[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03; 12-2-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-05; 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
The optional sketch plan provides an opportunity for the applicant to present a land use concept to the Township Supervisors and Planning Commission and allows for a preliminary discussion of issues and possible solutions to anticipated problems. Useful information for the sketch plan includes:
A. 
Location and context map as set forth in § 320-18B.
B. 
Environmentally sensitive areas, as derived from existing data, such as light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) contour data, GIS maps, aerial photography, web-based soils, wetlands, and floodplain maps, and other digital mapping tools. The plan should include, but not be limited to:
(1) 
Steep slopes.
(2) 
Floodplains, floodplain soils, flood hazard districts and associated setbacks.
(3) 
Wetlands and wetland buffers.
(4) 
Existing stormwater management areas.
(5) 
Riparian buffers.
(6) 
Outstanding resource waters and associated buffers.
(7) 
Plant communities (e.g., meadows, woodlands).
(8) 
Significant trees standing alone.
C. 
An aerial photograph with proposed property lines and rights-of-way indicated.
D. 
Zoning information, including but not limited to applicable district, lot area and bulk regulations and proposed development data, such as density, lot area, setbacks, coverage. For conservation subdivisions, maximum density and minimum conservation land requirements.
E. 
The sketch plan shall be prepared at the same scale as the existing features inventory, in accordance with § 320-18C. The sketch plan may be prepared as an overlay on top of the existing features inventory.
(1) 
In the case of land developments, locations of proposed buildings and major structures, parking lots and other improvements.
(2) 
In the case of conservation subdivisions, a schematic layout indicating conformance with the four-step design process set forth in § 320-40.1A of this chapter.
F. 
Streets on and adjacent to the tract within 400 feet of the tract boundary.
G. 
General description of proposed method of water supply, sewage disposal and stormwater management.
H. 
A note on the sketch plan indicating that it is a schematic drawing not intended for construction purposes.
I. 
Drafting standards set forth in § 320-18A are advised.
Ten copies of the preliminary plan shall be submitted to the Township Secretary per the requirements of Article III of this chapter. The plan shall show or be accompanied by the following information:
A. 
Drafting requirements:
[Amended 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
(1) 
The scale shall be 50 feet or less to the inch, except that in a subdivision when parcels are over one acre in size and in a land development when the total area of the development is over 25 acres the scale may be 100 feet to the inch. However, the existing features inventory, as described in § 320-18C, and the proposed features sheets shall be at the same scale.
(2) 
Dimensions shall be in feet and decimals, and bearings in degrees, minutes and seconds.
(3) 
The courses and distances of the boundary line survey of the entire tract to be subdivided or developed shall not have an error of closure greater than one part in 5,000.
(4) 
The sheet or sheets shall be no smaller than 17 inches by 22 inches and no larger than 34 inches by 44 inches. If more than one sheet is necessary, each sheet shall be the same size and numbered to show its relation to the total number of sheets in the plan.
(5) 
Where there are two or more sheets, a key map at a scale sufficient to show their relationship shall be furnished.
B. 
Location, context, identification, and background:
[Amended 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
(1) 
A title block consisting of the name and address of the owner of record, applicant and the registered engineer or surveyor.
(2) 
Notarized signatures of owner(s) acknowledging his/her authorization of the proposed subdivision or land development.
(3) 
The name of the municipality, and subdivision or development.
(4) 
The date, scale and North point.
(5) 
The entire tract boundary with bearings and distances, including location of existing tract monuments, natural or man-made.
(6) 
Total acreage of the tract.
(7) 
A key map relating the subdivision or development to at least three existing intersections of Township roads.
(8) 
Zoning requirements, or requirements of any other applicable Township ordinance or resolution, on and adjacent to the land to be subdivided or developed.
(9) 
A context map, at a scale not less than one inch equals 200 feet and showing the relationship of the property to natural and man-made features within 1,000 feet of the site. The following features shall be shown on a map or imposed on an aerial photograph and may be taken from existing published sources:
(a) 
Zoning district boundaries.
(b) 
Existing property lines.
(c) 
Topography.
(d) 
Streams and watercourses.
(e) 
Wetlands.
(f) 
Woodlands over 1/4 acre in area, from aerial photographs.
(g) 
Public roads, trails, utility easements, pipelines and rights of way.
(h) 
Public land and land protected under conservation easement.
C. 
Existing features inventory plan.
[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03; 12-7-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-12; 1-7-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-01; 12-2-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-05; 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05; 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
(1) 
Natural features. The following natural features shall be shown:
(a) 
Topographic contours.
[1] 
Contours and elevations shall be based on either LiDAR data or data of equivalent or greater accuracy or from data produced by a field site survey.
[2] 
Contours shall be shown at vertical intervals not greater than two feet.
[3] 
Steep slopes shall be delineated and highlighted on the contour plan sheet.
[4] 
For a field site survey, Township elevations shall be based on the Township sanitary sewer system datum, and/or the 1929 mean sea level datum. Sewer system datum concerning location and elevation is available to all engineers and surveyors upon request to the Valley Forge Sewer Authority.
[5] 
In no case shall the distance between contour lines exceed 100 feet horizontally.
(b) 
Soil types and their boundaries, based on the maps contained in the most recent Natural Resources Conservation District soil survey mapping.
(c) 
For any parcel that contains hydric soils or soils with hydric inclusions, a wetland study, conducted by a certified professional wetland scientist, shall be submitted according to the requirements contained in § 320-39C(4) of this chapter. Any wetlands and associated wetland buffers identified in such a study shall be depicted on the plan.
(d) 
Vegetative cover conditions on the property according to general cover type, including cultivated land, meadow, lawn, pasture, hedgerow, woodlands, wetland and specimen trees. Vegetative types shall be described by plant community, relative age and condition. The location of existing individual trees, tree clusters and their associated vegetation layers and other vegetation, to include the actual canopy line of existing trees and woodlands. Before submittal to the Township Supervisors, this information shall be reviewed by a certified arborist or other similarly qualified professional, approved by the Township Supervisors.
(e) 
The limits of all floodplains and floodways, per FEMA maps and the definitions contained in Chapter 370, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Schuylkill, § 370-7.
(f) 
When percolation tests are required the location of the test holes and the results of all the tests shall be indicated. Soil testing shall be performed by a certified professional soil scientist.
(g) 
Identification of any adjacent road segment identified as a scenic collector road or scenic local road or containing a scenic vista on the Scenic, Historic, and Cultural Resources Map (Map 5, page 49) in Schuylkill Township's Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan of 1992, as amended.
(h) 
Any portion(s) of the parcel identified as a PNDI (Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory) site.
(i) 
Any watercourse(s), (as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) and their associated buffers on the site.
(2) 
A composite drawing showing all developable area on the tract and calculating the total area of that developable area.
(3) 
Man-made features.
(a) 
Both within the subject property and within 400 feet of the subject property, the following shall be shown:
[1] 
Location, names, widths and other dimensions, including center-line courses, distances, and curve data, paving widths, curblines, right-of-way and curbline radii at intersections and street location tie-ins by courses and distances to the nearest intersection of existing streets and alleys, as well as ultimate rights-of-way.
[2] 
Location and size of existing:
[a] 
Sanitary sewer and storm drains;
[b] 
Utilities, both above and below the ground;
[c] 
Recreational areas and trails; and
[d] 
Easements, deed restrictions, or any other encumbrances upon the land.
[3] 
Ownership of adjoining properties.
(b) 
Location and character of existing buildings. If any existing buildings are nonconforming buildings per the requirements of Chapter 370, Zoning, such nonconformity shall be noted on the plan.
(c) 
Location of active and abandoned mines or quarries.
(d) 
Buildings, sites, structures, and objects classified as historic resources as defined by this chapter.
D. 
Proposed features.
[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03; 12-7-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-12; 1-7-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-01; 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05; 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
(1) 
The layout of streets, alleys and crosswalks, including names, tentative grades, and widths of cartways and their ultimate rights-of-way.
(2) 
Statements on the plan shall show:
(a) 
The number of acres being subdivided or developed;
(b) 
The number of lots or units;
(c) 
The type of buildings;
(d) 
Architectural character of buildings;
(e) 
Lineal feet of new streets, lineal feet of streets to be widened and the number of acres being dedicated for public use.
(f) 
In the case of a conservation subdivision, the number of acres preserved as permanently protected conservation land.
(3) 
The layout and dimensions of all lots, existing and proposed, and any zoning nonconformance that are proposed to remain.
(4) 
Calculations showing the developable area of each proposed lot.
(5) 
All covenants relating to use, including all existing and proposed easements and rights-of-way.
(6) 
Man-made features.
(7) 
Type of dwelling(s), if applicable.
(8) 
Density and/or intensity of use.
(9) 
Coverage of each lot.
(10) 
Use of the development.
(11) 
Location and placement of accessory structures and facilities.
(12) 
Locations and descriptions of on-lot sewage disposal facilities.
(13) 
Locations of individual water wells, within the isolation radii required in § 320-37C.
(14) 
Identification of any land to be dedicated for public use.
(15) 
Proposed changes in vegetation, including:
(a) 
The location of all vegetation which is to be preserved, including individual trees, tree clusters and their associated vegetative layers, and noteworthy trees, as well as the boundaries of their tree protection zone(s).
(b) 
Any disturbance of steep slopes, wetlands, wetland margins, riparian buffers, outstanding resource buffers or areas designated for preservation of existing vegetation shall be discussed and rationale given for why disturbance of these areas is necessary.
(c) 
The locations of proposed grading and other earth disturbances as they relate to a tree protection zone.
(16) 
A grading, excavation, erosion, and sedimentation control plan shall be submitted, per the requirements of § 320-38C(7), to include:
(a) 
Identification of all areas where land disturbance is proposed.
(b) 
Any disturbance of steep slopes, wetland areas, wetland margins, or areas designated for preservation of existing vegetation shall be discussed and rationale given for why disturbance of these areas is necessary.
(c) 
A detailed discussion of construction-related erosion and sedimentation control measures, including phasing of proposed measures relative to phasing of construction.
(17) 
All building setback lines, with distances from the ultimate right-of-way line.
(18) 
Indication of any lots or areas in which a use of other than residential is intended.
(19) 
For proposals using lot averaging, a listing of all lot sizes and the average lot size for the development shall be shown.
(20) 
Where there are existing buildings located on the land being subdivided or developed, the buildings that are to be demolished shall be indicated.
(21) 
Tentative cross-section and center-line profiles for each proposed or widened street shall be shown on the preliminary plan, including profile for proposed sanitary sewers and storm drains, showing manholes, inlets, and catch basins.
(22) 
Preliminary design of any bridges, culverts or other structures and appurtenances which may be required shall be shown on the preliminary plan.
(23) 
An environmental impact assessment, according to the following requirements:
(a) 
Purpose. In order to more effectively evaluate subdivision and/or land development proposals, the applicant shall disclose the environmental consequences of such proposals through the submission of an environmental impact assessment (EIA). The EIA is intended to provide the Township Supervisors with information adequate to evaluate potential adverse impacts of the proposal and the proposed mitigation of adverse impacts. The EIA will help determine whether the overall objectives of Chapter 370, Zoning, the Schuylkill Township Comprehensive Plan and the Schuylkill Open Space, Recreation and Environmental Resources Plan are met. The EIA is also intended to address the environmental protection objectives set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and Article I, Section 27 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(b) 
Applicability. An EIA shall be prepared for:
[1] 
Any subdivision of more than 10 lots;
[2] 
Any land development that would result in more than 10,000 square feet of nonresidential floor space or more than five residential units;
[3] 
Any subdivision or land development proposed on a parcel that consists of less than 60% developable area, as defined in Article II; or
[4] 
Any subdivision or land development which, in the opinion of the Township Engineer and Township Supervisors, may have a significant adverse impact on the project site or immediately surrounding area.
(c) 
Contents and scope of the EIA. The EIA shall contain text, tables, maps, and analyses which document the existing resources of the subject site and the predicted impacts associated with the proposed subdivision and/or land development. It is recommended that information contained in the Schuylkill Township Comprehensive Plan and the Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan be utilized. Additionally, because the information presented in those plans was developed for Township-wide rather than site-specific purposes, the applicant is encouraged to supplement or update that information as appropriate with any published reports, studies, or natural resource data as may be available, or with original, site-specific investigations. Prior to preparing the EIA, the applicant is strongly encouraged to meet informally with the EAC and the Planning Commission to discuss the appropriate level of detail for the EIA for a particular project. The contents of the EIA shall follow the format specified below.
[1] 
Description of existing conditions. The applicant shall identify all of the following natural resources and features, as applicable, on the subject property. If a particular resource or feature is not applicable to a given property, it should be so stated.
[a] 
Geological resources. The geological characteristics of the property shall be presented on a map and described. Such characteristics include the location and boundaries of rock formations at, or having direct influence on, the property, as well as unique features such as faults and/or fractures.
[b] 
Slopes. The topographical characteristics of the property shall be presented on a map [as required in § 320-18C(1)(a)] and described. In addition to the requirements of § 320-18C(1)(a), areas of slopes in each of the following ranges shall be highlighted: 0% to 15%, 15% to 25%, and steeper than 25%.
[c] 
Soils. The soil characteristics of the property shall be presented on a map [as required in § 320-18C(1)(b)] and described. Beyond the requirements of § 320-18C(1)(b), such characteristics shall include a description and mapping of all soil types and shall include a table identifying pertinent soil characteristics, such as depth to bedrock, depth to seasonal high water table, flood hazard potential, limitations for on-site wastewater disposal or land application of wastewater (if applicable), drainage classification, classification as to whether hydric or potentially containing hydric inclusions, and classification as to prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance. Information from the USDA NRCS Soil Survey of Chester and Delaware Counties, at minimum, shall be presented.
[d] 
Water resources. The hydrological characteristics of the property shall be presented on a map and described. Such characteristics include surface water features, their direction of flow, watershed (drainage area) boundaries, and groundwater resources. Surface water resources include streams, creeks, runs, springs, and any other permanent or intermittent drainageways; ponds, lakes, or other natural bodies of water; and any man-made impoundments. Groundwater resources include features, such as aquifers and aquifer recharge areas. Where rivers, streams, creeks, runs or other linear waterways are shown, trees and other vegetation within 50 feet of the waterway shall be shown on the same map.
[e] 
Vegetation. The existing vegetation and land cover characteristics of the property shall be presented on a map and described. The locations and boundaries of the woodland and forest areas of the property shall be identified according to their dominant species types. In addition, all noteworthy trees shall be identified. The locations and boundaries of other vegetation associations, such as cultivated areas, pasture, meadows, old fields, and scrubland, also shall be identified. The generalized vegetation and cover types on areas immediately adjacent to subject property also shall be identified; the level of detail for adjacent areas may be less than for the subject property.
[f] 
Wildlife. The known or potential use of the property by wildlife shall be identified. The suitability of the property as habitat for, and the known use of the site by, terrestrial or aquatic species shall be described. Any PNDI sites listed for the property shall be identified, per the requirements of § 320-18C(1)(h).
[g] 
Wetlands. Existing wetlands and wetland margins on the property shall be identified and confirmed in accordance with the procedures outlined in §§ 320-39C(4) and 320-18C(1)(c).
[h] 
Floodplains. The limits of the existing floodways and 100-year floodplains on the site, according to the latest FEMA maps, shall be mapped per the requirements of § 320-18C(1)(e).
[i] 
Visual resources and aesthetics. The visual resources and scenic roads on or adjacent to the property shall be presented on a map and described. Such characteristics shall include areas which have a particular amenity value and areas which offer interest in viewing the property.
[j] 
Land use. The land use conditions and characteristics of the site and adjacent parcels shall be presented on a map and described. Categories of land use shall include paved or other impervious surfaces, lawns and other landscaped areas, croplands, pastures, woodlands, old fields, barren areas, easements, rights-of-way, and trails. The land use map may be combined with the vegetation map [see Subsection D(23)(c)[1][e] above] if appropriate. The generalized land uses on areas immediately adjacent to the subject property also shall be identified.
[2] 
Description of proposal and assessment of impacts. The nature and purpose of the proposed subdivision or land development shall be described. An impact assessment of all potential adverse effects of the proposal on on-site and off-site (e.g., downstream) natural resources and features shall be prepared. The proposal shall be described in terms of the scale and/or magnitude of effects that it will have on each of the natural resources and features identified in Subsection D(23)(c)[1][a] through [j] above. At a minimum, the impact assessment shall identify the following:
[a] 
The location and acreage of each natural resource and feature [in Subsection D(23)(c)[1][a] through [j] above] that will be disturbed directly by the proposal, and a description of the nature of the disturbance.
[b] 
The location and acreage of each natural resource and feature [in Subsection D(23)(c)[1][a] through [j] above] that will be disturbed indirectly by the proposal, and a description of the nature of the disturbance.
[c] 
The nature of any effects on each resource and feature [in Subsection D(23)(c)[1][a] through [j] above] as to whether it is beneficial, adverse, or neutral.
[d] 
The magnitude, degree, or significance of any adverse effects identified, relative both to the resources of the site and to the resources of Schuylkill Township.
[e] 
The temporal nature of each adverse effect, as to whether it is temporary or permanent, short term or long term.
[f] 
The extent to which the subject proposal, in conjunction with other existing or proposed projects, may result in cumulative adverse effects on the natural resources and features of the property or in Schuylkill Township.
[3] 
Alternatives. Alternatives that would preclude, reduce or lessen potential adverse impacts or produce beneficial effects shall be discussed. Alternatives to the proposed subdivision and/or land development that were considered but rejected shall be discussed and the reasons for their being rejected shall be given. The discussion shall address alternatives, such as revised location; redesign, layout, or siting of buildings, roads, and other structures; alternate methods for sewage disposal, water supply, and stormwater management; reduction in the number or size of proposed lots or structures.
[4] 
Measures to mitigate adverse effects. For adverse effects which cannot be avoided by alternative design or method, the types of remedial, protective, or mitigative measures that will be implemented shall be identified and discussed. Such mitigation measures include those required through existing procedures; regulations, and standards, and those unique to a specific proposal.
[a] 
Mitigation measures which pertain to existing procedures, regulations, and standards are those related to current requirements of federal, state, county, and/or Township agencies for remedial or protective action, such as sedimentation and erosion control, stormwater runoff control, water quality control, creation of compensatory wetlands, air quality control, and the like.
[b] 
Mitigation measures which may be unique to a specific subdivision and/or land development proposal include additional efforts to minimize adverse effects, such as revegetation; screening; fencing; emission control; traffic control; noise control; reduction in number or size of lots, buildings, or other structures; land acquisitions or donations; and the like.
[5] 
List and qualifications of preparers. The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and qualifications of persons directly responsible for the preparation of the environmental impact assessment.
(d) 
Scope of environmental impact assessment. The applicant is strongly encouraged to use the sketch plan process to receive input from the Township Supervisors, Township Planning Commission, and other officials in determining the significant natural features of the site, significant impacts, potential mitigating measures, and alternative development scenarios to be discussed in the environmental impact assessment.
(24) 
Transportation impact analysis.
(a) 
Applicability. A transportation impact analysis shall be prepared for any subdivision or land development proposal that will result in the development generating 100 new peak hour vehicle trips according to the most recent trip generation standards of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. In addition, a transportation impact analysis may be required if the Township Engineer and Township Supervisors find that current transportation conditions exist in the area, such as a high-accident location, inadequate intersection geometry, or a congested intersection, which directly affect the proposed development and which would be further exacerbated by the development in the absence of improvements.
(b) 
Requirements. The transportation impact analysis shall include the following elements and be prepared to the following requirements:
[1] 
Preparation requirements. All transportation analyses shall be prepared by or under the supervision of qualified transportation engineers with specific training and experience in the preparation of transportation analyses for proposed developments.
[2] 
Study area. The transportation impact analysis study area shall be determined by the characteristics of the surrounding area. The intersections to be studied shall be mutually agreed upon between the Township Engineer and the transportation engineer preparing the analysis. Generally, intersections to be included in the analysis shall be adjacent to the site or shall directly affect access to the site, and shall include such intersections within one-quarter mile of the site.
[3] 
Horizon year. Traffic forecasts shall be prepared for the anticipated year ("horizon year") of the development's completion, under conditions of expected occupancy and build-out.
[4] 
Background traffic. Background traffic volumes shall be established for roads and intersections within the transportation impact analysis study area for the horizon year, based on current traffic counts and an annual growth factor to be agreed upon between the Township Engineer, the transportation engineer preparing the analysis, and the PennDOT District Traffic Engineer.
[5] 
Non-site-generated traffic estimates. Horizon year traffic estimates shall be made of all non-site-generated traffic and traffic generated by all other developments within the study area, for which preliminary or final approvals have been issued. This traffic is incremental to the background growth in traffic.
[6] 
Trip generation calculation. The transportation impact analysis shall identify the categories and quantities of land uses that are proposed in the development, together with their corresponding trip generation rates and the resulting number of trips that are to be generated. Trip generation rates shall be referenced from the latest edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual from a local analysis of actual conditions at a similar development or from another source acceptable to the Township Engineer. All sources shall be cited in the analysis. Unusual or special trip rates generated by uncommon land uses shall be explained in the analysis.
[7] 
Consideration of pass-by and shared-use trips. Pass-by trips or shared trips (i.e., when vehicles which are already using the roadway are attracted to the site) shall be calculated and accounted for using ITE standards, or studies and interviews at similar land uses, may be required to substantiate the anticipated effects, as acceptable to the Township Engineer.
[8] 
Determination of influence area. Prior to the distribution of site-generated trips for nonresidential developments, an influence area shall be defined which contains not less than 80% of the trip ends that will be attracted to the development. The influence area can be determined by the use of usual and customary studies or documented material, and which are acceptable to the Township Engineer. The influence area may also be based on a reasonable maximum convenient travel time to the site or by delineating area boundaries based on locations of competing developments.
[9] 
Estimates of trip distribution. Trip distribution may be estimated by an ITE-endorsed method acceptable to the Township Engineer. A multiuse development may require more than one distribution and coinciding assignments for each phase of completion. Consideration shall also be given to whether inbound and outbound trips will have similar distributions.
[10] 
Trip assignments. Assignments shall be made considering logical routings, available roadway capacities, left turns at critical intersections, and projected travel times. Multiple paths between origins and destinations may be necessary to reflect realistic estimates, rather than assigning the routes with the shortest travel times. Multiple pathways shall be assigned to projects with multiple access points or with internal roads. Pass-by trip assignment shall consider the rerouting of existing traffic.
[11] 
Capacity analysis.
[a] 
A capacity analysis shall be performed at each of the major street and project site intersections within the analysis area. In addition, capacity analyses shall be completed for those roadway segments within the study area that are determined by the Township Engineer to be sensitive to site traffic. These may include such segments as internal site roadways, parking facility access points, and for vehicles queuing off- and on-site. Studies of other locations may be required by the Township Engineer.
[b] 
The recommended level of service analyses procedures in the most recent edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers Highway Capacity Manual shall be followed. For purposes of the analysis, the overall level of service ratings of A, B, C and D shall be considered acceptable for signalized intersections, and levels E and F considered unacceptable.
[12] 
Level of service calculations. The recommendations of the traffic study shall be oriented towards the provision of safe and efficient movement of traffic to, from, within, and past the proposed development, while minimizing the impact on non-site trips. Levels of service should not degrade below D if they are D or better prior to development and should not be allowed to degrade further if they are already at E or F prior to development.
[13] 
Safety. The traffic study shall include an analysis of existing accident data in the study area, an identification of potentially hazardous road or intersection configurations, and an explanation of the anticipated impact from the proposed development on these locations.
(c) 
Documentation required. The transportation impact analysis shall document the purpose, procedures, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study.
[1] 
Required documentation. The following documentation shall be provided at a minimum:
[a] 
Study purpose and objectives.
[b] 
Description of the site and the study area.
[c] 
Existing conditions in the study area.
[d] 
Recorded or approved nearby developments.
[e] 
Trip generation, distribution, and modal split.
[f] 
Horizon year trip volumes on roadways in the study area.
[g] 
Assessment of any change in roadway operating conditions resulting from the development traffic.
[h] 
Recommendations for site access and transportation improvements needed to maintain traffic flow to, from, within, and past the site at an acceptable and safe level of service.
[2] 
Sequence of analysis. The analysis shall be presented in a logical sequence. It shall follow a step-by-step process through the study's various stages and its conclusions and recommendations.
[3] 
Time frame for improvements. The recommendations shall specify the period within which the improvements should be made, in relation to the various stages of the development's construction, and any monitoring of operating conditions and improvements that may be required.
[4] 
Data presentation. Data shall be presented in the form of tables, graphs, maps, and diagrams whenever possible for clarity and ease of understanding and review.
[5] 
Executive summary. An executive summary of one or two pages shall be provided, which concisely reviews the basic purpose, conclusions, and recommendations.
[6] 
Unusual situations. Unusual or complicated situations may require the use of expanded studies or reviews that involve analyses that extend beyond the minimal requirements in this section.
(25) 
Historic resource impact study. Documentation in the form of an historic resource impact study shall be required as part of the preliminary plan submission in accordance with § 370-57 of Chapter 370, Zoning.
(a) 
Where required, the historic resource impact study shall be prepared and submitted by the applicant in accordance with the terms of this section and shall be reviewed by the Historical Commission. Where the Historical Commission requires consultation from a professional with expertise in historic preservation, the cost of the consultant shall be paid by the applicant.
(b) 
The historic resource impact study shall contain the following information unless the Historical Commission determines that the study, or certain elements thereof, are not pertinent to the application under review, in which case the applicant shall not be required to submit the study or those specific sections. This determination, however, shall not preclude the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors from requiring additional information as deemed necessary during the plan review process.
[1] 
Contextual information.
[a] 
If not otherwise provided by the applicant, a plan showing existing site conditions, including structures, topography, watercourses, vegetation, historic landscape features (e.g., walls, ruins), landscaping, existing drives, and known or potential archaeological sites.
[b] 
General description, classification, and significance (in terms of the criteria used for listing a resource in the National Register of Historic Places) of all historic resources, as defined by this chapter.
[c] 
Black-and-white or color, five-inch-by-seven-inch photographs to show every historic resource identified.
[d] 
Narrative description of the historical development of the subject tract.
[e] 
Where deemed applicable and appropriate by the Historical Commission, an archaeological assessment in accordance with the following:
[i] 
Any use permitted under the terms of Chapter 370, Zoning, that involves lands identified by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) as containing a known or possible site of archaeological significance, and which may involve disturbance to possible locations of archaeological resources, shall require the preparation of a statement by an archaeologist with qualifications deemed acceptable by the Township, which includes the following information:
[A] 
A Phase 1 survey of archaeological resources conducted on the site and its findings, as required by the PHMC. The survey shall be conducted only after notification of the PHMC and undertaken in a manner specifically prescribed by the PHMC.
[B] 
If construction is to occur on the site, the applicant shall provide a description of the methods that shall be used to prevent the disturbance of archaeologically significant areas during and following construction, to prevent grading of archaeologically significant areas, and a discussion of any provisions used to orient activities away from archaeologically significant areas.
[C] 
A plan for the ultimate disposition of any archaeologically significant artifacts to be found on the site.
[ii] 
The archaeological assessment shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer, who shall review the statement and determine, within 10 days of submission, whether all information required by this subsection has been submitted. A complete archaeological assessment shall then be provided to the Historical Commission for its review and recommendation to the Township Planning Commission.
[2] 
Proposed change.
[a] 
General description and site plan of the project, including a timetable or phases.
[b] 
Description of the potential impact on each historic resource identified, with regard to architectural integrity, historic setting, and future use.
[c] 
General description of the anticipated effect of noise, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and other impacts, including light pollution, generated by the proposed change on any historic resource identified.
(c) 
Mitigation measures. Recommendations shall be made for mitigating the project's impact on identified historic resources, including design alternatives; moving the historic resource; reconstruction of the historic resource; Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), or Pennsylvania State Recordation requirements; buffering, landscaping, or conservation of existing vegetation; and any other appropriate measures permitted under the terms of this chapter and Chapter 370, Zoning.
(d) 
The Historical Commission shall review the historic resource impact study and shall provide a written report, including findings, conclusions, and any recommended modification to the proposed activity that it deems appropriate, to the Township Planning Commission.
(26) 
Four-step design process for Conservation Overlay District subdivisions. Preliminary plans for conservation subdivisions shall include documentation of the four-step design process set forth in § 320-40.1, used in determining the layout of conservation land, dwelling units, streets, stormwater management facilities and lot lines. When requested by the Planning Commission, the applicant shall submit four separate sheets indicating the delineation of each step of the design process.
(27) 
Preliminary conservation easement or deed restriction documents.
(28) 
Preliminary conservation land ownership and management plan. For applicants for conservation subdivision, using the preliminary plan as a base map, the boundaries, acreage and proposed ownership of all proposed conservation land shall be shown, including a plan containing the following information:
(a) 
Proposed ownership, use restrictions, limitations on buildings and improvements:
[1] 
Necessary regular and periodic operation and maintenance tasks and responsibilities for the various forms of conservation land (e.g., meadow, pasture, cropland, woodlands, lawns, playing fields and other conservation land elements), including mowing, control of invasive species, etc.
[2] 
Estimate of staffing needs, insurance requirements, and associated costs, and defining the means for funding the maintenance of the conservation land on an ongoing basis. Such funding plan shall include the means for funding long-term capital improvements as well as regular yearly operating, maintenance and capital reserve costs.
[3] 
Such management plans shall be consistent with the requirements of §§ 370-231 and 370-232 of Chapter 370, Zoning.
(b) 
At the Township's discretion, the applicant may be required to escrow sufficient funds for the maintenance of conservation land for up to 18 months in accordance with the applicable provision of Article VII of this chapter.
(c) 
Changes to the management plan shall require approval by the Township Board of Supervisors.
(29) 
Preliminary landscape plan. For subdivisions and land developments in the Conservation Overlay District:
(a) 
The applicant shall submit a master landscape plan showing all areas of the conservation subdivision, including conservation land. This plan shall be prepared by a landscape architect registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A signed and sealed plan shall be submitted prior to final approval.
(b) 
The landscape plan shall show the location of all proposed trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers and other plantings.
(c) 
The landscape plan shall show the location, species, approximate size and approximate quantity of all existing vegetation to be preserved. Fencing or other means of tree protection shall also be shown on the plan.
(d) 
The landscape plan shall include a schedule of all proposed landscaping, providing the following information:
[1] 
Common and scientific name;
[2] 
Size, including caliper, height, spread and pot size as applicable;
[3] 
Remarks regarding spacing, habit or other planting instructions as necessary;
[4] 
Remarks or symbols clearly indicating any plant material proposed to meet a specific planting requirement.
(e) 
The landscape plan shall show all utilities, above or below ground, in order to avoid conflicts between plantings and pipes, structures or wires.
(f) 
The landscape plan shall include notes stating the following:
[1] 
That all landscaping shall be guaranteed for 18 months from the time of acceptance by the municipality.
[2] 
That the developer shall be required to post a performance bond with Township to ensure that any tree that dies within the maintenance period shall be replaced.
[3] 
That all plant material shall be of satisfactory health, size and condition in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Nursery and Landscape Association in the most recent edition of the American Standards for Nursery Stock.
[4] 
That any proposed landscape plan modifications, including relocation of proposed plant material or substitutions for size or species must be submitted to the Township Engineer for approval prior to any changes in the field.
(30) 
Preliminary community association document, in accordance with Chapter 370, Zoning, § 370-233A(2).
E. 
Certificates. When approved, the preliminary plan shall include:
(1) 
The signature of the applicant certifying his or her adoption of the plan.
(2) 
The signature of a majority of the Township Supervisors certifying approval of the plan, on the date shown.
F. 
In addition, the applicant shall submit in triplicate the required Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection sewage planning modules.
The final plan shall include the following information.
A. 
Drafting requirements. The same requirements shall apply for a final plan as for a preliminary plan. All lettering and lines shall be so drawn as to be legible if the plan should be reduced to half size.
B. 
Information to be shown. The final plan shall show all items as required for a preliminary plan and:
(1) 
Courses and distances sufficient for the legal description of all the lines shown on the plan. The error of closure shall not be greater than one part in 2,500.
(2) 
Names of abutting owners; names, locations, widths, and other dimensions of streets, including center-line courses, distances, and curve data; descriptive data of ultimate right-of-way lines not parallel with or concentric with a center line; and location tie-ins by courses and distances to the nearest intersection of all existing, planned and approved streets, alleys, easements, recreational areas and other public improvements, within the land to be subdivided or developed.
(3) 
Evidence that the plans are in conformity with zoning, building, sanitation and other applicable Schuylkill Township ordinances and regulations. In any instance where such plans do not conform, evidence shall be presented that an exception or variance has been officially authorized.
(4) 
Location, material, and size of all monuments with reference to them.
(5) 
Building setback lines with distances from the ultimate right-of-way lines.
(6) 
Restrictions in the deed affecting the subdivision of the property or development of the property.
(7) 
Location, size and species of all existing individual trees, tree clusters, noteworthy trees, and trees to be planted as per § 320-34, unless provided on a separate landscaping plan. Noteworthy trees that are proposed to be cut down shall be so designated on the plan.
(8) 
Improvement construction plan.
(a) 
Drafting requirements. The same requirements shall apply for an improvement construction plan as for a preliminary plan, except that the horizontal scale of the plan and profile shall be 40 feet or 50 feet to the inch, and the vertical scale of the profile shall be four feet, five, or 10 feet to the inch, whichever is most convenient.
(b) 
Information to be shown. The plan shall contain sufficient information to provide working plans for the construction of the proposed streets, or any portion thereof, including all appurtenances, sewers, and utilities, shown on the approved preliminary plan, from one existing or approved street to another, or in the case of a cul-de-sac, to its turnaround and shall include:
[1] 
Horizontal plan. The horizontal plan shall show details of the horizontal layout as follows:
[a] 
Information shown on the preliminary plan pertaining to the street to be constructed.
[b] 
Limits of areas of construction or disturbance.
[c] 
Stations corresponding to those shown on the profile.
[d] 
Elevation of the curb at tangent points of horizontal curves at street or alley intersections and at points approximately 10 feet apart on the curved curb.
[e] 
Location and size of sanitary sewers and lateral connections with distances between manholes of water, gas, electric and other utility pipes or conduits, and of storm drains, inlets, and manholes.
[f] 
Location, type and size of curbs, and widths of paving.
[g] 
Location and species of street shade trees to be planted and location and type of fire hydrants and streetlights.
[2] 
Profile. The profile shall be a vertical section of the streets and utilities with details of vertical alignment as follows:
[a] 
Profiles and elevations of the existing and proposed grades along the center lines of proposed streets.
[b] 
Profiles of sanitary sewers, including present and finished ground surfaces showing manhole locations with stations beginning at the lowest manhole.
[c] 
Profiles of storm drains showing manhole and inlet locations.
(c) 
Cross section. The cross section shall comply with Schuylkill Township requirements and specifications as minimum requirements. It shall show a typical cross section across the street or alley with details of grading and constructions as follows:
[1] 
Ultimate right-of-way width and the location and width of paving within the ultimate right-of-way.
[2] 
Type, depth and crown of paving.
[3] 
Type and size of curb.
[4] 
When sidewalks are required, grading of sidewalk area shall be carried to the full width of the ultimate right-of-way and slopes of cut or fill extended beyond the ultimate right-of-way.
[5] 
Location, width, type and depth of sidewalks, when required.
[6] 
Typical location, size and depths of sewers and utilities.
(9) 
Final stormwater management plan. The stormwater management plan shall include the following:
(a) 
All stormwater management requirements as set forth for the preliminary plan;
(b) 
Plans and profiles of erosion and sedimentation controls, both temporary and permanent, including those contained in the required grading, excavation, erosion and sedimentation control plan per the requirements of § 320-38C(7);
(c) 
Final location and layout of all existing and proposed impervious areas, including but not limited to:
[1] 
Streets;
[2] 
Buildings (including actual building dimensions);
[3] 
Sidewalks;
[4] 
Parking areas; and
[5] 
Driveway/cartway intersection.
(d) 
Detailed rainfall runoff calculations;
(e) 
Final ownership and maintenance provisions for all stormwater-related facilities and a schedule of maintenance and inspection responsibilities; and
(f) 
Where the maintenance of stormwater management facilities and systems is the responsibility of an individual lot owner or of a homeowners' association, the terms of the maintenance agreement and a description of the facilities and systems on the lot shall be set forth in perpetual covenants or deed restrictions that are binding on the landowner's successors in interest and shall be noted on the final plan.
(10) 
As-built plan. An as-built plan shall be submitted and prepared to the same requirements as the improvement construction plan. The as-built plan may be an improvement construction plan, which is annotated to reflect the actual dimensions and locations of the improvements, and should include the locations of survey monuments.
C. 
All lots shall be deeded to the edge of public ultimate rights-of-way so that a single deed may be drawn when the Township accepts dedication of the streets by the applicant.
[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]
D. 
Certificates. When approved, the final plan shall show:
(1) 
The signature and seal of the licensed professional engineer or surveyor, certifying the survey, that the monuments shown thereon exist as located, and that all dimensional and geodetic data details are correct.
(2) 
The signature of the applicant certifying his or her adoption of the plan.
(3) 
The signatures of a majority of the Township Supervisors certifying approval of the plan on the date shown.