[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
The following information shall be included in any ERSAP filed in support of an application for major subdivision or land development approval. Applicants for lot line adjustment or lot merger are not required to submit an ERSAP. Applicants for minor subdivision or land development approval shall submit the following information to the extent available from existing published information. Much of the required information is available from data collected for the Lower Mount Bethel Township Comprehensive Plan (2007), or as may be acceptable to the Township, from available sources such as Google Maps. The drafting standards set forth in § 22-402, Subsection 1A for preliminary plan submission shall be employed in drafting of the ERSAP.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-01, 5/3/2021]
A. 
Site boundaries.
B. 
Existing resources inventory. A comprehensive analysis of existing conditions on the proposed development site and areas within 200 feet of the site boundaries, showing:
(1) 
Soils. Soils types, based on maps contained in the Natural Resource and Conservation Services Soil Survey of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, U.S. Department of Agriculture, as last revised at the date of the application. The soil classifications and boundary lines of all soils shall be shown. In addition, any alluvial soils, hydric soils, soils with hydric inclusions, or Class I, II, or III agricultural soils shall be graphically indicated. Soil descriptions for all soil types shall be provided and may be in the form of plan notes.
(2) 
Topography. Contour lines measured at vertical intervals of two feet, determined by aerial photogrammetry or on-site survey.
(3) 
Slope areas. Areas to be shown graphically. The amount of area, in acres, in each slope category shall be indicated.
(a) 
Moderate slopes: 8% to 15%.
(b) 
Moderately steep slopes: 15% to 25% grade.
(c) 
Very steep slopes: greater than 25% grade.
(4) 
Ridge lines and watershed boundaries.
(5) 
Floodplain areas, using the most recently available FEMA maps. When no FEMA mapping has been prepared, a determination of the floodplain for any stream with a drainage area of 100 acres or more shall be made by the applicant.
(6) 
Riparian buffers, as defined by the Lower Mount Bethel Township Comprehensive Plan, shall be indicated.
(7) 
Geologic formations on the property, including rock outcroppings covering 25 square feet or more, cliffs, escarpments, sinkholes, closed depressions, disappearing streams, ghost lakes, surface pinnacles, fracture traces, fissures, lineaments and fault lines, based on available published information or more detailed site data obtained by the applicant.
(8) 
Woodlands and tree masses shall be indicated. Trees over 12 inches in diameter at breast height shall be indicated.
(9) 
Streams, watercourses, waters of the Commonwealth, waters of the United States, lakes, ponds, and all natural drainage areas with an explanation of how site drainage works. Boundaries between drainage areas shall be indicated along with the names of any named stream, watercourse, lake, pond, etc., to which drainage flows.
(10) 
Applicable stream classifications made by PADEP or Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission shall be indicated.
(11) 
Wetlands. All wetland boundaries shall be indicated at the time of submission of the ERSAP where accompanying preliminary or final plan submission. Wetland boundaries within the tract shall be determined from on-site delineation in accordance with the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. All wetlands shall be classified as one of the following: exceptional value, important, or limited value, or other classification as may be enacted by applicable governmental authority from time to time. Wetlands delineation and classification shall be conducted by licensed professional(s) acceptable to the Township, and shall be plotted from actual field survey. Where the ERSAP is submitted at any voluntary plan submission stage, including sketch plan submission, formal wetland(s) delineation(s) shall not be required but wetlands identified in the National Wetlands Survey shall be delineated, as shall hydric soils and soils with hydric inclusions, based on the Soil Survey of Northampton County.
(a) 
If any wetland disturbance is proposed, a detailed Wetland Delineation Report shall be provided.
(b) 
The wetland delineation must have been completed within one year of the submission of the preliminary plan and shall be deemed valid for five years from the date of the initial submission.
(c) 
The Township may undertake its own wetland delineation at the applicant's expense if any of the following site-specific criteria are applicable:
1) 
It is recommended by the Township Engineer due to uncertainties raised by the applicant's delineation.
2) 
Conflicts exist between the applicant's delineation and wetlands information obtained from other sources including surrounding subdivisions.
3) 
Greater than one acre of wetlands exists on site.
4) 
Wetlands on site are associated with a wetland system of 10 or more contiguous acres.
(d) 
In the event the applicant's and the Township's delineations are conflicting, the delineation which will result in the preservation of the larger area of wetlands shall govern.
(12) 
Groundwater.
(a) 
Individual groundwater withdrawals greater than 10,000 gallons per day;
(b) 
Existing residential wells.
(13) 
Areas of known environmental impact (e.g., failed septic, leaking underground storage tank, polluted stream flow and/or stormwater runoff, eroded stream embankments) shall be indicated. Applicant shall provide the results of a desktop search of environmental impacts.
(14) 
Existing land uses shall be indicated, including any areas where sludge (biosolids) has been applied.
(15) 
A description of the types and diversity of biological resources present on the property shall be included:
(a) 
Any Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory Sites shall be indicated;
(b) 
Any other known rare, threatened, and/or endangered species, including both plants and animals, shall be indicated;
(c) 
Habitats, including habitats that are, or may be, identified as unique to the Township or in need of special protection or consideration.
(16) 
Historic resources, including, but not limited to, those included in the Northampton County Historic Resources Survey, or indicated as historic by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission or local information sources.
(17) 
All recorded easements and deed restrictions.
(18) 
Existing buildings, structures, and roads.
(19) 
Photographs of the site, including views from all abutting public roads and a plan demonstrating the location at which the photographs were taken and the direction the photographer was facing for each photograph. The dates of the photographs shall also be indicated.
(20) 
Orientation of site to sun for use of solar resources.
(21) 
Any pedestrian or equestrian trails commonly used on the property.
(22) 
A viewshed analysis which shall indicate via mapping and narrative, as appropriate, the geographical extent and character of views as follows:
(a) 
Views into the tract from public roads;
(b) 
Views within the tract;
(c) 
External views from within the tract; and
(d) 
Identification of any scenic roads.
(23) 
Aerial photograph of the site: most recent available.
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
A sketch plan shall consist of and be prepared in accordance with the following standards, except that an applicant for a lot line adjustment or lot merger may submit a simple one-page drawing (letter, legal, or ledger size) of the intended lot line adjustment or lot merger:
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-01, 5/3/2021]
A. 
Drafting standards. Except where otherwise provided herein, to the extent practicable at the time of sketch plan submission, the drafting standards set forth in § 22-402, Subsection 1A, for preliminary plan submission should be employed.
B. 
Required contents of sketch plan.
(1) 
Name and address of the legal, record owner, the equitable owner, and/or the applicant.
(2) 
Tax parcel number(s) from current Northampton County Tax Assessor's records.
(3) 
Name and address of the professional engineer, surveyor, planner, architect, landscape architect, or site designer responsible for preparing the plan.
(4) 
Graphic scale (not greater than one inch equals 100 feet) and true North arrow. Precise scale and dimensions are not required at the time of sketch plan submission; however, the subject plan shall clearly be titled "Sketch Plan."
(5) 
Approximate tract boundaries and tract size.
(6) 
A location map and North arrow for the purpose of locating the site to be subdivided or developed, at a scale of not less than 800 feet to the inch, showing the relation of the tract to adjoining property and to all roads and municipal boundaries existing within 1,000 feet of any part of the property proposed to be subdivided or developed.
(7) 
Applicable zoning district(s), including any overlays.
(8) 
Locations and names of existing and proposed roads on, adjacent to, or within 100 feet of the subject tract.
(9) 
A brief narrative description of the subdivision or land development proposal.
(10) 
Topographic, physical, and cultural features in the ERSAP as provided in § 22-400. Where aerial photogrammetry or on-site topographic survey has not been completed at the time of sketch plan submission, USGS topographic information may be utilized. Minor subdivision or land development applications not required to submit an ERSAP may use generalized information to identify relevant site features consistent with those required in the ERSAP.
(11) 
Schematic layout indicating a general concept for land conservation and development including lot lines, if any, proposed locations of buildings and other major structures, parking areas, roads and other vehicular and pedestrian accessways, necessary utilities and proposed stormwater management locations, including best management practices, roadscape, landscape, and recreational improvements, and any other improvements.
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
A preliminary plan shall consist of and be prepared in accordance with the following minimum standards:
A. 
Drafting Standards.
(1) 
The plan shall be drawn on a scale equal to or larger than one inch equals 50 feet.
(2) 
Dimensions shall be set in feet, bearing in degrees, minutes, and seconds, with errors of closure not to exceed one part per 10,000.
(3) 
Each sheet shall be numbered and shall show its relationship to the total number of sheets.
(4) 
The plan shall bear an adequate legend to indicate clearly which features are existing and which are proposed.
(5) 
The original drawing, and all submitted prints thereof, shall be made on sheets no larger than 30 inches by 42 inches and no smaller than 24 inches by 36 inches.
(6) 
If the preliminary plan requires more than one sheet, a master sheet at a scale not smaller than one inch equals 200 feet showing the location of each section shall accompany the plan.
(7) 
If more than one scale is used in the plan, a key must be provided that indicates the difference in scale.
(8) 
Each sheet shall include the title of the sheet, such as record plan or detail plan.
B. 
Required Contents of Preliminary Plan and Supplementary Documentation.
(1) 
A location map and North arrow for the purpose of locating the site to be subdivided or developed, at a scale of not less than 800 feet to the inch, showing the relation of the tract to adjoining property and to all roads and municipal boundaries existing within 1,000 feet of any part of the property proposed to be subdivided or developed.
(2) 
A sheet or series of plan sheets prepared in accordance with the drafting standards set forth above, with accompanying narrative as needed, showing the following:
(a) 
Proposed subdivision or land development name or other identifying title.
(b) 
Name, address and telephone number of the applicant and the owner of record and of his authorized agent, if any.
(c) 
Name, address and telephone number of the registered engineer or surveyor responsible for the plan. If a registered engineer, architect or landscape architect collaborated in the preparation of the plan, his name, address, and seal also shall appear.
(d) 
Zoning information, including applicable district, lot size and yard requirements, proof of any variance, special exception or conditional use approval which may have been granted, and any zoning boundaries that traverse or are within 100 feet of the tract.
(e) 
All waivers or modifications being requested by the applicant shall be clearly stated on the first sheet of the preliminary plan submission, and also be filed simultaneously in letter form to the Township with a narrative justification of the waiver or modification sought by the applicant.
(f) 
Original date of preparation, revision dates with concise descriptions of significant revisions, North point, and scale, both written and graphic.
(g) 
Total lot or tract boundaries and all existing rights-of-way within and adjacent to the tract, showing bearings and distances prepared by a registered professional land surveyor.
(h) 
Total area of the subject lot or tract to the nearest square foot.
(i) 
The applicable front, side, and rear setbacks shall be shown on each lot, including any applicable required setbacks from pipeline rights-of-way or other utilities.
(j) 
The names of all current owners of all adjacent lands, the names of all proposed and existing adjacent subdivisions, and the locations and dimensions of any roads or right-of-way easements.
(k) 
The locations and dimensions of all existing roads, railroads, sewers and sewage systems, water mains and feeder lines, fire hydrants, gas, electric, and oil transmission lines, watercourses, sources of water supply, easements, and other significant features within the property, and all driveways, intersections and utilities within 100 feet of any part of the subject lot or tract.
(l) 
A horizontal plan showing layout of proposed improvements, including stations corresponding to those shown on the profiles, horizontal curves, location and size of inlets and manholes, horizontal location of proposed utilities, and existing contours.
(m) 
A profile plan indicating the final grades of roads, water lines, sanitary sewers and storm sewers, as applicable, and the extent of cut-and-fill operations.
1) 
The profile plan shall show the vertical section of the existing grade and proposed grade along the center line of the proposed road. Where storm drainage and/or sanitary sewer lines are to be installed, they shall also be indicated on the profile plan.
2) 
The horizontal scale of the profile plan shall be not less than one inch equals 50 feet and the vertical scale shall be not less than one inch equals five feet.
3) 
The locations of all traverse storm sewer, sanitary sewer, public water, gas line, and other proposed or existing utilities crossing the area of the subject profile plan shall be indicated in profile.
(n) 
Typical cross-section(s) of proposed road construction indicating the following:
1) 
Right-of-way width and the location and width of paving within the right-of-way;
2) 
Type, thickness and crown of paving, including material specifications;
3) 
The location, width, type, thickness and material specifications of curbs and sidewalks to be installed, if any;
4) 
Shoulders, roadside swales, pedestrian walkways and trails, and bike lanes where applicable;
5) 
Typical location, size and depth of any underground utilities that are to be installed in the right-of-way where such information is available.
(o) 
Topographic, physical, and cultural features as required in an ERSAP, prepared in accordance with § 22-400 hereof. Separate submission of an ERSAP is not required at the time of preliminary plan application filing if an ERSAP that complies with this chapter's requirements has been previously provided to the Township.
(p) 
Location and elevation of the datum to which contour elevations refer; datum used shall be the North American Vertical Datum of 1988, as amended.
(q) 
Any proposed improvements or land disturbances requiring a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the PADEP, the Northampton County Conservation District, the Delaware River Basin Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, or any other governmental agency having jurisdiction shall be so indicated and a copy of all relevant applications, submissions, resubmissions, review letters, responses, correspondences, etc., between the applicant and the governmental agency shall be submitted to the Township either concurrently with the submission thereof to a governmental agency or copies thereof sent to the Township within five business days of receipt from a governmental agency.
(r) 
In any case where individual on-lot sewage disposal systems are proposed, percolation test holes and deep probe test pits shall be excavated and the exact locations of the successful and failed percolation and deep holes for the primary and replacement disposal areas shall be shown. Minimum horizontal isolation distances shall be maintained for the sewage disposal system as required by Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Environmental Resources, Chapter 73, Standards for Sewage Disposal Facilities (or any successor provision enacted in the future), and shall be indicated on the plan.
(s) 
In any case where community or central sewage disposal systems are proposed, the locations of and specifications for all sewage collection and disposal facilities shall be indicated and copies of any application for approval, and any approval from PADEP shall be submitted to the Township. In addition, a business plan shall be submitted to the Township detailing the long-term operation of any such system, pursuant to the requirements set forth in Part 5.
(t) 
Where a community well is proposed, the proposed location of the well shall be indicated on the plan. In addition, a business plan shall be submitted to the Township detailing the long-term operation of any community well, pursuant to the requirements set forth in Part 5.
(u) 
The locations and widths of any roads or other public ways or places as shown upon an adopted local or county plan for the area to be subdivided or developed.
(v) 
Locations of all existing structures on the tract and distance thereof from all adjacent existing and proposed lot lines.
(w) 
A boundary survey and certification as to the accuracy of the survey shall be provided for all subdivisions and/or developments, except those which divide farms into two or more parcels for continued agricultural use.
(x) 
All notations on the plan must be readable. Illegible notations will be considered incomplete data on the plan.
(3) 
All preliminary plan applications shall show compliance with the four-step design process in accordance with § 22-301, Subsection 1D, of this chapter.
(4) 
A master plan of the proposed subdivision or land development with a scale not smaller than one inch equals 200 feet and otherwise prepared in accordance with the drafting standards set forth above, including, at a minimum, the following:
(a) 
Location and width of all roads and rights-of-way with a statement of any conditions governing their use, including distance to the nearest intersection; proposed dedicated rights-of-way and reserved ultimate rights-of-way; road names and state or municipal road numbers.
(b) 
Existing and proposed road and utility easement locations with dimensions.
(c) 
All proposed lot lines with dimensions and lot areas, both gross and net, indicating those limitations excluded in any lot area definition where applicable; impervious coverage calculations.
(d) 
Building setback lines along each road, minimum side and rear yard limits.
(e) 
A statement of the intended use of all nonresidential lots and parcels.
(f) 
Lot numbers, and a statement of the total number of lots and parcels; addresses of each lot as assigned by the Township.
(g) 
Locations of all stormwater management facilities, including but not limited to storm sewers, groundwater recharge areas, bioretention areas, and other drainage improvement measures. Specific design of such facilities shall be demonstrated in the required stormwater management plan.
(h) 
Locations of all existing and proposed sanitary sewers and any other sewage conveyance, treatment or disposal facilities.
(i) 
Locations of all water supply facilities.
(j) 
Location of existing and/or proposed sidewalks, paths and trails throughout the property and on neighboring property within 200 feet.
(k) 
Proposed parks, playgrounds, and other open space areas to be dedicated or reserved for public use with any conditions governing such use, ownership or maintenance.
(l) 
Any other required improvements.
(m) 
The Pennsylvania One-Call Number and a table showing all affected utilities.
(5) 
The preliminary plan shall be accompanied by the following supplementary documentation:
(a) 
An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan pursuant to § 22-529 herein.
(b) 
A stormwater management plan pursuant to Chapter 23, Stormwater Management.
(c) 
A landscape plan demonstrating compliance with § 22-522 herein.
(d) 
A lighting plan demonstrating compliance with § 22-524 herein.
(e) 
If the preliminary plan or land development application includes any feature subject to conditional use, special exception, or variance approval, then the applicant's supplementary documentation shall contain copy(ies) of any applicable order of approval for such conditional use, special exception, or variance and all plans approved as part of the order.
(f) 
If the proposed subdivision or land development will utilize groundwater as the source of potable water, a hydrologic study prepared pursuant to § 22-408 shall accompany the preliminary plan submission.
(g) 
An Historic Resource Impact Study prepared pursuant to § 22-407 herein, if required by § 22-407.
(h) 
An Environmental Impact Assessment prepared pursuant to § 22-406 herein, if required by § 22-406.
(i) 
A Community Impact Assessment prepared pursuant to § 22-405 herein, if required by § 22-405.
(j) 
A traffic impact study prepared pursuant to § 22-409 herein, if required by § 22-409.
(k) 
A hydrogeology study prepared pursuant to § 22-408 herein, if required by § 22-408.
(l) 
A carbonate study prepared pursuant to § 22-404 herein, if required by § 22-404.
(m) 
If the preliminary plan or land development involves land that is subject to a prior subdivision and/or land development, the applicant shall submit copies of all prior permits and approvals relating to the prior subdivision and/or land development, including but not limited to waivers granted, conditions imposed on the prior approval, PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permits, etc.
(n) 
If a homeowners' association or similar entity is to be established to maintain any improvements depicted on the subdivision or land development plan, the association documents (the declaration, public offering statement, etc.) shall be provided to the Township Solicitor for review prior to preliminary plan approval. The formation documents must clearly describe the maintenance, operation and funding mechanism relative to the perpetual operation and maintenance of improvements.
(o) 
A full title search for all parcels which are part of the subdivision and/or land development, including copies of all excepted documents for each parcel.
(p) 
Any other documents or information which the Township may require in order to clarify the submittal and carry out the intention of this chapter.
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
Final plans shall conform with approved preliminary plans, where applicable, including any conditions of approval specified by the Board of Supervisors. Except for final plans for lot line adjustment or lot merger which shall comply with the provisions of Subsection 2 below, a final plan shall consist of and be prepared in accordance with the following:
[Amended by Ord. No. 2021-01, 5/3/2021]
A. 
Drafting standards. Final plans shall conform to the drafting standards set forth in § 22-402, Subsection 1A, hereof.
B. 
Required contents of final plan and supplementary documentation. Final plan submissions shall include all information and data set forth below. Information and data already supplied at the time of preliminary plan submission and satisfactorily meeting all requirements for final plan submission need not be resubmitted except to the extent that additional copies may be needed by the Township to facilitate review, the information and data has changed following preliminary plan submission or additional, supplementary information is available.
(1) 
Final plan submissions shall include all information and data required under § 22-402, Subsection 1B hereof, except that preliminary supplementary documentation required under § 22-402, Subsection 1B(5)(a) through (d) hereof, need not be resubmitted and instead shall be supplanted by the required supplementary plans set forth in Subsection 1B(16) below.
(2) 
All final lot area calculations and lot line dimensions, including straight lot lines and chords and radii of curved lot lines, defined in feet and hundredths of a foot by distances, and in degrees, minutes and seconds either by magnetic bearings or by angles of deflection from other lot and road lines.
(3) 
A statement of restrictions of any type which exist or will exist as covenants in the deed(s) for all lots wholly or partly in the subdivision and, if covenants are recorded, the deed book and page number.
(4) 
The specific proposed placement of each building and all water and sewer facilities; for single-family detached dwellings, in lieu of specific building locations, a generalized building area of 5,000 square feet may be identified.
(5) 
The location of all existing and proposed monuments.
(6) 
All easements or rights-of-way for any purpose, including written legal descriptions and plot plans, and any limitations on such easements or rights-of-way. Easements or rights-of-way shall be specifically described on the plans. Easements should be located in cooperation with the appropriate public utilities where applicable.
(7) 
If the subdivision proposes a new road intersection with a state legislative route, the intersection permit number(s) shall be indicated for all such intersections.
(8) 
A certification of ownership, an acknowledgement of the plan and an offer of dedication shall be affixed to the plan and shall be acknowledged and signed by the applicant(s) and owner(s) of the property and duly notarized.
(9) 
All waivers being requested by the applicant, as well as all waivers previously granted to the applicant by the Board of Supervisors, shall be clearly stated on the first sheet of the final plan submission.
(10) 
Certificate for approval of the plan by the Board of Supervisors and by the Township Planning Commission shall be included as well as any other certificates required by the Township.
(11) 
The name (or number) and cartway width and lines of all existing public roads and the name and location of all other roads within the property, as applicable.
(12) 
Any fees, whether required or as agreed to by the applicant, shall be clearly noted on the plan.
(13) 
The following data for the center line of the cartway and both right-of-way lines of all recorded or proposed roads, within and adjacent to the property:
(a) 
Courses and distances with length in feet and hundredths of a foot of all straight lines and of the radius and the arc (or chord) of all curved lines with delta angles, including curved lot lines, and bearings in degrees, minutes and seconds for all straight lines; and
(b) 
The width in feet of the cartway, right-of-way and of the ultimate right-of-way, and (in degrees, minutes and seconds) of the delta angle of all curved lines, including curved lot lines.
(14) 
A boundary survey and certification as to the accuracy of the survey shall be provided for all subdivisions and/or land developments except those which divide farms into two or more parcels for continued agricultural use.
(15) 
A grading plan indicating all changes in grade necessitated by any improvements; for single-family detached dwellings, the grading plan may be based on identification of a generalized building area of 5,000 square feet rather than specific building location as provided above.
(16) 
The final plan shall be accompanied by the following supplementary documentation:
(a) 
An erosion and sedimentation control plan pursuant to § 22-529 herein.
(b) 
A stormwater management plan pursuant to Chapter 23, Stormwater Management.
(c) 
A landscape plan demonstrating compliance with § 22-522 herein.
(d) 
A lighting plan demonstrating compliance with § 22-524 herein.
(e) 
If the proposed subdivision or land development will utilize groundwater as the source of potable water, a hydrologic study prepared pursuant to § 22-408.
(f) 
An Historic Resource Impact Study prepared pursuant to § 22-407 herein, if required by § 22-407.
(g) 
An environmental impact assessment prepared pursuant to § 22-406, if required by § 22-406.
(h) 
A community impact assessment prepared pursuant to § 22-405 herein, if required by § 22-405.
(i) 
A traffic impact study prepared pursuant to § 22-409 herein, if required by § 22-409.
(j) 
A hydrogeology study prepared pursuant to § 22-408 herein, if required by § 22-408.
(k) 
A carbonate study prepared pursuant to § 22-404 herein, if required by § 22-404.
(l) 
If the final plan or land development application involves land that is subject to a prior subdivision and/or land development, the applicant shall submit copies of all prior permits and approvals relating to the prior subdivision and/or land development, including, but not limited to, waivers granted, conditions imposed on the prior approval, PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permits, etc.
(m) 
If a homeowners' association or similar entity is to be established to maintain any improvements depicted on the subdivision or land development plan, the association documents (the declaration, public offering statement, etc.) shall be provided to the Township Solicitor for review prior to final plan approval. The formation documents must clearly describe the maintenance, operation and funding mechanism relative to the perpetual operation and maintenance of improvements.
(n) 
A full title search for all parcels which are part of the subdivision and/or land development, including copies of all excepted documents for each parcel.
(o) 
Any other documents or information which the Township may require in order to clarify the submittal and carry out the intention of this chapter.
(p) 
If the final plan or land development application includes any feature subject to conditional use, special exception, or variance approval, then the applicant's supplementary documentation shall contain copy(ies) of any applicable order of approval for such conditional use, special exception, or variance and all plans approved as part of the order.
2. 
Required contents of final plan for a lot line adjustment or lot merger. The requirement for a final plan for a lot line adjustment or lot merger may be waived upon written recommendation from the Township Engineer; otherwise the following shall apply:
[Ord. No. 2021-01, 5/3/2021]
A. 
Application fee(s) as required by the Township and escrow fees, if any, shall be paid at the time of formal plan submission.
B. 
Title "Final Plan" and name of the owner(s) involved on each sheet.
C. 
Statement of intent of lot line adjustment.
D. 
Boundary lines of lots subject to lot line adjustment shown in a heavy solid line and lot lines to be removed in the case of a lot merger clearly identified. New lot lines, new lot areas, and new lot dimensions shall be calculated and shown in accordance with § 22-403, Required Content of Final Plans, Subsection 1B(2).
E. 
Plan preparer's statement.
F. 
Notarized owner's statements certifying current legal or equitable ownership and acknowledging participation and agreement with the application by all record owners of the involved lots. The Township may require documentary proof of such ownership.
G. 
Review and approval signature blocks for Township Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Engineer, and County Planning Commission.
H. 
Project data [owners of record, address(es), tax map and deed references, and location map at a scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet or larger].
I. 
Plan and location map shall display street or road names.
J. 
North arrow, graphic scale, written scale.
K. 
Date of plan and all revisions and references to previous plans including all recording information.
L. 
Existing and proposed lot lines and street rights-of-way.
M. 
Existing and proposed building locations, if any, and type of land uses.
N. 
Applicable zoning district(s) and required lot area and bulk requirements.
O. 
Note stating type of water and sewer service; existing and/or proposed, including locations as applicable; where required pursuant to § 22-300, Subsection 1B(1)(d), demonstration of approval of any secondary or reserve on-lot sewage treatment facility shall be provided.
P. 
Existing and propose lot widths and applicable setback lines.
Q. 
List of waivers or modifications requested, if any.
R. 
Markers to be installed in accordance with § 22-521 Monuments and Markers, except that markers may be used instead of monuments; provided, that additional markers and monuments shall be depicted where the existing lot corner markers do not comply with the requirements of § 22-521 and are insufficient for the site conditions in the judgement of the Township Engineer.
S. 
A certification signed by the applicant(s) that markers shall be installed in accordance with Subsection 2R above before the final plan is recorded.
T. 
A provision that prohibits subdivision, land development, earth disturbance, construction of buildings or structures, establishment of new uses, etc. without the required Township approvals and permits.
U. 
No studies or assessments otherwise required pursuant to §§ 22-404 through 22-409 shall be required unless requested by the Township.
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
Applicability. A carbonate study shall be submitted to the Township as part of a preliminary plan and final plan for any subdivision or land development application involving lands where any Karst geologic features are present within 200 feet of any proposed development activity or land disturbance, based initially on generalized geologic mapping provided pursuant to the ERSAP and as further refined pursuant to testing as provided below.
2. 
Purpose. To ensure that new subdivisions or land developments constructed within the Township do not result in sinkholes, ground subsidence, and other hazards due to the presence of carbonate or karst geologic features.
3. 
Carbonate Study Contents.
A. 
Identification of Carbonate Features. The presence of any of the following soil or geologic features or characteristics on the property subject to application shall be documented in map and narrative form:
(1) 
Sinkholes.
(2) 
Closed depressions.
(3) 
Lineaments.
(4) 
Fracture traces.
(5) 
Caverns.
(6) 
Ghost lakes.
(7) 
Disappearing streams.
(8) 
Surface or subsurface pinnacles.
(9) 
Fissures.
(10) 
Faults.
B. 
The preliminary and final plans, as applicable, shall indicate the locations of any of the following existing or proposed components of development plans relative to identified carbonate geology features:
(1) 
Existing and proposed grading and drainage conditions.
(2) 
All structures exceeding 3,500 square feet in ground area footprint.
(3) 
All roads, driveways and parking areas.
(4) 
All stormwater management facilities.
(5) 
Any primary and secondary private and public sewage disposal systems.
(6) 
Any private and public water supplies.
(7) 
Any other pipelines or underground transmission lines.
C. 
Any applicant proposing any of the development components listed under Subsection 3B above within any area identified as having carbonate geologic features shall perform test borings (or an alternate testing procedure, such as resistivity testing or ground-penetrating radar, which shall be approved by the Township) of the site in areas where such components are proposed. The test borings shall be laid out in a grid on fifty-foot centers under the locations of any proposed development components. All boring holes shall be closed with concrete at the conclusion of the test procedures.
D. 
In the event that the preliminary plan does not indicate specific locations of structures, a minimum of two borings shall be provided within the buildable area of each proposed lot. In the event that any structure is not built in the location in which the test borings were taken, new test borings must be performed in the same grid fashion in the location in which the structure is to be located before the issuance of a building permit. The test borings or approved alternate procedures shall be made to determine the depth to bedrock and suitability of bedrock to supports structures. Noninvasive testing methods are preferred.
E. 
Test borings shall be conducted in accordance with American Society for Testing Materials D 1586, standard method for "penetration test and split barrel sampling of soils." Where intact rock and consolidated material is encountered, samples shall be secured in accordance with ASTM D 2113 for "diamond core drilling for site investigation." The location and depth of each test boring shall be satisfactory to the engineer providing the report required below. Boring samples shall be obtained and bottled in accordance with ASTM D 1586. Samples shall be delivered to the Township Municipal Building.
F. 
An interpretation of test borings shall be provided by a licensed professional geologist or licensed professional civil engineer with expertise in geotechnical engineering and shall include a report of findings and recommendations with regard to building and site development construction requirements. The professional shall also conduct a site inspection of the property.
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
Applicability. A Community Impact Assessment shall be submitted to the Township as part of a preliminary plan and final plan for any major subdivision or land development application, except for residential subdivisions involving less than 25 lots and agricultural subdivisions subject to the CAPZO provisions of Chapter 27, Zoning.
2. 
The Community Impact Assessment shall assess potential physical and fiscal impacts, service demands and capital improvement needs associated with the proposed subdivision or land development in relation to roads, water supply systems, sewage treatment and collection systems, the school districts, Township finances, and community services, including libraries and park and recreation facilities, utilities, fire and emergency medical services.
3. 
The Community Impact Assessment shall identify any necessary improvements to all such systems and services needed to accommodate or mitigate the impacts from the proposed subdivision or land development.
4. 
The Community Impact Assessment shall identify and estimate the financial and fiscal impacts of the needed improvements to all community systems and services identified per Subsection 3 above.
5. 
The Community Impact Assessment shall assess potential impact(s), both positive and negative, that the proposed development may have in relation to social, cultural and economic activity and opportunities in Lower Mount Bethel Township and its environs.
6. 
Qualifications of Preparer. The Community Impact Assessment must be prepared by a certified planner(s) and/or professional(s) with appropriate education, training and experience to perform such an analysis. A report presenting the results of the Community Impact Assessment and the qualifications of the preparer of the Community Impact Assessment must be submitted with the development plan.
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
Applicability. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) shall be submitted to the Township as part of a preliminary plan and final plan for any major subdivision or land development application, except for residential subdivisions involving less than 10 lots and agricultural subdivisions subject to the CAPZO provisions of Chapter 27, Zoning.
2. 
Purpose. To ensure that adequate analysis of site features result in designs that preserve and incorporate open space, historic, visual, environmental, biological and natural and other community resources in development plans.
3. 
Identification of Site Features. The applicant shall identify, inventory and map the site features of the tract proposed for development, including those required in an ERSAP, prepared in accordance with § 22-400 hereof. These plan(s) shall be provided at the same scale as development plans submitted for preliminary and final plan applications, as applicable.
4. 
Narrative. In addition to the plan and resource inventory, the applicant shall submit a narrative description of the following:
A. 
The general character of the site features identified in accordance with this chapter, including environmental quality, conservation value and scenic significance, as applicable. Relevant information provided in any submitted Historic Resource Impact Study or Community Impact Assessment may be cited by reference.
B. 
An analysis of all impacts, both positive and negative, to environmental, natural, and scenic resources caused by or directly related to the development/improvement projects submitted to the Township for review and approval, including impacts to the property and any impacts to surrounding properties.
C. 
A description, and identification on plan map(s), as applicable, of proposed means and/or rationale demonstrating how development as proposed will minimize or mitigate the identified negative impacts, including a detailed description of the proposed measures that will be taken to mitigate any impacts to the identified resources on the property and any other affected property as a result of the planned development.
5. 
Qualifications of Preparer.
A. 
The EIA must be prepared by a certified planner(s) and/or environmental professional(s) with appropriate education, training and experience to perform such an analysis. A report presenting the results of the EIA and the qualifications of the EIA preparer must be submitted with the development plan.
B. 
Each EIA report must include a certification statement from the individual or company that prepared the report as follows:
"I certify that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete."
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
Applicability. An Historic Resource Impact Study (HRIS) shall be submitted to the Township as part of a preliminary plan and final plan for any subdivision or land development application which proposes new construction of buildings, structures, roads, driveways, parking areas, or other land disturbance within 250 feet of any historic resource.
2. 
Purpose.
A. 
To delineate sensitive historic resources and identify the necessary measures needed to protect them.
B. 
To establish a clear process by which proposed land use changes affecting significant historic resources can be reviewed.
C. 
To discourage the unnecessary demolition of significant historic resources.
D. 
To encourage the conservation of historic settings and scenic corridors, vistas and landscapes.
3. 
Contents of Historic Resource Impact Study. The HRIS shall contain the following information:
A. 
Background Information.
(1) 
If not otherwise provided by the applicant, a general, narrative description of the site that is the subject of the application, including topography, watercourses, vegetation, landscaping, existing drives, etc.
(2) 
General description and classification of all historic resources within 250 feet of any proposed land development or land disturbance.
(3) 
Physical description of all historic resources, including location information on identified and potential archaeological resources and their relationship to the environmental attributes of the property.
(4) 
Narrative description of the historical significance of each historic resource relative to both the Township and to the region in general.
(5) 
Color eight-inch-by-ten-inch photographs sufficient to show each historic resource in its setting.
B. 
Assessment of Potential Impacts to Historic Resources. Description of potential impact(s) to each historic resource, including but not limited to impacts to the integrity, setting, relationship to scenic corridors, vistas and landscapes, and future use of each historic resource.
C. 
Mitigation Measures. Suggested approaches to mitigate potentially negative impacts to each historic resource, including avoidance, design alternatives, buffering, landscaping, conservation of existing vegetation, and any other appropriate measurers permitted under the terms of this and other Township ordinances, resolutions, regulations and policies.
D. 
Qualifications of Preparer. Historic Resource Impact Studies shall be prepared by those individuals meeting the Secretary of Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61). Lists of qualified consultants are available from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
Applicability. Submission of a Hydrogeology Study is required for any subdivision or land development proposing any of the following:
A. 
Ten or more residential lots; or
B. 
Any nonresidential use of 4,000 gallons per day or greater.
2. 
Purpose.
A. 
To enable the Township to assess the likely impact of a proposed development on the surface and groundwater resources in the Township.
B. 
To ensure that new wells constructed within the Township are able to provide a reliable, safe, and adequate water supply to support the intended use.
C. 
To assess the potential for new development to adversely impact adjacent property owners.
3. 
Professional Input. The applicant shall retain a certified soil scientist, registered professional hydrogeologist or geologist, or a licensed professional engineer qualified in geology, to prepare the study. The qualifications and experience of the applicant's consultant shall be included as part of any study. The Township Engineer or other consultant hired by the Township as an expert may reject any study due to lack of suitable experience by the preparer.
4. 
Area(s) of Study. "Area(s) of study" shall be defined by the applicant's qualified consultant who represents the areas that are likely to be affected by the development, but shall be no less than a one-thousand-foot radius from a proposed on-lot individual supply well and no less than 2,500 feet from a proposed community water supply system. Prior to identifying these areas, the applicant's consultant shall discuss possible study area boundaries with the Township Engineer.
5. 
Pumping Test. In order to determine if suitable water capacity exists for the proposed development, including fire protection, as well as to assess potential impacts on adjacent groundwater users, appropriate aquifer testing is required.
A. 
Testing will comply with the requirements of the DEP Public Water Supply Manual, as may be amended from time to time, and the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) requirements, as may be amended from time to time.
B. 
A minimum of one test well will be tested for every 10 proposed residential dwelling units which are proposed to use on lot wells as the means for water supply. One test well shall be drilled for every proposed nonresidential use.
C. 
A well log shall be provided to the Township showing pumping well depth, diameter, casing length, static and pumping water levels, pumping rate, geologic formations, depth at which groundwater was encountered, drawdown test plot of pumping well, etc.
D. 
In order to determine its capacity, the well shall be tested for yield, drawdown, and specific capacity. The well shall be evaluated through a two-part pump test, comprised of "peak demand" and "constant head," or approved equal, at flow rates calculated on the basis of the projected household population, assuming a water use of 75 gallons per capita per day and a peak use of 1.5 times the average. On-lot residential wells shall yield at least three gallons per minute unless a storage tank(s) is incorporated into the water supply system, in which case the yield shall be at least one gallon per minute. Yields for community water supply systems shall be as required by PADEP. Nonresidential flow rates shall be based upon data from similar type uses.
E. 
Description, location, and any results of the pump testing performed shall be included in the Hydrogeology Study.
6. 
Permeability Testing. In order to assess potential impacts on adjacent groundwater users, appropriate infiltration testing is required.
A. 
Testing will be in accordance with the requirements outlined in the ASTM Standard D2434-68, as may be amended from time to time, and PADEP recommended practices.
B. 
The following data and information is to be submitted:
(1) 
Description of soils and geology at the site and the characteristics of these which may limit the horizontal and/or vertical movement of sewage water.
(2) 
Description, location and results of permeability testing performed, including:
(a) 
Identification and description of restrictive layers of soil, weathered bedrock (saprolite), and bedrock lithology.
(b) 
Rate of flow through and laterally over those restrictive layers in inches per hour.
(c) 
Calculations of potential groundwater mounding expected from the additional flows to the groundwater system.
(3) 
Recommendations on system design modifications needed because of poor permeability, including:
(a) 
Absorption area sizing or placement and dosing rates for on-lot disposal.
(b) 
Spray rates and pretreatment for spray irrigation and/or overland flow.
(4) 
The Township may require more detailed infiltration information based on the information submitted in this section.
7. 
Hydrogeology Study Documentation.
A. 
General Site Description. The site description shall include the size, location, proposed land uses, construction staging and completion date of the proposed development. A brief description of other existing uses and approved recorded development plans that could have potential on the proposed development shall also be included. Development proposals not yet approved and recorded, but with sufficient status and probable impact to the proposed development, shall be included. Reference shall be made to applicable content found within the Township's Act 537 Plan, as amended. Hydrogeological data contained in this study shall be included in the site description.
B. 
Preliminary Hydrogeology. The following information is to be submitted in map and narrative form:
(1) 
Rainfall and recharge characteristics of the groundwater area in which the proposal is located.
(2) 
Intended quantity and quality of withdrawal of groundwater to support the project.
(3) 
Impact of any proposed sewage and/or water disposal system upon groundwater recharge. Description of proposed water import and export quantities.
(4) 
Impact of the proposed stormwater management plan measures upon groundwater recharge. Description of the extent to which infiltration/BMPs will be utilized on-site.
(5) 
A survey of existing wells utilizing groundwater resources.
(6) 
Maps showing well locations, both existing and proposed within the area designated by the Township and Township Engineer and/or other consultant hired by the Township as an expert, but no less than 2,500 feet from the boundary of the tract.
(7) 
Projection of estimated effects of new withdrawals on existing water supplies and stream flow.
C. 
For subdivisions and land developments proposing a stream or surface discharge of wastewater, subsurface disposal or discharge via spray or drip irrigation, the following additional information shall be included:
(1) 
Type of discharge to groundwater:
(a) 
Dry stream channel.
1) 
Intermittent stream (dry in dry season only).
2) 
Stormwater drainage ditch (flow in wet season or during and immediately after storms).
(b) 
On-lot subsurface disposal.
1) 
Individual on-lot systems.
2) 
Community on-lot systems.
(c) 
Spray or drip irrigation.
(d) 
Overland flow.
(2) 
Topographic location of the discharge.
(3) 
Relationship of topography to groundwater flow.
(4) 
Geologic characteristics which influence groundwater flow:
(a) 
Faults and lineaments.
(b) 
Bedding features.
(c) 
Sinkholes, solution channels, pinnacles or other specific features.
(d) 
Range of depth of bedrock.
(e) 
Nature of unconsolidated material.
(f) 
Confining formations (fragipans, impermeable rock formations).
(g) 
Bedrock formation and lithologic relationships.
(h) 
Description of glacial material.
(i) 
Thickness and texture of unconsolidated bedrock.
(j) 
Nature and degree of bedrock fracturing.
(5) 
Groundwater/surface water characteristics:
(a) 
Depths of water table, including seasonal variations.
(b) 
Existing groundwater quality and quantity, including but not limited to the following analysis:
1) 
Total coliform (e. coli and fecal coliform).
2) 
pH.
3) 
Total iron.
4) 
Turbidity.
5) 
Alkalinity.
6) 
Arsenic.
7) 
Cadmium.
8) 
Copper.
9) 
Lead.
10) 
Mercury.
11) 
Molybdenum.
12) 
Nickel.
13) 
Selenium.
14) 
Nitrogen-nitrate.
15) 
Chloride.
16) 
Ammonia-nitrogen.
17) 
Total manganese.
18) 
Sodium.
19) 
Magnesium.
20) 
Calcium.
21) 
Potassium.
22) 
Sulfate.
23) 
Zinc.
24) 
Polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs).
25) 
Total dissolved solids.
26) 
Hardness.
27) 
Volatile organic compounds.
(c) 
Identification, location, flow characteristics, and volume of any receiving streams or watercourses from the point of discharge to the receiving perennial stream.
(d) 
Existing surface water quality and designated use of any receiving streams.
(e) 
Downgradient groundwater uses, including:
1) 
Water supply locations.
2) 
Volume of water used.
3) 
Estimated cones of depressions.
4) 
Influence of pumping on direction of flow (existing and potential water supplies).
(f) 
Influence of surface water runoff and groundwater recharge on groundwater characteristics.
(g) 
Estimated area of impacted groundwater (dispersion plume and mixing zone within the dispersion plume) calculated from the surface topography and known geologic conditions.
(h) 
Identification of existing and potential groundwater uses within the dispersion plume.
(i) 
If a wastewater discharge to a dry stream is proposed, estimated infiltration rate to groundwater during dry stream conditions and the degree of renovation expected during infiltration.
(j) 
Calculation of groundwater mounding under the disposal site.
(k) 
Designation of any watershed area that is utilized for a water supply, recreation, or agricultural irrigation.
D. 
The Hydrogeologic Study shall establish:
(1) 
The projected impacts of the proposed development, based upon but not limited to the aforementioned background information, proposed development, and pump and permeability tests.
(2) 
A delineation of a dispersion plume within the groundwater system in which the existing water quality will be degraded.
(3) 
A delineation of a mixing zone within the dispersion plume in which chemical or biological concentrations will exceed the Federal Drinking Water Quality Standards. This must include mass balance calculations to define expected dilution of the concentrations of contaminants within the mixing zone.
(4) 
A delineation of a buffer zone that shows the anticipated encroachment of the mixing zone into the plume of dispersion as the result of seasonal flow characteristics of the groundwater system. Identification of existing and potential groundwater uses in the delineated mixing zone and in the buffer zone.
(5) 
That the mixing zone will not adversely affect existing or potential future groundwater uses.
(6) 
That the dispersion plume discharge will meet surface water quality standards after complete mixing if groundwater mixing zones extend to surface water.
(7) 
That suitable natural and artificial control exists to confine dispersion plume flow.
(8) 
A delineation and calculation of mounding characteristics in the soil, parent material and underlying bedrock and a determination of the impact of this mounding on system function.
(9) 
Determination of the monitoring locations and method of monitoring on the perimeter of the mixing zone to test groundwater which may be affected by a nonresidential facility's operation.
E. 
Where the study concludes that the proposed development has the potential to cause adverse affects to the groundwater resources or existing groundwater users, specific recommendations for the mitigation or elimination of adverse impacts shall be included. Relocation of proposed well(s) to mitigate or eliminate the adverse impact shall be required. In addition, the study shall include:
(1) 
A monitoring program for both groundwater and surface water, including responsibility for the costs of monitoring.
(2) 
Authority for control of groundwater use in the mixing and buffer zones and access rights for abatement purposes should the contaminant leave control of the mixing zone.
(3) 
Contingencies available to abate pollution should the contaminant leave control of the mixing zone.
(4) 
Treatment capabilities of any pretreatment system components proposed to decrease contaminant levels prior to discharge to groundwater. This must include design and testing data which support claims of consistent, reliable and measurable improvements in treatment.
(5) 
System design, placement and sizing recommendations based on the hydrogeologic study.
(6) 
Evaluation and establishment of measures to control both present and future water usage within the mixing and buffer zones.
[Ord. 2013-11, 9/9/2013]
1. 
Applicability. A Traffic Impact Study shall be submitted to the Township as part of a preliminary plan and final plan for any subdivision or land development application expected to generate more than 250 new trips per day.
2. 
Purpose. To identify any traffic problems likely to result from the proposed development in relation to ingress/egress, road capacities, off-site traffic flow, public transportation, and pedestrian and other nonvehicular circulation.
3. 
Contents.
A. 
A study area for the Traffic Impact Study shall be defined as mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the Township Engineer, subject to the minimum requirements of Subsection 3D below.
B. 
The Traffic Impact Study shall enable the Township to assess the likely impacts of the proposed development on the existing transportation network of the Township and surrounding areas.
C. 
The Traffic Impact Study shall be prepared by a civil engineer licensed to practice in Pennsylvania with experience preparing such studies in accordance with the Institute of Transportation Engineer's (ITE) Recommended Practice Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development, current edition, and PennDOT Publications 201 and 282, current editions.
D. 
The Traffic Impact Study shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, an analysis of expected traffic generation to, from, and upon surrounding roads within a radius of two miles from the proposed development site, particularly showing a.m. and p.m. peak hours of existing traffic flow during a normal business day, in comparison with what is anticipated after the proposed development is fully completed and, if applicable, upon the completion of each stage. Estimated peak-hour trip generation shall be based on procedures set forth in the most recent edition of the ITE Trip Generation Manual. Existing traffic flows shall be based on actual counts; if these cannot be obtained, an alternative source, subject to approval by the Township, may be used.
E. 
The Township shall review the methodology, assumptions, findings, and recommendations of the Traffic Impact Study and may require specific improvements necessary to accommodate the impacts of the proposed development.