[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 1]
1.
Agreement to Cooperate. Pursuant to 53 Pa.C.S.A. § 2301
et seq., the parties agree to cooperate and provide themselves subject
to the address assignment and road naming procedures created under
this agreement.
2.
Purpose of Agreement. The parties agree that this policy has the
purpose of standardizing the assignment of street and road addresses
and the naming of streets and roads, which enhances the rapid and
easy location of properties, residences and businesses for the most
efficient delivery of public safety and emergency services, and mail
and business deliveries.
3.
Start Date. The address assignment and road naming procedures contained
herein shall be effective as of 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2001 ("start
date").
[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 2]
1.
Historical Basis. A resolution was passed by the Adams County Commissioners
in 1980 to implement a countywide street naming and house numbering
system. This resolution was aimed to provide county citizens with
improvements with regard to voter registration, property assessments,
emergency response and other services related to street or road address
numbering and naming. Prior to this system addresses were based on
rural route numbers. The plan was to implement this system through
the Adams County Office of Planning and Development. This system has
evolved into a standardized street and road address numbering system
that is used by the GIS/Mapping Department for many of the municipalities
of the county.
2.
Planned Method. This system is based upon "blocks," each approximately
1,000 feet in road length. Theoretically, each block could accommodate
up to 100 addresses. The numbering is to be sequential and as evenly
spaced as existing parcel layout will allow. The sequential aspect
is important, as a sequential numbering system best supports the Emergency
9-1-1 System and the associated computer aided dispatch system. The
specific sequential numbering for each address is based upon where
the access to the property via a lane or driveway is located on the
block. When the system was created in 1980 multi-lot subdivisions
were addressed. However, future development planning did not, in many
cases, provide for the growth and accompanying need for street addresses
for many large vacant parcels.
[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 3]
1.
Numbering System. The GIS/Mapping Department will continue to follow
a uniform method of sequential numbering based upon the aforementioned
block system.
2.
Exceptional Situations. In situations where an already densely populated
area gains additional development, or where back lots need to remain
addressed off of the dedicated main road, sequential addressing may
become difficult. In order to be consistent with the overall county
addressing scheme these situations may require lettered addresses.
These lettered addresses will be assigned alphabetically to the greatest
extent possible. However, as new development occurs, sequential numbering
and lettering may not be able to be maintained. In those situations
a standardized alternative system will be utilized to the greatest
extent possible.
3.
Correcting Address Problems. One of the inherent problems with uncoordinated numbering of a rapidly developing area is creation of addresses that prove problematic for delivery of police and emergency services. In situations where nonsequential numbers exist, and where these numbers create problems, there may be need for correction of serious numbering difficulties. The GIS/Mapping Department will follow the procedures noted in § 4-204 of this Agreement to resolve those anomalies.
4.
Official Address and Road Name Maps. Since the enacting of the address
assignment and road naming policy in 1980 the county has maintained
official address and road name maps. These maps remain available for
public reference and inspection during normal business hours at the
Adams County GIS/Mapping Department, Room 206, in the Adams County
Courthouse, 111-117 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
5.
Assignment Responsibilities. Assignment of address numbers to properties,
both on existing and proposed streets, shall be the responsibility
of the Adams County GIS/Mapping Department. Particular attention will
be focused by the GIS/Mapping Department upon the need to keep address
numbers sequential to help facilitate emergency response.
6.
Numbering Procedure. In general, numbering shall begin at the end of the road connecting with the main road and increase with the even numbers on the left side of the road and the odd numbers on the right side of the road. The plan, however, recognizes the existence of a few, limited exceptions to this methodology. These exceptions will be maintained in those municipalities. The manner to be followed in appealing a GIS/Mapping Department decision is contained in § 4-204.
7.
Street Names. Every public right-of-way in all roads where there
are two or more properties, improved or unimproved, shall have a name.
The name shall be derived through consultation between local municipal
officials, the County GIS/Mapping Department, and the developer, if
the parcel is part of a coordinated development. The naming of streets
is not a responsibility of the GIS/Mapping Department. However, the
GIS/Mapping Department, Department of Emergency Services, and municipalities
are aware that street names are a necessary component of an address,
and steps must be followed to ensure possible duplicate or similar
names are avoided in municipalities, as well as in areas of response
for emergency services companies. To that end, street names should
be created by the developer or owner and reviewed by the municipality
and the Department of Emergency Services to ensure no duplicate or
similar street names are created. It is recommended that this coordination
occur during the subdivision review process. The Adams County Office
of Planning and Development stands ready to assist in this review.
8.
Changes to Street Names. It is requested that all participating and
nonparticipating municipalities provide lists detailing the names
and locations of all roads, streets, lanes, alleys, and right-of-ways
to both the GIS/Mapping Department and Office of Planning and Development
within 60 days of the implementation of this agreement. Further, any
addition, change, dedication, abandonment or modification of streets,
or any other action affecting the location, existence or name of any
of the above, shall be promptly reported to the GIS/Mapping Department
and the Office of Planning and Development. The GIS/Mapping Department
agrees to continuously maintain this updated list, which will be used
in the numbering process.
9.
Recommended Municipal Procedures. The GIS/Mapping Department is aware
of numerous other signage and related policies, procedures and practices
that increase the effectiveness of street numbers to identify properties.
The County of Adams is mindful that these undertakings are not part
of the scope of this agreement. However, these various practices and
procedures are highly recommended. Please contact the GIS/Mapping
Office if you would like copies of these practices.
[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 4]
1.
Correcting Numbering Problems. When a GIS/Mapping Department staff
member is made aware of a numbering situation which contradicts or
is in violation of this policy, the GIS/Mapping Department will promptly
notify the property owner in writing by first class mail of the contradiction
or violation of the policy, and the potential problems the current
address used or proposed to be used by the property owner creates
with standard address policy. This letter shall also contain a recommended
corrected address. In addition, a copy of that portion of the address
map showing the problem and the reason for the recommended change
shall be included with the notification. Personal delivery shall be
undertaken whenever doubt as to the efficiency of mail delivery exists
due to the numbering problem.
2.
Review of Recommendation. The property owner has the right and is
encouraged to bring any questions or concerns regarding the reason
for a numbering change to the attention of GIS/Mapping Department
staff and to discuss those changes with a staff member. Upon request,
a meeting will be scheduled at which time the address maps will be
available for review and a staff member will be available to attempt
to clarify the situation. A copy of this agreement will be made available
to the property owner upon request. In addition, a copy will be available
in the GIS/Mapping Department for public inspection during business
hours.
3.
Municipal Appeal. If a property owner has reviewed the address maps,
the aforementioned policy, and discussed the matter with a GIS/Mapping
Department staff member and still believes that the policy is in error
or in other ways presents such difficulty that the owner desires a
change to the decision of the GIS/Mapping Department, the property
owner will have the right to address this through the appropriate
municipal officials for review. The Commissioners of the County of
Adams will make the final determination in regard to this matter in
consultation with the GIS/Mapping Department staff and the elected
authorities for the municipality in which the property in question
is located, as necessary.
4.
Notice of Address. Once the property owner has either agreed to the
necessity of the address change or the matter has been referred through
the County Commissioners, the property owner will receive official
notification of the address determination via first class mail.
5.
Notification of Governmental Entities. A duplicate of the notification provided for in Subsection 4 will be forwarded via first class mail to the following entities advising them of the established or corrected address:
6.
Other Methods of Address Conflict Determination. Staff members of the Adams County Tax Assessment Department and the Tax Appraising Department have reason to frequently review maps and addresses in the normal course of their work. In any situation in which the employees of the Tax Assessment Department or the Tax Appraising Department become aware of potential address conflicts, they will notify the GIS/Mapping Department. GIS/Mapping Department staff members will review this situation and determine if a conflict exists. If a conflict is found property owners shall be notified as provided for in § 4-204, Subsection 1.
7.
Non-Owner Address Problem. Situations may occur in which the building or residence believed to be improperly numbered is occupied by a tenant, leaseholder or other non-owning entity. In that situation the conflict will be researched as indicated above, and the property owner and the resident and/or tenant will be notified via first class mail as provided for in § 4-204, Subsection 1, above. In any such situation the county will consider the record owner to be the entity with whom the county attempts to resolve any street numbering or street naming problems.
8.
Official Owner Information. For the purposes of this policy the record
owner as determined by review of Tax Assessment Department shall be
the party through whom the county works with regard to any street
numbering or naming issues or difficulties.
[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 5]
1.
Different Numbering Schemes. It is possible that the few municipalities
within Adams County that have opted to assign address numbers and
street names through their own governmental offices will choose to
continue this practice and not be involved in a standardized countywide
numbering and street name system. Such municipalities shall be known
as "nonparticipating municipalities" for the purpose of this policy
and agreement. All nonparticipating municipalities will be exempt
from policies contained within this agreement.
2.
Responsibility of Nonparticipating Municipalities with Regard to
Countywide Address Assignment and Road Name Policy. Any municipality
choosing to not be involved in this Agreement and retaining the street
numbering and road naming duties for themselves will naturally continue
to have the responsibility to directly and officially respond to any
citizen inquiries or complaints with regard to address numbering and
road naming policies or practices undertaken by that municipality.
3.
Emergency Services Coordination. It is required that any nonparticipating municipality coordinate all information necessary to ensure countywide emergency response offices can provide efficient police and emergency response for the inhabitants of the county. In that regard, it is requested that all nonparticipating municipalities provide current maps and other documents to illustrate the address assignment scheme used in that municipality. Further, it is requested that the County Department of Emergency Services and the County GIS/Mapping Department be promptly notified of all new address and street name assignments, as well as information required by § 4-203, Subsection 8. It is likewise suggested that the same information be provided to the local postmaster and emergency entities. While it is acknowledged that the county has no legal authority to direct or require nonparticipating municipalities to provide and coordinate this information, such cooperation is essential for effective emergency management.
[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 6]
1.
Term. The initial term of this agreement shall be for a period commencing
with the execution of this agreement through December 31, 2003. The
agreement shall thereafter renew automatically from year to year subject
to determination, or amendment, by vote of two-thirds of the municipalities,
and in the event of determination said two-thirds vote occurring at
least one year in advance of the effective date of determination.
2.
Agreement Not to Withdraw. By accepting and signing this agreement,
each party expresses its belief that a countywide address assignment
and road naming policy is in the best interest of the member municipalities.
As a result, because of the great amount of time, dedication and cost
expended in the formation of this program, the parties commit not
to withdraw or institute dissolution proceedings during the initial
term of this agreement.
3.
Withdrawal. After the initial term of this agreement, a municipality
may withdraw from the agreement by giving written notice of the intent
to withdraw, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the GIS/Mapping
Department and all other parties at least one year prior to December
15 of the year preceding the year in which the withdraw is to be effective.
If notice of participant's intent to withdraw is timely sent,
such withdraw shall be effective January 1 of the second following
year.
4.
Dissolution. The withdrawal of less than two-thirds of the participants
shall not create a dissolution of the address assigning and road naming
policy. In the event that two-thirds or greater of the participants
choose to withdraw, then a review of the policy will be undertaken
to determine its continuing validity.
[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 7]
1.
Ordinance. Municipalities shall advertise and adopt an ordinance
authorizing acceptance and adoption of this agreement, each providing
for all action necessary for participation in this agreement.
2.
Compliance with Laws. The ordinance shall comply with the revisions
of and be adopted in accordance with the Intergovernmental Cooperation
Act and respective county, Township and Borough Codes.
[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 8]
1.
Agreement Amendment. This agreement shall not be amended or modified except by written document, dated and executed by all of the parties, with the exception of minimal policy changes as provided for in § 4-208, Subsection 2. Any such amendment shall require the assent of at least two-thirds of all parties.
2.
Changes to Numbering Procedures. The participants agree that numbering procedures must remain flexible to be the best tools to meet the needs throughout the county. To that end, participants agree that minor changes to numbering procedures may be established by the GIS/Mapping Department without requiring approval of those changes, or adoption of a new intermunicipal agreement, provided 60 days' notice is given of the change(s) to each participant, and a majority of participants do not object to those changes. Any proposed change which a majority opposes will require an agreement amendment as provided for in § 4-208, Subsection 1. Such changes adopted under this section, will not affect the relationship or responsibilities of participants.
[Ord. 01-100, 7/10/2001, § 9]
1.
Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
2.
Headings. The headings, captions, article numbers and section numbers
in this Agreement are for convenience and ease of reference only.
They shall not limit or restrict the subject matter that precedes
or follows them.
3.
Legal Construction. In the event any provision of this agreement
is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable,
such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision
of this agreement, and this agreement shall be construed as if the
invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included.
4.
Execution. This agreement shall be executed in multiple counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall
constitute one and the same instrument and agreement. An originally-signed
counterpart shall be distributed to each party.
5.
PARTICIPANT, PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITY, MEMBER, AND PARTY
NONPARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITY
Definitions.
A municipality now or hereafter a party to this agreement.
A municipality which now, or hereafter, is not a party to
this agreement. This definition refers to only the period of nonparticipation.
