This article provides an overview of the general procedure for the Township review of proposed subdivisions and land developments (§ 212-19) and of the general procedures for submitting plans to the Township (§ 212-20). This article is intended to be instructional and exemplary only and does not set forth mandatory requirements which are binding on the Township or an applicant. Two flowcharts are included at the end of this article to show the general subdivision process for major and minor subdivisions.[1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Said flowcharts 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 insure that their formal recommendations are reflected in the final plan which is recorded.
(3) 
The table below outlines the stages for the different types of proposed subdivision or land development.
Stage
Subdivision Ordinance Article
Type of Proposed Subdivision or Land Development1
Land Development
Major Subdivision
Minor Subdivision
Sketch plan
IV
Not required
Not Required
Not required
Preliminary plan
V
Required
Required
Not required
Final plan
VI
Required
Required
Required2
Guarantee of improvements installation
VIII
Required
Required
Required
Recording of final plan
IX
Required
Required
Required
NOTES:
1 See Article II for precise definitions.
2 See Article VII for minor subdivision final plan filing and review requirements.
B. 
Sketch plan.
(1) 
While sketch plans are not required for major and minor subdivisions or land developments, it is recommended that they be filed to allow the applicant to consult early and informally with the Planning Commission before preparing a preliminary plan in order to resolve potential differences and avoid unnecessary expense and delay.
(2) 
The sketch plan will also be used to classify the subdivision as a major subdivision, minor subdivision, or land development.
(3) 
Comments made by the Planning Commission on the sketch plan are only recommendations and are not binding.
C. 
Preliminary plan.
(1) 
Except for any sketch plan which is filed, the initial plan filed to the Commission for formal review of a major subdivision or land development shall be considered the official preliminary plan.
(2) 
Minor subdivisions need not file a preliminary plan.
(3) 
The purpose of the preliminary plan is to achieve formal approval of the overall development scheme proposed in order to minimize the need for any revisions of final plans.
D. 
Final plan.
(1) 
After approval of the preliminary plan of a major subdivision or land development, the applicant files a final plan.
(2) 
The purpose of the final plan is to require formal approval by the Board of Supervisors before plans for all subdivisions and land developments are recorded.
E. 
Guarantee of improvements installation. Where improvements are required by this chapter, the Township and applicant shall enter into a development agreement and the applicant shall post financial security acceptable to the Township in an amount sufficient to cover the costs of any improvements which may be required.
F. 
Recording of final plan. The Township Engineer shall within 90 days of the unconditional final plan approval of all major subdivisions and minor subdivisions record the plot or plan in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Northampton County.
[Amended 2-19-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-3]
A. 
Submission.
[Amended 10-21-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-10]
(1) 
Applicants for site development plans and minor subdivisions shall file the required number of plans as well as file the plans on two compact discs formatted to the Township and pay the required filing fees with the Township Administrator by certified mail or by delivery in person. Said plans, compact discs and required filing fee shall be filed and paid by the 15th day of the month prior to the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting at which the plan will first be reviewed.
(2) 
Applicants for site development plans and minor subdivisions shall file the required number of plans as well as file the plans on two compact discs formatted to the Township, and pay the required filing fees with the Township Administrator by certified mail or by delivery in person. Said plans, Compact Discs and required filing fee shall be filed and paid by the 15th day of the month prior to the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting at which the plan will first be reviewed.
B. 
Receipt by Commission.
(1) 
The Commission shall review the filing at the next regularly scheduled meeting after the filing is made to the Township Administrator to determine if the filing is complete.
(2) 
If the filing is incomplete, the Commission may recommend rejection to the Board of Supervisors.
C. 
Attendance.
(1) 
The applicant or his duly authorized representative should endeavor to attend the Commission meeting to discuss the filed plans.
(2) 
The Commission may request such attendance, and failure to appear when so requested may result in plan disapproval.
D. 
Action by the Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Within 90 days following the date of the regular meeting of the Commission, next following the date the application is filed, the Commission shall recommend to the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Supervisors shall act to approve or disapprove the plan.
E. 
Public hearing. The Board of Supervisors may hold a public hearing prior to rendering its decision on any final plan.
F. 
Notification of applicant. The Board of Supervisors shall communicate its decision in writing to the applicant either personally or by mail to his last known address, not later than 15 days following the day such decision has been made.