After the effective date of this chapter, no person, firm, or corporation proposing to make or having made a subdivision or land development, within the area of jurisdiction of this chapter, shall proceed with any development such as grading of roads or alleys or any other action before obtaining approval of the proposed subdivision or land development by the Blair Township Board of Supervisors. The provisions and requirements of this chapter shall apply to and control all land subdivision and development which has not been recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Blair County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, prior to the effective date of this chapter.
A. 
Discussion of requirements. Before preparing a sketch plan or preliminary plan for a subdivision or land development, the applicant should discuss with the Township the procedure for adoption of a subdivision or land development plan and the requirements as to the general layout of streets and for the reservation of land, street improvements, drainage, sewerage, fire protection, and similar matters as well as the availability of existing services. The Township shall also advise the applicant, where appropriate, to discuss the proposed subdivision or land development with those officials (such as the Soil Conservationist, Township Engineer, and Sewage Enforcement Officer) who must eventually approve these aspects of the subdivision or land development plan coming within their jurisdiction.
B. 
Conformity with master plan. The layout of the proposed subdivision or land development shall be in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan for Blair County, and any local level plan which may exist within the area of the proposed subdivision.
C. 
Site considerations. No land shall be subdivided or developed:
(1) 
Unless access to the land over adequate streets or roads exist, or will be provided by the applicant; or
(2) 
If such land is considered by Blair Township as unsuitable for residential use by reason of floodplain and floodway location or improper drainage, unacceptable underlying geologic structure, insufficient depth of the seasonal water table, unsuitable soil conditions, wetlands, unfavorable topographic features, or the presence of any other features harmful to the health and safety of possible residents and the community as a whole.
Prior to the official submission of the preliminary plan, a subdivision or land development sketch plan shall be submitted by the applicant or property owner to facilitate an informal discussion with the Township officials concerning the proposed subdivision or land development. This informal discussion may be extremely valuable in guiding the applicant on the proper course in the development of a subdivision or land development thereby reducing the possibility for any costly mistakes. Submission of the sketch plan will not constitute formal filing of the plan with the Township. The sketch plan need not be drawn to scale or contain precise dimensions. The following items are suggested for inclusion in the sketch plan presentation:
A. 
Proof of ownership;
B. 
Name of owner;
C. 
General location within the Township;
D. 
Proposed name of subdivision or land development;
E. 
Tract boundary, including all land which the applicant intends to subdivide;
F. 
General topographical and physical features along with watercourses, streams, ponds, floodplains, and wetlands;
G. 
Names of surrounding property owners;
H. 
North point, approximate scale and date of original drawing;
I. 
Streets on and adjacent to the tract;
J. 
Proposed general street layout;
K. 
Proposed general lot layout or development;
L. 
Proposed use of the lots or development;
M. 
Any other information which would be helpful in the preliminary discussion of what the applicant intends to do; and
N. 
Statement of general availability of utilities (water and sewer, etc.).
The final minor subdivision plan shall be accurately drawn to a scale of one inch equals 50 feet or larger (i.e., one inch equals 20 feet, 30 feet, etc.). The final minor subdivision plan shall be submitted on the following sheet size: 24 inches by 36 inches. The sheets comprising a submission shall be on one common size and shall contain the information noted in this section.
Required information. The preliminary plan shall contain the following information:
A. 
Notes and data.
(1) 
Name of proposed subdivision or land development with identification as a final plan and the name of the municipality in which it is located.
(2) 
Name, address of record owner of the tract along with deed book and page numbers of the deed conveying the property to the owner.
(3) 
Name(s) and address of developer, applicant or authorized agent, if different from owner.
(4) 
Name, address, and seal of registered professional engineer, surveyor, or landscape architect responsible for the plan.
(5) 
Tax parcel number(s) of subject tracts.
(6) 
Type of sewage disposal and water supply to be utilized. If on-lot groundwater is proposed to be used, a hydrogeological analysis including data on the source and supply may be required to be submitted.
(7) 
Total acreage of the subject tracts, and total number of proposed lots or units (if applicable), total gross square footage of proposed buildings (if applicable).
(8) 
North point, graphic scale, date of original plan along with date and description of revisions to the plan.
(9) 
Proposed use of property.
(10) 
Legend describing symbols used on plan.
(11) 
Location map showing the proposed subdivision or land development in relation to municipal boundaries, public roads, streams, and adjoining areas.
(12) 
Signed, notarized statement by the owner certifying ownership of the property, acknowledging their intention to develop the property as depicted on the plans, and authorizing recording of said plan.
(13) 
A place for the signatures of the Chairman and Secretary of the Township Board of Supervisors on each plan sheet and space to fill in date of approval.
(14) 
A place for the signatures of the authorized persons of the Township Planning Commission along with space to fill in date of signatures.
(15) 
Boundary lines of each lot completely dimensioned in feet and hundredths of feet and bearing with degrees, minutes and seconds, with an error of closure of not more than one foot in 2,000. All curves shall show radii, lengths of arcs, tangents, and chord bearings with distances.
(16) 
The location and material of all permanent monuments and lot markers.
(17) 
Lot numbers, area and setback lines on each lot.
(18) 
All proposed easements with dimensional information and purpose.
(19) 
Space on lower edge of final plan for acknowledgment of receipt and recording of plan by the Blair County Recorder of Deeds office.
(20) 
The following information regarding proposed improvements:
(a) 
If on-lot sewage is to be utilized, show soil types, location of soil probes and perc tests, suitable primary and replacement absorption bed areas on each lot with provisions for their protection and reservation, and a summary of the general suitability of each test area. The following statement shall be placed on the plan: "This is not a guarantee that a sewage permit will or will not be issued for any lot or parcel. The Municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) must be contacted to conduct any further tests, as necessary, to determine if a permit may be issued."
(b) 
If applicable, proposed buildings with finished ground floor elevations, ground floor area, gross floor area and height listed.
(c) 
Proposed driveways, with dimensional information showing access to a public street.
(d) 
Profile and detail of typical driveway. Driveway locations and crosspipe sizes must be provided for each lot. At a minimum provide a note on the plan that a driveway permit will be required from Blair Township.
(e) 
Proposed easements, including location, width, purpose, and information related to maintenance arrangements.
B. 
Topographic mapping of the subject tract showing the following information:
(1) 
Exterior boundary line of tract.
(2) 
Topographic mapping using a USGS 7.5 minute mapping or better.
(3) 
The name and deed references of all owners of immediately adjacent land.
(4) 
Existing streets on and adjacent to the tract; name, location of right-of-way, right-of-way widths, cartway widths, shoulder width, type of surfacing, and driveway cuts.
(5) 
Existing easements, including location, width, and purpose.
(6) 
Existing utilities on and adjacent to the tract, including location, type, size and invert elevation of sanitary and storm sewers, location and size of water mains and valves, fire hydrants, streetlights, gas lines, oil and similar transmission lines, and power lines with utility poles, transformers, and related appurtenances. If any of the foregoing are not available at the site, indicate the distance to the nearest available utility and furnish a statement of availability.
(7) 
Watercourses, floodplains, wetlands, geologic features, tree masses, and other significant natural features.
(8) 
Existing and man-made features, including structures, railroads, bridges, and driveways.
(9) 
Buffer areas required as a part of this chapter or other relevant ordinance.
C. 
Supporting documentation. If relevant to the proposed subdivision or land development, the following documentation shall be required and submitted prior to final plan approval:
(1) 
Documents pertaining to homeowners' associations, condominium declarations, and/or restrictive/protective covenants.
(2) 
A water and sewerage feasibility report prepared by a registered professional engineer.
(3) 
A developer's agreement, outlining the terms and conditions of the Township subdivision and land development plan approval, and defining delayed construction performance and maintenance bonding requirements. Preparation of this agreement will be in a form acceptable by the Township Solicitor.
The preliminary plan shall be accurately drawn to a scale of one inch equals 50 feet or larger (i.e., one inch equals 20 feet, 30 feet, etc.). The preliminary plan shall be submitted on the following sheet size: 24 inches by 36 inches. The sheets comprising a submission shall be on one common size and shall contain the information noted in this section:
Required information. The preliminary plan shall contain the following information:
A. 
Notes and data.
(1) 
Name of proposed subdivision or land development with identification as a preliminary plan and the name of the municipality in which it is located.
(2) 
Name, address of record owner of the tract along with deed book and page numbers of the deed conveying the property to the owner.
(3) 
Name(s) and address of developer, applicant or authorized agent, if different from owner.
(4) 
Name, address, and seal of registered professional engineer, surveyor, or landscape architect responsible for the plan.
(5) 
Tax parcel number(s) of subject tracts.
(6) 
Type of sewage disposal and water supply to be utilized. If on-lot groundwater is proposed to be used, a hydrogeological analysis including data on the source and supply may be required to be submitted.
(7) 
Total acreage of the subject tracts, and total number of proposed lots or units (if applicable), total gross square footage of proposed buildings (if applicable).
(8) 
North point, graphic scale, date of original plan, along with date and description of revisions to the plan.
(9) 
Base of benchmark for elevations on the plan.
(10) 
Proposed use of property.
(11) 
Number of required parking spaces (if applicable).
(12) 
List of utility companies in accordance with Act 172, as amended,[1] if project involves excavation.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 73 P.S. § 176 et seq.
(13) 
Legend describing symbols used on plan.
(14) 
Location map showing the proposed subdivision or land development in relation to municipal boundaries, public roads, streams, and adjoining areas.
(15) 
Signed, notarized statement by the owner certifying ownership of the property, acknowledging their intention to develop the property as depicted on the plans, and authorizing recording of said plan.
(16) 
Signed statement by owner listing land or facilities to be offered for dedication to the municipality and acknowledging that the owner will be responsible for maintenance of lands or facilities until they are completed and accepted by the municipality.
(17) 
A place for the signatures of the Chairman and Secretary of the Township Board of Supervisors on each plan sheet and space to fill in date of approval.
(18) 
A place for the signatures of the authorized persons of the Township Planning Commission along with space to fill in date of signatures.
(19) 
A place for the signatures of the authorized persons of the applicable municipal authority along with space to fill in date of signatures.
B. 
Topographic mapping of the subject tract showing the following information:
(1) 
Exterior boundary line of tract.
(2) 
Ground elevations indicated by contours at intervals of two feet for land with an average natural slope of 10% or less and at five-foot intervals for land with an average natural slope greater than 10%, and the location of benchmark and datum used.
(3) 
The name and deed references of all owners of immediately adjacent land.
(4) 
Existing streets on and adjacent to the tract; name, location of right-of-way, right-of-way widths, cartway widths, shoulder width, type of surfacing, elevation of surfacing, driveway cuts, and approximate grades.
(5) 
Existing easements, including location, width, and purpose.
(6) 
Existing utilities on and adjacent to the tract, including location, type, size and invert elevation of sanitary and storm sewers, location and size of water mains and valves, fire hydrants, streetlights, gas lines, oil and similar transmission lines, and power lines with utility poles, transformers, and related appurtenances. If any of the foregoing are not available at the site, indicate the distance to the nearest available utility and furnish a statement of availability.
(7) 
Watercourses, floodplains, wetlands, geologic features, tree masses, and other significant natural features.
(8) 
Existing and man-made features, including structures, railroads, bridges, and driveways.
(9) 
Buffer areas required as a part of this chapter or other relevant ordinance.
C. 
If a preliminary plan is proposed to proceed to a final plan with the posting of financial security, the following shall be shown on the plans:
(1) 
A statement that approval of the preliminary plans does not authorize construction of facilities or the sales of lots depicted on plans.
(2) 
Location of proposed streets, including rights-of-way, right-of-way widths, cartway widths, shoulder widths, approximate grades, and the type and elevation of surfaces, ditches, etc. Roadway profile drawings and details are recommended to be submitted.
(3) 
Schematic design of proposed sanitary sewage system (if applicable), showing approximate location of manholes, pump stations, treatment facilities, force mains, sizes of mains and any other information as required by the applicable municipal authority. Sanitary sewer profile drawings and details are recommended (but not required) to be submitted. If the subdivision of land development is to be served by a water and sewer authority or agency, verification of the capacity to serve the proposed subdivision or land development must accompany the submission. If on-site sewage disposal is to be utilized, show soil types, location of soil probes and percolation test sites, a listing of the test areas, with a summary of the general suitability of each test area.
(4) 
Schematic design of proposed water distribution system (if applicable) showing approximate location of fire hydrants, pumping facilities, treatment facilities, storage tanks, sizes of mains and any other information as required by the applicable municipal authority. Water main profile drawings and details are recommended (but not required) to be submitted. If the subdivision or land development is to be served by a water authority or agency, verification of the capacity to serve the proposed subdivision or land development must accompany the submission. In cases where an on-lot water supply is to be utilized, the location of areas for proposed well sites shall be identified.
(5) 
Schematic design of proposed gas, electric, telephone and television cable systems. Gas main sizes should be shown on the plans.
(6) 
Schematic design of proposed stormwater management system, including inlets, culverts, swales, channels, and detention facilities. Storm sewer culvert and swale profile drawings along with any applicable details are recommended (but not required) to be submitted.
(7) 
Proposed lot lines, lot numbers, area of each lot, and proposed minimum front, side, and rear building setback lines.
(8) 
Areas to be reserved for parks, playgrounds, schools, shopping, churches, industries, multifamily dwellings, or other public uses with statement of who will eventually assume ownership of such areas.
(9) 
If applicable, proposed buildings with ground floor area, gross square footage and height of each building, vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems, outdoor storage facilities, including bulk trash containers and material storage.
(10) 
Proposed parking areas with handicap stalls, loading areas, driveways and driveway location at the street line accessing a proposed street for each lot, buffer and other landscape areas, and fire lanes.
(11) 
Phasing of project and tentative time table with proposed sequence of the project (if applicable).
(12) 
Proposed easements, including location, width, purpose, and information related to maintenance arrangements.
D. 
If a preliminary plan is proposed to proceed to construction, with a final plan submitted for approval after completion of required improvements, the following shall be shown on the plans:
(1) 
A statement that approval of preliminary plan authorizes construction of facilities depicted on plans, but does not authorize sales of lots or use of facilities.
(2) 
That information required by § 350-24A and B of this chapter.
E. 
Supporting documentation. If relevant to the proposed subdivision or land development, the following documentation shall be required and submitted prior to approval:
(1) 
Documents pertaining to homeowners' associations, condominium declarations, and/or restrictive/protective covenants.
(2) 
A water and sewerage feasibility report prepared by a registered professional engineer.
The final plan shall be accurately drawn to a scale of one inch equals 50 feet or larger (i.e., one inch equals 20 feet, 30 feet, etc.). The final plan shall be submitted on the following sheet size: 24 inches by 36 inches. Plans intended for recording purposes should be no larger than 17 inches by 22 inches. The sheets comprising a submission shall contain the information noted in this section.
Required information. The final plan shall contain the following information:
A. 
Notes and data.
(1) 
That information required by § 350-23A, except that the plan shall be identified as a final plan, and § 350-23B of this chapter.
(2) 
Boundary lines of each lot or area to be dedicated or reserved for public or community use, completely dimensioned in feet and hundredths of feet and bearing with degrees, minutes and seconds, with an error of closure of not more than one foot in 2,000. All curves shall show radii, lengths of arcs, tangents, and chord bearings with distances.
(3) 
The location and material of all permanent monuments and lot markers.
(4) 
Lot numbers, area and setback lines on each lot.
(5) 
All proposed easements with dimensional information and purpose.
(6) 
Space on lower edge of final plan for acknowledgment of receipt and recording of plan by the Blair County Recorder of Deeds office.
(7) 
The following information regarding proposed improvements:
(a) 
Design of proposed streets, including a plan showing geometry and proposed contours, typical cross section and profiles. Details of swales, ditches, driveway pipe sizes and materials, curbing, inlets or other facilities involved in street construction. Profile drawings must also be submitted for all swales and drainage culverts.
(b) 
Design of stormwater conveyance and detention facilities, including plan showing location of facilities, profiles, details, calculations and specifications in accordance with the Watershed Stormwater Management Plan of the Beaverdam Branch of the Juniata River, this chapter or Chapter 338, Stormwater Management.
(c) 
Design of sewage collection and treatment facilities (if applicable), including plan showing location of facilities, profiles, details, calculations, specifications, a certified cost estimate and other information required by the entity that will assume responsibility for the system upon completion.
(d) 
If on-lot sewage is to be utilized, show soil types, location of soil probes and perc tests, suitable primary and replacement absorption bed areas on each lot with provisions for their protection and reservation, and a summary of the general suitability of each test area. The following statement shall be placed on the plan: "This is not a guarantee that a sewage permit will or will not be issued for any lot or parcel. The Municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) must be contacted to conduct any further tests, as necessary, to determine if a permit may be issued."
(e) 
Design of water supply facilities (if applicable) including a plan showing location of facilities, profiles, details, calculations, specifications, a certified cost estimate and other information required by the entity that will assume responsibility for the system upon completion.
(f) 
Design of gas, electric, telephone and television cable systems, including a plan showing location of facilities, details and other information required by the entity that will assume responsibility of the system upon completion.
(g) 
If applicable, proposed buildings with finished ground floor elevations, ground floor area, gross floor area and height listed.
(h) 
If applicable, proposed pedestrian circulation systems, including details of construction.
(i) 
If applicable, outdoor storage facilities, including bulk trash containers and material storage.
(j) 
Proposed parking area showing parking stalls, handicap stalls, signage, loading areas, fire lanes and driveways, with dimensional information, and details of pavement construction.
(k) 
If applicable, outdoor lighting showing type of fixtures and mountings.
(l) 
Landscaping plan when required by Article VII, § 350-47B, or when buffer plantings are required.
(m) 
Grading plans with proposed contours.
(n) 
Location and details of soil erosion and sedimentation controls.
(o) 
Profile and detail of typical driveway. Driveway locations and crosspipe sizes must be provided for each lot.
B. 
Supporting documentation. If relevant to the proposed subdivision or land development, the following documentation shall be required and submitted prior to final plan approval:
(1) 
Documents pertaining to homeowner associations, condominium declarations, and/or restrictive covenants.
(2) 
Approval by the United States Postal Service and emergency dispatching agencies (911) of street names.
(3) 
A developer's agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the Township subdivision and land development plan approval (preliminary and final), and defining delayed construction performance and maintenance bonding requirements. Preparation of this agreement will be in a form acceptable by the Township Solicitor.
The municipality's approval of a plan authorizes the regulated activities contained in the plan for a maximum term of validity of five years following the date of approval. Construction must begin within one year of the approval date and be completed within five years. The municipality may specify a term of validity shorter than five years in the approval for any specific plan. Terms of validity shall commence on the date the municipality signs the approval for an plan. If an approved plan is not completed within the term of validity, then the municipality may consider the plan disapproved and may revoke any and all permits. Plans that are considered disapproved by the municipality shall be resubmitted in accordance with this chapter.
A. 
The developer shall be responsible for providing as-built plans of all facilities proposed to be dedicated to the Township as shown on the approved plan. The as-built plans and an explanation of any discrepancies with the construction plans shall be submitted to the municipality.
B. 
The as-built submission shall include a certification of completion signed by a qualified professional verifying that all improvements to be dedicated have been constructed according to the approved plans and specifications. If any licensed qualified professionals contributed to the construction plans, then a licensed qualified professional must sign the completion certificate.
C. 
The final approved as-built submission must be recorded at the Blair County courthouse at the cost of the developer.
A. 
At the full discretion of the Township, the Township Engineer or a designated representative of the Township shall inspect the construction of the development.
B. 
A construction site meeting will be held prior to the start of any site activity with the Township Engineer or designee and the contractor present to determine critical phases of development for inspection activities.
C. 
The permittee shall notify the Township Engineer at least 72 hours in advance of the completion of key phases of construction activity, to be determined at the first construction site meeting by the Township Engineer.
D. 
No work shall commence on any subsequent phase until the preceding phase has been inspected and approved. If there are deficiencies in any phase, the Township Engineer shall issue a written description of the required corrections and stipulate the time by which they must be made.
E. 
If during construction, the contractor or permittee identifies any site condition, such as subsurface soil conditions, which could affect the feasibility of the approved plan, he/she shall notify the Township Engineer within 24 hours of the discovery of such condition and request a field inspection. The Township Engineer shall determine if the condition requires a plan modification.
F. 
In cases where improvements to be dedicated to the Township are to be installed in areas of landslide-prone soils or other special site conditions exist, the Township, at its sole discretion, may require special precautions such as soil tests and core borings, full-time inspection and/or similar measures. All costs of any such measures shall be borne by the developer.