A. 
Prior to the submission of a preliminary plan, applicants, at their option, may submit a sketch plan to the Township for advice, suggestions and nonbinding opinions from the Township staff and the Board of Supervisors. While submission of a sketch plan is optional, the Township strongly recommends the submission of sketch plans. Submission of sketch plans affords applicants the opportunity for meaningful discussion with Township officials prior to incurring the expense of preparing preliminary plans.
B. 
At the option of the applicant/developer, sketch plans may be submitted for review by the Township staff, the Planning Commission and/or the Board of Supervisors. Sketch plans reviewed by the Township staff shall be subject to all fees and costs incurred by the Township pursuant to its efforts arising out of this article including, but not limited to engineer and solicitor fees and administrative costs.
C. 
Any and all options, discussions or representations made by the Township staff, the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors shall not be binding upon the Board of Supervisors when acting upon subsequently submitted preliminary or final plans. Applicants submitting sketch plans acknowledge the nonbinding nature of such discussions, opinions and/or representations. All preliminary and final plans must comply with the requirements of the Township ordinances and all other applicable laws and regulations. Discussions, opinions and/or representations made during the review of a sketch plan shall not be a basis for noncompliance with the applicable requirements for plan approval. In addition, discussions with and/or opinions or representations by Township staff shall not be binding upon the Board of Supervisors when taking action on a plan.
D. 
Although the Township encourages the submission of sketch plans and submission of as much technical data as possible, such submission and review of a sketch plan shall not constitute an official submission of a plan to the Township which requires action by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to the terms of the Municipalities Planning Code.
Conferences and any other communications with the Planning Commission shall be kept as confidential as possible. Before going ahead with the preliminary plan procedure or with steps to acquire land or subdivide, the subdivider or developer should consult with the Planning Commission about the following factors:
A. 
The suitability of the site for development.
B. 
The demand for a development of the type proposed in the particular location proposed.
C. 
The accessibility of the site.
D. 
The availability of public facilities (schools, parks, water, sanitary and storm sewerage, etc.) and public services (police, fire, refuse disposal, etc.).
E. 
The effect on the project of any contemplated improvements or the proposals of any Comprehensive Plan and these regulations.
F. 
Sewage facilities requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection and the Township.
G. 
Erosion and sedimentation control plans and permits as required by the Department of Environmental Protection and as reviewed by the Cumberland County Conservation District.
H. 
Precautionary measures to preserve or protect historic and natural features.
I. 
Approvals by all appropriate state and federal agencies.
J. 
Probability of floodplain and/or wetland areas on the site.
It is suggested that prior to the consultation with the Planning Commission, the subdivider prepare a sketch plan of his proposed development. It is suggested that the subdivider or developer submit sufficient data to the Planning Commission for purposes of generally illustrating and discussing the proposed project.
The following information is suggested to be submitted for review under this article:
A. 
A plan drawn at a scale not smaller than one inch equals 100 feet. This plan must be labeled "Sketch Plan."
B. 
An approximate key map showing the generalized location of the tract and adjacent streets.
C. 
Tract boundaries with approximate dimensions.
D. 
Any lots which were subdivided from the parent tract.
E. 
North point, topography, swales, major tree stands and other significant existing site features.
F. 
Proposed street and lot layout with information as to the kinds of uses contemplated.
G. 
Current land use of the adjacent properties.
H. 
The name and mailing address of the property owner and date.
I. 
Such other information necessary for a meaningful discussion.
The applicant may, subject to availability, obtain meetings with Township officials, including members of the Board of Supervisors, the Township Engineer, the Township Solicitor, and others. However, such meetings are purely voluntary and no particular Township officer or his representative may be compelled to attend.