This chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The City of
Washington Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance."
The City Council of the City of Washington, by the authority granted pursuant to Article
V of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended, have adopted these regulations
governing the subdivision and development of land within the City
limits.
This chapter is established for the purpose of assuring sites suitable for building purposes and human habitation, to provide for the harmonious development of the City in accordance with the Comprehensive Development Plan, to complement Chapter
350, Zoning, for the coordination of existing development with proposed development within the City, and for adequate open spaces, for proper traffic flows, recreation, light, and air, and for proper distribution of population, thereby creating conditions favorable to the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the citizens.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this
chapter shall be minimum requirements. Wherever the requirements of
this chapter are at conflict with the requirements of any other lawfully
adopted rules, regulations, ordinances, deed restrictions or covenants,
the most restrictive, or that imposing the highest standards, shall
govern.
The layout or arrangement of the subdivision or land development shall conform to the Comprehensive Plan and to any regulations or maps adopted in furtherance thereof, including, but not limited to, Chapter
350, Zoning.
Hereafter, except as provided in this chapter, any plan of any
subdivision, street or development of land not approved by the Planning
Commission or City Council in accordance with the provisions and procedure
as set forth herein shall be null and void.
The City of Washington may grant a modification of the requirements
of this chapter through a waiver if strict application of these requirements
would be unreasonable or cause undue hardship, or when an alternative
standard can be demonstrated to provide equal or better results, provided
that such waiver will not be contrary to the public interest and that
the purpose and intent of the chapter is observed. All requests for
modifications shall be provided in writing and be part of the application
for subdivision and/or land development. In the request for a modification,
the applicant shall:
A. State the grounds and facts of unreasonableness or hardship on which
the request is based or demonstrate that an alternative standard can
provide equal or better results;
B. List the provision(s) of the chapter involved;
C. State the minimum modification necessary.