[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Douglass
Township Subdivision and Land Development Regulation of 2013."
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
These regulations are for the purpose of assuring sites suitable
for building purposes and human habitation, and to provide for the
harmonious development of the Township, for adequate open spaces for
traffic, recreation, light and air, and for proper distribution of
population, thereby creating conditions favorable to the health, safety,
morals and general welfare of the citizens. This regulation establishes
standards to ensure that developments are environmentally sound by
requiring preservation of existing natural features to the greatest
practical extent in areas affected through excavation, construction,
or other land development activities. Also, minimum standards for
the design and construction of improvements, which aid in the use
and enjoyment of land, such as streets, sidewalks, adequate drainage
and water and sewage facilities, and which would aid in precluding
adverse environmental effects, such as sedimentation, erosion, flooding,
deforestation, and water pollution.
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
1.
The provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be minimum requirements
necessary to meet the foregoing purposes. However, when interpreting
such requirements the following shall be noted:
A.
Where, owing to special or unique conditions, the life, health, safety,
or property of persons may be menaced or jeopardized by the application
of any of the requirements of this chapter, more stringent or restrictive
requirements necessary to eliminate or alleviate such menace or jeopardy
may be applied or imposed by the Board of Supervisors.
B.
Where the provisions of this chapter impose more stringent requirements
than those of any statute, ordinance, or regulation, the provisions
of this chapter shall prevail; where the provisions of any statute,
ordinance, code, or regulation impose more stringent requirements
than those of this chapter, such statute, ordinance, code, or regulation
shall prevail.
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
1.
In accordance with Article V, § 501, of the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, 53 P.S. § 10501,
the Douglass Township Board of Supervisors shall have the authority
to regulate subdivision and land development within the Township by
enacting this chapter. Through such authority the following shall
apply.
A.
No subdivision, re-subdivision or land development of any lot, tract, or parcel of land within the Township shall be made, and no street, alley, sanitary sewer, capped sewer, storm sewer, water main, or other such facilities in connection therewith, or other improvements of any kind, shall be laid out, constructed, opened, or dedicated for public use or travel, or for the common use of occupants of buildings abutting thereon, except in accordance with the provision of this chapter, the Douglass Township Zoning Ordinance of 2013 [Chapter 27], as amended from time to time, and all other Township ordinances, codes, regulations, plans, and maps, as amended from time to time.
B.
No lot in a subdivision may be sold, no permit to erect, alter, or add to any building or other structure or portion thereof upon land in a subdivision or land development may be issued, and no building may be erected in a subdivision or land development unless and until a subdivision and/or land development plan, filed in accordance with this chapter, has been approved and, where required, recorded unless and until the required improvements in connection therewith along, upon or through the lot or lots to be sold or built upon and to an existing improved street, have been constructed and approved, or in lieu thereof, the Township has been assured of the completion of such construction, and the maintenance thereof, by means of completion and maintenance guarantee in the form of a bond or other security in the amount of 110% of the cost of the required improvements, and their maintenance, as set forth in Part 6 of this chapter.
[Ord. 2014-01, 1/6/2014]
1.
The Board of Supervisors shall have jurisdiction of subdivision and
land development within the Township. In order that the actions of
the Board of Supervisors under this chapter may be correlated with
all relevant data and procedures, the Board of Supervisors hereby
designates the Township Planning Commission as the agency to which
the following responsibilities are assigned:
A.
To review, upon filing with the Township Secretary, all applications
for either preliminary or final approval of subdivision and/or land
development plans.
B.
To engage in all preliminary consultations with the applicant relating
to such plans.
C.
To make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning approval,
disapproval, modification, and conditions of approval of such plans.
D.
To make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning the
rationale for the granting of modifications to the provisions, requirements,
and standards of this chapter.
