Township of Warwick, PA Subdivision and Land Development Impact Statements

A developer may not file a preliminary plan or a final plan for any land development or subdivision unless accompanied by this statement.

A developer may not offer to sell or lease lots in a land development or major subdivision unless a statement is in effect in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Disclosure statement; form and filing; amendments. The requirements for filing a statement with the Township Secretary are as follows:

Filing. A statement relating to a subdivision or land development shall be filed with the Township Secretary by personal delivery.

Form of statement. The statement of record shall be filed in the form and shall be supported by the documentation required by this section.

An amendment to an effective statement shall be filed with the Township Secretary if any change occurs in any representation of fact made in such statement. An amendment shall be filed within 15 days of the date on which the developer knows or should have known that there has been a material change.

An amendment to a statement shall incorporate by reference the prior statement, except for any material change which may have occurred. A material change shall be specifically described and shall be supported by such documentation as would be required in connection with an initial filing.

Disclosure statement of record; format and instructions. The statement shall be prepared in accordance with the format and instructions as follows:

Format:

		Developer Name:
		e-mail:
		Owner:
		e-mail:
Statement of disclosures
	Name of subdivision:
	Location:
	Name of developer:
	Developer's address:
	Authorized agent:
	Authorized agent's address:
Developers and holders of ownership interests in violations, bankruptcies and litigation.
(a)	Holder of ownership interest:
	Type of legal entity:
	List of corporate officers and business associations of each officer:
	Extent and type of interest:
(b)	Holder of interest in land:
	Type of legal entity:
	List of corporate officers:
	List of corporate officers and business associations of each officer:
	Extent and type of interest:
(c)	Violations, bankruptcies and litigation:
	[1]
	[2]
	[3]
(d)	Supporting documentation:
	[1]
	[2]
Affirmation
	I hereby affirm that I am the senior executive officer of the developer of the lots herein described or will be the senior executive officer of the developer at the time lots are offered for sale or lease to the public or that I am the agent authorized by the senior executive officer of such developer to complete this statement (if agent, submit written authorization to act as agent);
	That the statements contained in this disclosure statement, together with any documents submitted herewith, are full, true, complete and correct;
	That the developer is bound to carry out the promise and obligations set forth in this disclosure statement or that I have clearly delineated the proposals for which the developer is not bound and stated who is or will be responsible, if anyone.

	(Date)	(Signature)

	(Corporate Seal if applicable)	(Title)

Instructions for completion of statement.

All space in the specified format must be completed. The format must not be changed in any respect, except as follows:

[1]

Spaces provided in the format may be enlarged or extended for the purpose of providing a comprehensive explanation.

[2]

In addition to the information expressly required to be stated in the statement of record, there shall be added such further material information, documentation and certifications, if any, as may be necessary to make the statements, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.

[3]

Amendments to the statement shall be prepared and filed in accordance with the procedure set forth in this chapter.

Hard-copy statements of record shall be bound on good-quality, unglazed, white paper, approximately 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches in size. They shall be readable, clear and able to be reproduced easily. Supporting documents may be on different size paper. Statements shall be properly signed and dated.

Electronic statements should be in a format compatible with Township computer and software programs. The application must be complete with all pertinent information and signatures.

The name at the heading of the statement shall be the common promotional name used for the subdivision. The name and address of the authorized agent shall be the name and address of the party designated by the developer to receive correspondence.

(e)

The supporting documents required by these instructions shall be attached as exhibits to the statement.

(f)

If an item in the statement is supported by information in an exhibit, place the appropriate exhibit and page number in the right margin immediately adjacent to the item. Whenever the statement requires a summary or statement of terms or items, such summary or statement must be presented in a clear and concise manner.

(g)

The following instructions correspond to the part and subpart letters and numbers set forth in the statement format under “Developers and holders of ownership interests in land, violations, bankruptcies and litigation”:

[1]

For Subpart (a): List the name and address and the type and extent of interest of each holder of any ownership interest in the land included in this offering. (Individual lot owners or lessees who have purchased or leased lots from the developer need not be listed.) If the holder is other than an individual, name the type of legal entity and list the interest and the extent thereof of each principal. For the purposes hereof, "principal" shall mean any person or entity having a ten-percent or more financial interest.

[2]

For Subpart (b): If the developer does not own an interest in the land, list the name and address of each individual or entity having an ownership interest in the development. If the developer is other than an individual, name the type of legal entity and list the interest and the extent thereof of each principal. For the purposes hereof, "principal" shall mean any person or entity having a ten-percent or more financial interest.

[3]

For Subpart (c), Violations, bankruptcies and litigation:

[a]

State whether any of the persons named in (a) or (b) have been disciplined, debarred or suspended by any governmental body or agency or indicted or convicted by any court for violation of a federal, state or local law or regulation in connection with activities relating to land sales, land investment, securities sales, construction or sale of homes or home improvements or any other similar or related activity for which such official action was charged. If so, describe the action. Include in your description the names and addresses of the parties involved, the type and date of the action and the status and disposition thereof.

[b]

State whether within the last 13 years any of the persons named in (a) or (b) has filed a petition in bankruptcy or has had an involuntary petition in bankruptcy filed against him or has been an officer or director of a company which has become insolvent or has voluntarily or involuntarily filed in bankruptcy. If so, describe the action. Include in your description the petition number, names and addresses of petitioners, trustees and counsel, the name and address of any other parties involved, the date of the action, the name and location of the court where the proceeding took place or is being held and the status or disposition thereof.

[c]

List all current litigation of which the developer is aware which, individually or in the aggregate, may have a material effect upon the developer or subdivision. Describe each such action with particularity. Every development during the course of such litigation which may effect a material adverse change with respect to the developer or subdivision promptly should become the subject of an amendment.

[4]

For Subpart (d), Supporting documentation:

[a]

If the developer is a corporation, submit a copy of the articles of incorporation, with all amendments, and a list of the officers and directors of the corporation. If the developer is a partnership, unincorporated associates, joint-stock company or any other form of organization, submit copies of articles of partnership or association and all other documents relating to its organization. If the holder of any ownership interest in the land being offered is a person or entity other than the developer, submit copies of the above documents for such holder. [For purposes of this Subsection C(1), it is not necessary to include the sales agent if the sales agent is a legal entity other than a holder of an ownership interest in the land.]

[b]

Submit a copy of the documents involved in the litigation or other action listed in § 163-14C(2)(g)[3][c], if any. This includes but is not limited to copies of the following:

[c]

The complaint.

[d]

The answer.

[e]

The decision or other disposition.

§ 163-15 Impact assessment.

Applicability of impact assessment:

The impact on the environment created by subdivisions and land developments necessitates a comprehensive analysis of the variety of problems that may result and actions that can be taken to minimize these problems. To effectively evaluate the environmental consequences or effects of certain projects proposed in the Township, an applicant shall submit an impact assessment (IA) report that meets all of the requirements of this section. The information provided in the IA report must mirror the information provided upon the plans submitted to the Township and vice versa.

An IA report shall be submitted concurrently with the preliminary plan, unless waived by the Township due to the limited scope of the application or plan. An updated IA report shall be submitted concurrently with the final plan for the Township's review and approval if the project scope has undergone a significant change since the preliminary plan submission. The approved IA shall become a part of the approved final plan, and the subdivision/land development shall be constructed in accordance with the information set forth within the report.

Twenty copies and an electronic copy of the IA report shall be submitted to the Township. Within the IA report, specific emphasis shall be directed toward the proposed project's effects on and relationship to applicable site, neighborhood (including areas in adjacent municipalities, where applicable), and Township-wide resources, conditions or characteristics. The IA report shall be divided into two sections: “site analysis” and “design analysis.” The report shall include text, tables, maps, and analyses describing the project site, proposed use(s), environmental characteristics, and the environmental effects of the proposal.

Site analysis. This section of the IA report shall contain the following:

In a narrative format, indicate the purpose and scope of the proposed project. Enumerate the benefits to the public which will result from the proposed project, and describe the suitability of the site for the intended use. The description of the proposed project shall indicate the extent to which the site must be altered, the kinds of facilities to be constructed, how they are to be considered and the uses intended. The resident population, working population, and visitor population shall be projected. The basis of the projections shall be clearly stated in the report.

Compatibility. The compatibility or incompatibility of the proposed project shall be described in relation to the following, and should be accomplished in narrative form, with references to the plan as submitted:

Surrounding properties and uses, including, where applicable, local villages.

The Township Comprehensive Plan, especially the land use and open space elements.

The Comprehensive Plan of adjacent municipalities whenever a project is located along or within 2,000 feet of the municipal boundaries.

The Bucks County Comprehensive Plan.

(e)

Regional and state planning guides.

(f)

Other pertinent planning documents.

Location. The location map shall depict all streets, adjoining properties, zoning district boundaries, and municipal boundaries within 2,500 feet of any part of the site. In the case of development of only a portion of the entire site, the location map shall also show the relationship of the proposed development area to the entire site.

Photographs: an identification of the character and appearance of the site through the presentation of color photographs or color copies thereof. Such photographs shall provide a representation of what the site looks like from ground level. Photographs shall be properly identified/captioned and shall be keyed to a map of the site.

Description of the project: an identification of the nature of the proposal through the presentation of the following:

The subdivision/land development plan filed with the Township shall be referenced as an attachment to the report.

Except for single-family dwellings, floor plans and elevations depicting the proposed size, square footage, height, and number of rooms (where applicable) of buildings and/or other structures.

A statement indicating the existing and proposed ownership of the site and, where applicable, the type of ownership, operation, and maintenance proposed for areas devoted to open space or otherwise not under the control of a single lot owner. For areas to be owned and maintained by property owners' associations or condominium associations, all relevant documents regarding the formation and operation of the association(s) shall be submitted to the Township with final plans.

A statement indicating the proposed staging or phasing of the project and a map depicting the boundaries of each stage or phase of the project. Such boundaries shall be superimposed on a version of the site development plan.

Physical resources inventory: an identification of physical resources associated with the natural environment of the tract, including such features as geology, topography, soils, hydrology, and the like. The identification of physical resources shall include a narrative description of the qualitative aspects of each of the resources mentioned above and shall reference the sheets of the subdivision/land development plan showing these resources.

(7)

Biological resources inventory: an identification of biological resources associated with the natural environment of the site, including such features as vegetation and wildlife. The identification of biological resources shall include a narrative description of each of the resources mentioned above. In addition, these resources shall be mapped at a scale of not smaller than 100 feet to the inch, as specified below.

A map depicting the vegetation characteristics of the site. Such map shall define the locations and boundaries of the woodland, forest, and hedgerow areas of the site and shall note the types of vegetation associations which exist in terms of their species, types, and sizes. In addition, all trees 12 inches in diameter or greater, measured at breast height (dbh), shall be accurately located and identified on the map whether they are freestanding trees or tree masses.

A map depicting characteristics associated with wildlife habitats. Such may draw upon vegetation, hydrology, and soil maps in order to express habitat characteristics associated with terrestrial and aquatic wildlife on the tract and the relationship of the overall habitat(s).

(8)

Land use inventory: an identification of the land use conditions and characteristics associated with the site, such as current and past use, land cover, and encumbrances, and the relationship of these to adjacent tracts. The identification of land use conditions and characteristics shall include a narrative description of the above and shall reference the sheets of the subdivision/land development plan showing these conditions and characteristics.

(9)

Surface water inventory. Describe existing watercourses and bodies of water that are partially or totally on the site and their relationship to the area of land disturbance. Calculate existing surface runoff from the site and the associated watershed, including the potential development of the remainder of the watershed. When the natural drainage pattern will be altered, an analysis shall be provided that investigates the flow, depth, capacity, and water quality of the receiving waters. Floodplain areas shall be mapped. Existing drainage structures shall be mapped, and the capacity of the drainage network shall be determined. Additionally, wetland areas, as defined by the Department of Environmental Protection or the United States Army Corps of Engineers, shall be delineated.

(10)

Subsurface water inventory. Describe the subsurface water conditions on the site, in terms of depth to groundwater, recharge capabilities, and water supply capabilities. Where existing conditions warrant, provide detailed information regarding existing wells within 0.5 mile of the perimeter of the site relative to depth, capacity, and water quality. The recharge and water supply capabilities of properties within one mile of the perimeter of the site shall be provided. This requirement can be met by referencing the water resources impact study for the project.

(11)

Existing features inventory. Describe any existing features on the site that are not considered to be part of the natural environment, including but not limited to roads, housing units, accessory structures, utility lines, etc.

(12)

Historic resources inventory: an identification of the man-made resources associated with or within 500 feet of the perimeter of the site that are older than 50 years. Areas, structures, routes, and/or trails included on or identified by the National Register of Historic Places, the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places, the Historic American Building Survey, the Heritage Conservancy, the Township's Historic Survey, and/or in the Comprehensive Plan shall be listed. This listing shall include a narrative description of the resource and its historical importance and shall reference the sheets of the subdivision/land development plan showing these resources.

(13)

Visual resources inventory: an identification of the visual resources associated with the site, such as areas that have a particular amenity value or that offer views of special or particular interest. The identification of visual resources shall include a narrative description and a map drawn at a scale of not smaller than 100 feet to the inch depicting these visual resources. This inventory shall also reference the Township's Open Space Map and how the site is treated within that map.

(14)

Community needs inventory: an identification of the community facility needs associated with the users and/or residents of the proposed project. The community facility needs assessment shall indicate, in narrative form, the type of services which will be in demand. Where applicable, community facilities (such as parks, recreation areas, playing fields, playgrounds, pools, libraries, community centers and outreach facilities, places of worship, hospitals and other health care facilities, fire protection, police protection, ambulance and rescue service, and postal service) shall be discussed in terms of the ability of existing facilities and services to accommodate the demands of future users and/or residents of the site and the need for additional or expanded community facilities. Copies of all reference and source material shall be submitted as part of the required narratives. In particular, the report shall note the projected needs of the following:

Demographics: an identification of the demographic characteristics of the project, presented in narrative form, that shall include a profile and numbers of the future users and/or residents of the project. Information shall also be provided regarding how the demographic characteristics may change over time. For residential projects, the report shall include the total population projection, based on total dwellings proposed, the breakdown of dwelling unit types and bedrooms.

Police protection. Based upon the most-recent standards presented in the Municipal Yearbook by the International City Managers' Association (ICMA), or similar current publications or by survey of at least five similar Bucks County municipalities, the police personnel requirements resulting from the proposed development must be projected.

Fire protection. In that fire protection in Warwick Township is provided by a totally volunteer department, the standard by which new development impacts will be measured is based on an equivalency ratio. The Insurance Office of Pennsylvania calculates that 1/4 of the volunteer membership is equal to regular paid employees. This ratio should then be used to calculate the required fire personnel based on a standard of 1.4 full-time, paid firemen per 1,000 of the population, as shown in a survey of municipal services prepared by the International City Managers' Association (ICMA) in the 1979 Yearbook (ICMA Comparative Performance Measurement Data Report, dated within two years of the application). Special consideration should be made of the proposed development and dwelling unit types and recommendations included as to requirements for special personnel or additional equipment. Ultimate determination of the personnel and equipment needs required to provide fire protection for each new proposed development will be made by the Township Fire Official and Board of Supervisors.

[Amended 4-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]

Township maintenance personnel, facilities and equipment. In general, a standard of 1.90 Roads Department personnel per 1,000 of the population as per the Fiscal Impact Handbook, Burchell and Listokin, Rutgers University, New Jersey, or similar current publications by the ICMA, should be utilized to evaluate the proposed development impacts on the Township's ability to maintain and repair Township roads. Additional considerations should be given to additional or replacement maintenance equipment required as a result of the new development. Ultimate determination of impacts and needs will be made by the Board of Supervisors.

(15)

Utility needs inventory: an identification of the utility needs associated with the users and/or residents of the proposed project and a statement whether the project is within the area to be served by public sewers under the Township's Act 537 Plan. The utility needs assessment shall indicate, in narrative form, the type of installations which will be in demand. Utilities (such as those used for water supply, sewage disposal, refuse disposal, storm drainage, communications, and electrical transmission) shall be discussed in terms of: the ability of existing utility installations to accommodate the demands of the future users and/or residents of the lot(s) and/or tract; the need for additional or expanded utility installations; the ability to achieve an adequate, potable quantity of water; the ability to achieve an adequate system for sewage disposal; and the ability to achieve an adequate system for storm drainage and stormwater management. Certificates from the utilities confirming that adequate capacity exists to service the proposed development shall be included. The utility needs and proposed improvements shall be shown graphically on the plan as well as discussed in narrative form.

(16)

Transportation system inventory: an identification of the relationship of the transportation and circulation system needs of the proposed project to the existing street or highway network. A discussion of this relationship shall be in narrative form and shall include, among other things, methods to be used for traffic control within the tract; points of ingress and egress; expected peak and nonpeak traffic volumes generated from the project; peak and nonpeak traffic volumes on existing streets; the physical condition of the existing streets that will service the project; and proposed improvements to existing streets. This requirement can be met by referencing the traffic impact study for the project.

(17)

Fiscal impact: an identification of the economic and fiscal characteristics related to the project, presented in narrative form, that shall include a profile of Township, county, and school district revenues expected to be generated by the project and the Township, county, and school district costs expected to be imposed by the project. Information shall also be provided regarding how the fiscal impact of the project may change over time. In particular, the report shall note the projected needs of the following:

List all of the services which will be required and a description and documentation of the total annual estimated cost of the services.

List all of the capital improvements or purchases which will be required as a result of the proposed development and the total and/or annual estimated cost for providing each. Facilities or equipment purchases which are the responsibility, either partially or totally, of the developer/owner should be itemized separately. Other improvements or purchases should be listed separately for the Township and other agencies or authorities.

List all revenues by source, including those of a proposed homeowners' or condominium association. Revenues which go directly to the Township and those which go to other agencies or authorities should be clearly differentiated. It must be clearly documented how each of the revenue sources was estimated.

Prepare an analysis and comparison of the costs for services, improvements and equipment versus the anticipated revenues. A final determination must be presented as to whether the analysis will result in a financial surplus or deficiency. The analysis should differentiate the financial impacts for the Township, other agencies or boards and the school district.

(18)

Existing conditions: an identification of existing, construction-related, and future characteristics and conditions associated with air and water quality, noise and vibration levels, toxic and radioactive materials, electrical interference, odor, fumes, vapors and gases, glare and heat, fire and explosion risks, smoke, and/or dust.

(19)

Licenses and permits: a projection of permits and/or other approvals that may be required for the project.

Design analysis. This section of the IA report shall contain a separate discussion of the project and its design. This discussion shall focus on the beneficial or adverse effects that may result from the project and their duration. This section shall also review the impact the project will have on the resources, conditions, and characteristics described in the foregoing subsections. The design analysis shall include the following:

Impacts map: a map, drawn at a scale of not smaller than 100 feet to the inch, displaying where the project adversely affects the site's resources, conditions, or characteristics. The subdivision/land development plan can be substituted for an impacts map, on the condition that all proposed improvements have been identified in such a way as to depict both the proposed features and impact to the existing features. Smaller-scale plans or enlargements should be added as necessary.

Impacts/effects inventory: a list of all the potential adverse impacts and beneficial effects of the project. For each impact or effect, the report shall include a discussion of possible alternatives and mitigating measures that conforms to the proceeding subsections and shall describe the impact or effect as being direct or indirect. This list shall include but not be limited to the following:

Water quality and quantity.

Air quality.

Noise.

Undesirable land use patterns.

(e)

Damage or destruction of significant plant or wildlife systems.

(f)

Aesthetic values.

(g)

Destruction of natural resources.

(h)

Displacement of people and businesses.

(i)

Displacement of viable farms.

(j)

Employment and property taxes.

(k)

Destruction of man-made resources.

(l)

Disruption of desirable community and regional growth.

(m)

Health, safety and well-being of the public.

(n)

Disposition of existing structures (to remain, to be removed, and to be renovated) and proposed uses for each.

Alternatives analysis. The report shall include a discussion of alternative designs, locations, uses, structures, grading, layout, siting of structures, changes in size or numbers of uses or structures, etc., of the project that would preclude, reduce, or eliminate potential adverse impacts or produce, expand, or create potential beneficial effects. This discussion shall consist of a narrative with accompanying exhibits, illustrations, diagrams, and/or maps depicting the various possible alternatives.

Mitigation measures: measures to mitigate adverse effects. To indicate such measures, the applicant shall submit exhibits or diagrams which will depict the type of remedial, protective, and mitigative measures described in narrative form. These measures shall include those required through existing procedures and standards and those unique to a specific project, as follows:

Mitigation measures which pertain to existing procedures and standards are those related to current requirements of the state, county and/or Township for remedial or protective action, such as sedimentation and erosion control, stormwater runoff control, water quality control, and air quality control.

Mitigation measures related to impacts which may be unique to a specific project are those related to efforts such as revegetation, screening, fencing, creation of wetlands mitigation/replacement in accordance with the standards of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, emission control, traffic control, noise control, relocation of people and/or businesses, and land acquisition.

Further, the applicant must demonstrate and specify in the IA report how and where the findings in the IA report and its attachments are reflected in the project.

Irreversible impacts: any irreversible environmental changes which would occur due to the proposed project should it be implemented. To indicate such changes, the use of nonrenewable resources during the initial and continued phases of the project shall be discussed. Further, the loss of environmental resources shall be indicated through a presentation of the quantity of loss and related qualitative effects.

General standards and conditions:

In making its evaluation, the Board of Supervisors and/or the Planning Commission may request any additional information it deems necessary to adequately assess potential environmental impacts. Whenever any information required in this section is assumed not directly applicable to the proposed project, the applicant shall indicate such assumed inapplicability in the narrative of the IA report and state why such information is considered to be inapplicable in the case of the particular project in question.

The IA report shall be prepared by a planner certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners or its equivalent, in collaboration with other licensed professionals. All persons who participate in preparing the report shall be identified and their qualifications stated. All sources of information shall be identified when presented, and a bibliography shall be attached to the report. All work in the report shall be in conformity with recognized engineering, architectural and planning practices and principles.

The Township may retain its own expert to evaluate the IA report. The cost of this expert shall be borne by the applicant.

The Board of Supervisors shall not approve the project unless it determines and finds that the proposed development:

Will not result in appreciable harmful effects to the Township at large.

Has been designed and conceived with a view toward the protection of the resources.

Will not, individually or collectively, place a disproportionate or excessive demand upon the total resources available for such proposal and for any future proposals.

The Supervisors may waive the requirement of an IA report if they determine that the anticipated impact of the proposed project is minimal.

§ 163-16 Educational impact study.

In narrative format, indicate the scope of the proposed project and its impact on the educational system in the Township, based on the criteria below. The report shall indicate the extent to which the site may require additional educational services and/or facilities and a means to mitigate these impacts. Enumerate the benefits to the public which will result from the proposed project and describe the suitability of the project. The resident population, working population, and, as appropriate, projections for population changes shall be considered. The basis of the projections shall be clearly stated in the report.

Required information for the educational impact study:

Operating cost per student using the Pennsylvania Department of Education Form PD2-2058, Instructional Expense Computation, obtained from the Central Bucks School District.

School district millage rate (obtained from the Township Tax Collector).

Assessment factor (100% of the total assessment value).

Current available capacity for elementary school(s) possibly serving the site (obtained from the Central Bucks School District).

Current available capacity for secondary school(s) possibly serving the site (obtained from the Central Bucks School District).

Capital cost per student for providing new education facilities (obtained from the Central Bucks School District).

(7)

Debt constant to determined annual cost of borrowed capital funds (obtained from the Central Bucks School District).

(8)

The developer shall generate projections for the number of new students anticipated by the proposed development from five projects of similar size and type from the Central Bucks School District. The projects utilized shall have been constructed within five years of the application date of the project under consideration. At a minimum, the following shall be provided: for estimating the average costs of a proposed residential development, the number of school aged residents and the total number of residents expected to reside in the new development are calculated using statewide per-unit multipliers.

Method of determining fiscal impact on educational system.

School district tax revenue generation. Multiply the total dollar value of the development by the assessment factor; multiply the result by the school district millage rate.

Development-generated operating costs. Multiply the number of school-age children to be generated by the project by the operating cost per student.

Development-generated capital costs. Multiply the number of school-age children to be generated by the project by the capital costs per student for the new facilities. Multiply the result by the debt constant. This gives the annual debt service cost.

Net impact assessment. Add the operating costs and capital costs generated by the project, and subtract that number from the school district tax revenue generation to determine the educational cost impact of the development proposal.

Standards and criteria for determining additional educational system impact.

The following standards shall be used in determining the operating costs per student:

Classroom size of 20 students per classroom.

Site size to conform to the standards mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The existing school system (total elementary and secondary classroom and site size) shall be compared to the anticipated enrollment of the entire enrollment estimated from the proposed development and other approved but unbuilt developments.

The Township shall not accept any educational impact statement prepared directly or indirectly for a developer by an employee or official of the local school district or Township.

§ 163-17 Transportation impact study.

Purpose. A transportation impact study, provided by the developer, as defined in Subsection C, shall be required for all nonresidential subdivisions, land developments, zoning changes, special exceptions, or residential subdivisions of 10 lots or more or a zoning use change from residential to nonresidential. This study will enable Warwick Township to assess the impact of an application on the transportation system, including highways, street network and public transportation, in Warwick Township. Its purpose is to ensure that proposed developments or zoning changes do not adversely affect the transportation network and to identify any traffic problems associated with access from the site to the existing transportation network and what road improvements may be required to mitigate the impact of the development, or zoning change. The study's purpose is also to delineate solutions to potential problems and to present improvements to be incorporated into the proposed development. The study shall assist in the protection of air quality, the conservation of energy and the encouragement of public transportation use.

[Amended 4-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]

Conduct of the transportation impact study. The transportation impact study shall be prepared by a qualified traffic engineer and/or transportation planner with previous traffic study experience. The procedures and standards for the transportation impact study are set forth in Subsection C.

General requirements and standards. A transportation impact study shall contain the following information:

General site description. The site description shall include the size, location, proposed land uses, construction staging and completion date of the proposed land development. If the development is residential, the types of dwelling units and number of bedrooms shall also be included. A brief description of other major existing and proposed land developments within a two-mile radius of the site shall be provided. The general site description shall also include probable socioeconomic characteristics of potential site users to the extent that they may affect the transportation needs of the site (e.g., the number of senior citizens).

Transportation facilities description.

The description shall contain a full documentation of the proposed internal and existing external transportation system. This description shall include proposed internal vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian circulation, all proposed ingress and egress locations, all internal roadway widths and rights-of-way, parking conditions, traffic channelizations and any traffic signals or other intersection control devices at all intersections within the site. The site design shall be shown to maximize potential public transportation usage to and from the development, such as providing adequate turning radius at all access points to allow a bus to enter the development. Bus shelter and sign locations shall be designated, where appropriate.

The report shall describe the entire external roadway system within the study area. Major intersections in the study area shall be identified and sketched. All existing and proposed public transportation shall be documented. All future highway improvements, including proposed construction and traffic signalization, shall be noted. Any proposed roadway improvements due to proposed surrounding developments shall be recorded. The study area will extend approximately 1/2 mile along the adjacent roadway in both directions from all access points or to a major intersection along these roadways. Where doubt exists, the transportation engineer shall seek guidance from the Warwick Township Engineer prior to the submission of the transportation impact study.

[Amended 4-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]

Existing traffic conditions. Existing traffic conditions shall be measured and documented for all roadways and intersections in the study area. Existing traffic volumes for average daily traffic, peak highway hour(s) traffic and peak development-generated hour(s) traffic shall be recorded. Manual traffic counts at major intersections in the study area shall be conducted, encompassing the peak highway and development-generated hour(s), and documentation shall be included in the report. The intersections shall be as determined with consultation from the Warwick Township Engineer. A volume/capacity analysis based upon existing volumes shall be performed during the peak highway hour(s) and the peak development-generated hour(s) for all roadways and major intersections in the study area. Levels of service shall be determined for each location. This analysis will determine the adequacy of the existing roadway system to serve the current traffic demand. Roadways and/or intersections experiencing levels of service "E" or "F" shall be noted as congestion locations.

[Amended 4-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]

Transportation impact of the development. An estimation of vehicular trips to result from the proposal shall be completed for the average daily peak highway hour(s) and peak development-generated hour(s). Vehicular trip generation rates to be used for this calculation shall be obtained from the Bucks County Planning Commission's Trip Generation Rates or the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, as amended. These development-generated traffic volumes shall be provided for the inbound and outbound traffic movements as estimated, and the reference source(s) and methodology followed shall be documented. All turning movements shall be calculated. These generated volumes shall be distributed to the study area and assigned to the existing roadways and intersections throughout the study area. Documentation of all assumptions used in the distribution and assignment phase shall be provided. Traffic volumes shall be assigned to individual access points. Pedestrian volumes shall also be calculated, if applicable. If school crossings are to be used, pedestrian volumes shall be assigned to each crossing. Any characteristics of the site that will cause particular trip-generation problems shall be noted.

[Amended 4-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]

Analysis of transportation impact.

The total future traffic demand shall be calculated. This demand shall consist of the combination of the existing traffic expanded to the completion year (using an annual traffic rate available from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission), the development-generated traffic and the traffic generated by other proposed developments in the study area. A second volume/capacity analysis shall be conducted using the total future demand and the future roadway capacity. If the phasing of the proposed development is anticipated, calculations for each phase of completion shall be made. This analysis shall be performed during the peak highway hour(s) and peak development-generated hour(s) for all roadways and major intersections in the study area. Volume/capacity calculations shall be completed for all major intersections. It is usually at these locations that capacity is most restricted.

All access points and pedestrian crossings shall be examined as to the feasibility of installing traffic signals. This evaluation shall compare the projected traffic and pedestrian volumes to the warrants for traffic signal installation.

Conclusions and recommended improvements.

Levels of service for all roadways and intersections shall be listed. All roadways and/or intersections showing a level of service below "C" shall be considered deficient, and specific recommendations for the elimination of these problems shall be listed. This listing of recommended improvements shall include but not be limited to the following elements: internal circulation design; site access location and design; external roadway and intersection design and improvements; traffic signal installation and operation, including signal timing; and transit design improvements. All physical roadway improvements shall be shown on the plans.

[Amended 4-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]

Existing and/or future public transportation service shall also be addressed. A listing of all actions to be undertaken to increase present public transportation usage and improve service, if applicable, shall be included.

[Amended 4-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]

The listing of recommended improvements for both roadways and transit shall include, for each improvement, the party responsible for the improvement and the completion date for the improvement.

Time of submission.

The transportation impact study shall be submitted to Warwick Township and the Bucks County Planning Commission with the preliminary plan submittal.

The improvement plans shall not be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) until after review by the Warwick Township Planning Commission and the Bucks County Planning Commission. This submittal to PennDOT shall be accompanied by comments of the Warwick Township Planning Commission and the Bucks County Planning Commission.

Warwick Township and the Warwick Township Engineer shall be notified in advance of any scoping meetings with PennDOT and provided the opportunity to participate in those scoping meetings.

[Added 4-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]

Implementation.

Warwick Township shall review the transportation impact study to analyze its adequacy in solving any traffic problems that will occur due to the land development or subdivision. To bring about a rational evaluation of the transportation impact study, Warwick Township may retain a consultant (the Bucks County Planning Commission, Township Engineer, or other), responsible to the Township, to perform evaluation services. The cost of such evaluation shall be borne solely by the developer.