This chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The North Newton Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance."
This chapter is adopted by the North Newton Township Board of Supervisors to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the Township; to provide for the harmonious development of the Township by insuring equitable handling of all subdivisions or land development plans by providing uniform standards and procedures; to provide for the general welfare by providing and protecting cultural facilities and environmental features; by guiding the development and growth of structures, types and locations of streets, open spaces and public grounds, recreation, proper traffic flows, light and air, and the proper distribution of population to insure conditions favorable to the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the Township.
The Planning Commission is hereby designated by the Board of Supervisors as the agency which shall review and make recommendations on all preliminary and final plans as required herein. The Board of Supervisors shall have authority to approve all preliminary and final plans as required herein for the Township.
[Amended 7-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-05]
Applications for review of subdivision and land development within North Newton Township must be submitted electronically to the Cumberland County Planning Commission. Submissions shall comply with the policies and fees established by the Commission. The Township shall not approve such applications until the county report is received, or until the expiration of 30 days from the date the application was forwarded to the county.
A. 
No subdivision or land development of any lot, tract, or parcel of land located in North Newton Township shall be effected; no street, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water main, or other improvements in connection therewith shall be laid out, constructed, opened or dedicated for public use or travel, or for the common use of occupants of the buildings thereon unless and until a final subdivision plan has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and publicly recorded in the manner prescribed herein; nor otherwise, except in strict accordance with the provisions of this chapter. All improvements, whether they may be considered public or private, shall comply with the terms of this chapter.
B. 
No lot in a subdivision may be sold; no permit to erect or alter any building upon land in a subdivision or land development may be issued; and no building may be erected or altered in a subdivision or land development, unless and until a final subdivision plan has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and recorded, and until construction of the improvements required in connection therewith has been guaranteed in the manner prescribed herein.
A. 
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be minimum requirements for the promotion of the environment, public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the Township and its citizens. It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any rules or regulations previously adopted or permits previously issued by the Township which are not in conflict with any provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Nor is it intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants, building restrictions, or other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of the buildings or premises or upon the height of the building, or requires a larger open space than is imposed or required by such ordinances, rules, regulations, or permits, or by easements, covenants, building restrictions or agreements, the provisions of this chapter shall control. Where, due to inherent ambiguity, vagueness or lack of clarity in the language of this chapter, a reasonable doubt exists as to the meaning of any restriction upon the use of land, said doubt shall be resolved in favor of the property owner and against any implied extension of a restriction.
C. 
Where the provisions of a statue, other ordinance, resolution, or regulation impose greater restrictions than this chapter, the provisions of such statue, resolution, ordinance, or regulation shall be controlling.