This Article summarizes the general procedures for the submission and review of proposed subdivisions and land developments. This Article is only a general explanation and is not binding on the Township or an applicant. See the actual provisions of the other Articles of this ordinance. Two flowcharts are included at the end of this Article[1] to show the general process for major and minor subdivisions.
[1]
Editor's Note: The flowcharts regarding generalized processes for major and minor subdivisions or land developments are included at the end of this chapter.
A. 
Review and approval stages.
(1) 
Three types of plan submission are included in the procedure for filing and approval of subdivision and land development plans: sketch, preliminary and final.
(2) 
These plans enable the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to have an adequate opportunity to review the submission and to ensure that their formal recommendations are reflected in the final plan which is recorded in accordance with this Article.
(3) 
The table below outlines the stages for the different types of proposed subdivision or land development.[1] See definitions of each term in Article II.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said table is included at the end of this chapter.
B. 
Sketch plan.
(1) 
While sketch plans are not required for major and minor subdivisions or land developments, it is strongly recommended that they be filed to allow the applicant to consult early and informally with the Planning Commission before preparing a preliminary plan. An early review will help a developer avoid the need to make major changes to the plan after the engineering is completed and thereby avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.
(2) 
Comments made and not made by Township officials on the sketch plan are only recommendations and are not binding upon the Township or the applicant.
C. 
Preliminary plan. Except where a preliminary plan is not required, the initial plan filed to the Commission for formal review of a major subdivision or land development shall be considered the official preliminary plan. The preliminary plan is intended to provide for Township approval of the major facets of the development and to ensure that the engineering of the project would be workable.
D. 
Final plan. After approval of the preliminary plan of a major subdivision or land development, the applicant files a final plan. The final plan allows the Township to ensure that technical matters are resolved before the plan is recorded or the buildings can be built.
E. 
Guaranty of improvements installation. Where improvements are required by this ordinance and the improvements are not completed in advance, the applicant is required to enter into a development agreement, including the posting of financial security to make sure that the improvements are completed. See Article VIII.
F. 
Recording of final plan. In most cases, the applicant is required to have the approved subdivision final plan recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Deeds within 90 days after final approval. See Article IX. No lots may be sold or buildings constructed until the plan is approved and recorded.
A. 
Submission. Plans should be hand-delivered to a Township staffperson who is responsible for administering this ordinance. The list of requirements in this ordinance is in the form of a checklist to make it easier for the Township and the applicant to determine whether a submittal is complete.
B. 
Completeness. The Planning Commission may refuse to accept a submittal if it is significantly incomplete. In that case, the plans will have to be resubmitted to the Township.
C. 
Attendance. The applicant or his/her representative should endeavor to attend the Commission meeting to discuss the filed plans.
D. 
Action by the Commission and the Board of Supervisors. The Planning Commission recommends approval or disapproval to the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors then approves or disapproves the plan within the time limits established by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.