The resultant lots shall retain adequate access to accommodate potential development in accordance with the current zoning district regulations.
(3) 
Drainage easements or rights-of way are not altered, except as may be permitted via revised subdivision and/or land development plans.
(4) 
Access to the affected lots is not altered or modified.
(5) 
Street alignments are not changed.
(6) 
The resultant lots meet all previously approved sewage module requirements including, where applicable, minimum lot size.
C. 
Plan requirements. Where the above conditions are satisfactorily proven to exist, a minor plan shall be prepared in conformance with the provisions of § 265-5.5 and any other applicable requirements of law.
D. 
Submission. Official submission of the minor plan application to the Township shall consist of:
(1) 
Minor plan.
(a) 
Sufficient paper copies of the minor plan as determined by the Board of Supervisors. In addition, two CD/DVDs with PDFs of all submitted documents shall be required.
(b) 
The minor plans shall be clearly marked, indicating which sheets are to be recorded. It should be noted, however, that, at its discretion, the Township may require more plan sheets and possibly all plan sheets to be recorded or, in lieu of recording all plan sheets, require that a plan note be added indicating that all plan sheets are recorded by reference.
(2) 
Supplemental data. Two paper copies and two CD/DVDs with PDFs of all reports, notifications and certifications that are not provided on the minor plan, including Stormwater management plans and calculations.
(3) 
Zoning approval.
(a) 
If the minor plan has been the subject of a zoning approval process (variance, special exception, and/or conditional use), this zoning approval process must have been decided by the Board of Supervisors and/or Zoning Hearing Board, as applicable, prior to submission of the minor plan. A paper copy of all prior, relevant zoning decisions must be submitted with the minor plan.
(b) 
The applicant shall meet with the Township Zoning Officer prior to submitting the minor plan. The Township Zoning Officer shall review the plan with the applicant and issue a letter identifying either that the proposed activity/plan appears to generally comply with the Township Zoning ordinance[1] or that the proposed activity/plan does not appear to comply with the Township Zoning ordinance and that corrections will be made prior to submitting the minor plan or zoning approval will be sought in accordance with Subsection D(3)(a) above. Such letter, as issued by the Zoning Officer, shall be submitted with the minor plan.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 270, Zoning.
(4) 
Application form. One application form completely and correctly executed, with all information legible, and bearing all required signatures.
(5) 
Filing fee. A filing fee in accordance with East Hempfield Township's current fee schedule.
E. 
Planning Commission Action. In general, the Planning Commission will schedule the minor plan application for action at the first Planning Commission meeting that is at least 30 days following the date of filing. In considering the minor plan application, the Planning Commission shall:
(1) 
Review and evaluate the application and all reports received from applicable reviewing agencies (including LCPC action, if required) and Township consultants. Determine whether the minor plan and reports meet the requirements and objectives of this chapter and other applicable ordinances.
(2) 
Send meeting minutes or a written report recommending approval or disapproval of the minor plan and the reasons therefor, citing the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon, to the following:
(a) 
Landowner or his agent.
(b) 
Applicant.
(c) 
Firm that prepared the plan.
(d) 
Board of Supervisors.
(e) 
Lancaster County Planning Commission.
F. 
Board of Supervisors action. Following receipt of the Planning Commission's report and within 90 days following the date of the first regular meeting of the Planning Commission after the date the application is filed, the Board of Supervisors will schedule the minor plan application for action at a regularly scheduled public meeting. In considering the minor plan application, the Board of Supervisors shall:
(1) 
Review and evaluate the application and all reports received from applicable reviewing agencies (including LCPC action, if required). Determine whether the minor plan and reports meet the requirements and objectives of this chapter and other applicable ordinances.
(2) 
Take formal action on the minor plan and any associated modification requests.
G. 
Notification of Board of Supervisors action.
(1) 
Written notification. Within 15 days of the meeting at which the minor plan application is acted upon by the Board of Supervisors, written notice of the Board of Supervisors' action shall be sent to the applicant. The Township may also send copies to the following:
(a) 
Landowner or his agent.
(b) 
Firm that prepared the plan.
(c) 
Lancaster County Planning Commission.
(2) 
Disapproval of application. If the minor plan application is disapproved, the Board of Supervisors will notify the above individuals, in writing, of the defects in the application and will identify the requirements that have not been met, citing the provisions of the statute or ordinance relied upon.
(3) 
Failure of Board of Supervisors to act. Failure of the Board of Supervisors to render a decision and communicate it to the applicant within the time and manner required herein shall be deemed an approval of the application in terms as presented unless the applicant has agreed in writing to an extension of time or change in prescribed manner of presentation of communication of the decision, in which case, failure to meet the extended time or change will have a like effect.
H. 
Compliance with Board of Supervisors action.
(1) 
If the Board of Supervisors conditions its minor plan approval upon receipt of additional information, changes and/or notifications, such data shall be submitted and/or alterations noted on two paper copies of the plan to be submitted to the Township for approval by the Board of Supervisors.
(2) 
Failure to reject the conditions in writing by the applicant within 30 days after written notification by the filing of an appeal shall constitute an acceptance of the conditions by the applicant.
I. 
Plan certification. After the minor plan has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and the required changes, if any, are made, the applicant shall prepare two Mylar copies and two paper copies of the approved version of the minor plan. One paper copy of the minor plan shall be kept in the Township files and one paper copy of the minor plan shall be kept in the Lancaster County Planning Commission's files. Both Mylar copies of the minor plan shall be certified in accordance with the provisions of § 265-4.5L.
J. 
Board of Supervisors signatures required. Both Mylar copies and one paper copy of the approved version of the minor plan shall be presented to the Board of Supervisors for signature.
K. 
Lancaster County Planning Commission signature required. After obtaining the required Township signatures, both Mylar copies and one paper copy of the approved version of the minor plan shall be presented by the applicant to the Lancaster County Planning Commission for signature.
L. 
Recordation of plan and deed.
(1) 
Recording of the minor plan. Upon approval and certification of a minor plan, the applicant shall record the plan in the office of the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds, in accordance with the procedures of the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds. No minor plan may be recorded unless it bears the signature of an authorized representative of the Township denoting approval of the plan by the Board of Supervisors and the signature of two individuals authorized to sign for the Lancaster County Planning Commission per Section 513 of the PA MPC, as amended. In the event that the plan requires the installation of subdivision/land development improvements, then the minor plan shall not be released for recording until the applicant has provided an improvement construction guarantee in accordance with Article 6 hereof.
(2) 
Deeds.
(a) 
For those minor plans resulting in lot line revisions/corrections, a copy of the deeds to be recorded for the subject tract or receiving lot(s) shall be submitted prior to recording of the minor plan.
(b) 
Recordation of such minor plans does not alone serve to join the receiving lot with the acreage to be conveyed. To reflect the descriptions as provided on the recorded plan, deeds must be recorded for the receiving and conveying lots.
(3) 
Time period of approval.
(a) 
The developer shall, within 90 days of such final approval or 90 days after the date of delivery of an approved plan signed by the Board of Supervisors, following completion of conditions imposed for such approval, whichever is later, record such plan in the office of the recorder of deeds per Section 513 of the PA MPC, as amended.
(b) 
In the event the plan is not recorded as stated above, the Board of Supervisors' action is null and void unless the Board of Supervisors has granted a waiver by extending the effective time period of the approval.
(4) 
Recording number and complete sets of documents required. A recording number and a complete set of plans with all signatures, stamps and seals must be provided to East Hempfield Township before any permits are issued. A compact disc of all plans and documents shall be provided to East Hempfield Township before any permits are issued [see § 265-4.5L(6)].
(5) 
Reporting to Lancaster County GIS. An electronic copy of the approved minor plan, including lot and tract boundaries, streets, water, sewer, utility, and building locations, shall be provided to the staff planner/reviewer at the Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC) at the time of plan recording. The LCPC is responsible for forwarding same to the Lancaster County GIS Department. Such electronic copy shall comply with the requirements of the Lancaster County GIS Department.
(6) 
Submission of application materials in electronic format.
(a) 
An electronic-format copy of all information submitted to the Township that was considered in the course of the review and approval of the minor plan shall be provided to the Township, including:
[1] 
PDF submissions. Any hard copies of narratives, letters, plans, drawings, sketches, details, maps, aerial photos, reports, studies, or any other written and graphic representation submitted (as deemed necessary by the Township) shall be submitted in an electronic media version acceptable to the Township with all such information individually recorded in a current ".pdf" format.
[2] 
Other submissions. All projects which receive preliminary plan approval shall be submitted in an electronic media version in accordance with the Township's electronic media policy for subdivision and land development projects.
(b) 
For purposes of this section, such terms as "electronic media version," "PDF," "GIS," and "AutoCAD" are not intended to limit the use and application of future innovations in electronic formatting systems and/or electronic drafting software as may be suitable to the Township.
M. 
Future development. Any development of the lots created through this process must follow standard plan processing procedures as specified in this article.