Township of Schuylkill, PA Minimum Design Requirements

Conformance with adopted plans. The proposed street pattern shall be properly regulated to existing streets, the Schuylkill Township Official Map Summary and to such regional, county and commonwealth road and highway plans as have been duly adopted by said agencies.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

Arrangement. Streets shall be arranged in a manner to meet with the approval of the Township Supervisors, considered in relation to both existing and planned streets. Secondary and major streets may be considered for connection with such existing secondary and primary streets so as to form continuations thereof. Residential streets shall be laid out to restrict their use as secondary streets or major streets. Existing single-access streets shall be prohibited from continuation.

[Amended 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]

Conformity with topography. Streets shall be adjusted to the contour of the land so as to produce usable lots and streets of reasonable grade, alignment and drainage.

Grading. The street shall be graded to the full width of the right-of-way and provision made for slopes beyond the right-of-way in conformance with municipal specifications.

[1]New streets continuing existing streets.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07; 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]

Existing single-access streets, including loop roads and culs-de-sac shall not be extended.

New streets, other than single-access streets, shall be laid out to continue existing streets at equal or greater right-of-way and cartway width, but only where such continuations are reasonable and practical, and only where not in conflict with other provisions of this chapter, Chapter 370, Zoning, the Township's Comprehensive Plan, or the Township's Open Space, Recreation and Environmental Resources Plan.

No new street shall be connected to an existing street where the removal of, or the signification alternation to, any existing structurally sound building, or a building on the Township's Historic Inventory, either has occurred or is planned to occur for the primary purpose of facilitating such a street connection, unless all property owners on the existing street, except for any owner of a building to be removed or altered, execute and record a written consent to said connection.

Editor's Note: Former Subsection A(5), regarding streets for future development, was repealed 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03. This ordinance also renumbered former Subsections A(6) through A(9) as Subsections A(5) through A(8), respectively.

Dead-end streets. Dead-end streets are prohibited, unless designed as culs-de-sac.

Street names. Continuation of existing streets shall be known by the same name. Names for new streets shall not duplicate or closely resemble names of existing streets. Proposed new street names should meet the requirements of Chester County Emergency Services for 911 emergency service. In all cases, however, all street names are subject to the approval of the Schuylkill Township Planning Commission and Township Supervisors.

Half street. The dedication of half streets at the edges of an new subdivision is prohibited. If circumstances render this impracticable, adequate provision for the concurrent dedication of the remaining half of the street shall be furnished by the applicant. When there exists a half street in an adjoining subdivision, the remaining half shall be provided by the proposed development.

Street alignment.

Sight distance on horizontal and vertical curves. Proper sight distance should be provided with respect to both horizontal and vertical alignments. Measured along the center line, this should be 500 feet for major roads; 300 feet for secondary roads; and 200 feet for local residential streets, measured at the center line and at driver's eye height of 3.5 feet.

Horizontal curves shall be used at all changes in excess of 1°. Long radius curves shall be used rather than a series of curves connected by short tangents. Minimum radius curves at the end of long tangents will not be approved.

Curvature. The minimum radius at the center line for horizontal curves on major streets shall be 300 feet; for secondary streets, 200 feet; and for rural or residential streets, 150 feet.

Tangents between curves. Except for local streets there shall be a tangent of at least 100 feet measured at the center line between reverse curves.

Vertical curves. Vertical curves shall be used at changes in grade of more than 1%. The length of the curve shall approximate 50 feet on secondary streets and 25 feet on residential streets for each 1% of change in grade. Over summits or in sumps, vertical curves shall not produce excessive flatness in grade. The high or low point on a vertical curve shall be definitely and clearly shown.

Street grades.

Minimum grades. There shall be a minimum grade of at least 1% on all streets.

Maximum grades. A maximum grade of 7% on major and secondary streets; and 10% on residential streets for distances of not more than 1,500 feet. However, grades in excess of 5% shall be avoided wherever possible. The grade shall be measured along the center line.

Curve-grade combinations. A combination of minimum radius horizontal curves and maximum grades will not be approved.

Street intersections. The grade within 50 feet of any side of an intersection shall not exceed 3%. The grade will be measured along the curbline of the street.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Street grading. All streets shall be graded to the grades shown on the street profile and cross-section plan submitted and approved with the preliminary plan of subdivision and land development.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Right-of-way width, paving width and curbing.

Classification. All streets will be classified as marginal access, rural, residential, cul-de-sac, secondary or primary and shall be governed as follows:

Marginal access streets serve as minor streets for access to adjacent properties on only one side of the street. This type of facility runs parallel with and adjacent to a primary or secondary street and serves to reduce the number of access points which intersect the larger streets, thereby increasing the efficiency and safety of traffic flow along the major street while providing adequate access to abutting development.

All marginal access streets shall consist of an additional right-of-way abutting and measured from the ultimate right-of-way line of the major street as defined by the Schuylkill Township Comprehensive Plan. The right-of-way shall contain the features listed below, in order, moving outward from the ultimate right-of-way.

Industrial: five-foot minimum grass strip; thirty-two-foot cartway, including two twelve-foot travel lanes; contained in a fifty-foot right-of-way. No parking allowed.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

Commercial or multifamily residential: five-foot grass strip; twenty-four-foot cartway consisting of two twelve-foot travel lanes; contained in a forty-foot right-of-way. No parking allowed.

Single-family residential, two-way: five-foot minimum grass strip; twenty-eight-foot cartway consisting of two ten-foot travel lanes and one eight-foot parking lane; contained in a forty-foot right-of-way. Parallel parking allowed, one side.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

Single-family residential, one-way: five-foot minimum grass strip; twenty-two-foot cartway consisting of one fourteen-foot travel lane and one eight-foot parking lane; contained in a thirty-foot right-of-way. Parallel parking allowed, one side.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

In addition to the above regulations, marginal access streets shall meet the following standards:

Marginal culs-de-sac shall meet marginal street regulations with a standard cul-de-sac turnaround at the closed end.

Where marginal access streets form a necessary leg of another reclassification of street, they shall be governed by the regulations of the other street classification.

Where sidewalks do not exist or should be replaced, they shall be installed in the outermost portion of the right-of-way of the marginal street.

Rural streets are those not qualifying under any of the other classifications, and on which at least 75% of all road frontage consists of lots greater than two acres, with minimum lot frontage of 200 feet. Rural streets shall have a minimum right-of-way of 50 feet and a minimum paved cartway of 20 feet. On-street parking shall not be permitted.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

Residential streets shall be those which are used strictly to serve residential areas and do not serve as through streets in a development. They shall have a minimum right-of-way width of 50 feet and shall have a minimum paved cartway of 20 feet and, where on-street parallel parking is permitted, have a minimum paved cartway of 28 feet. Construction of the street, curbing and sidewalk shall be in accordance with specifications hereinafter included in these requirements.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

Single-access streets shall be a configuration of one or more streets which are designed to provide access at only one point of intersection with an existing Township or state road, or with a proposed road having more than one access point. Single-access streets include, but are not limited to, loop roads and culs-de-sac. Single-access streets shall not be extended or continued at a future date due to numerous detrimental impacts.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03; 10-6-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-10; 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]

Loop roads. A loop road configuration shall:

Have a maximum length of 2,500 feet and, for a public street, a minimum length of 250 feet.

Have its length measured from the cartway intersection of the existing or proposed road along the loop road's center line to the loop road's cartway intersection with itself.

For residential streets, consist of a maximum of 25 single-family homes or 50 multifamily dwelling units.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

For residential streets, have a minimum right-of-way width of 50 feet, a minimum paved cartway width of 20 feet and, where on-street parallel parking is permitted, have a minimum paved cartway of 28 feet.

[Added 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

Cul-de-sac streets shall be those streets with one end open for vehicular access and the other terminating in a vehicular turnaround.

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07; 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Culs-de-sac shall not be constructed to an abutting property line.

[Amended 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]

A cul-de-sac:

[i]

Shall be constructed to the specifications of street, curbing, and sidewalks hereinafter included in these requirements for residential streets.

[ii]

Shall have a minimum right-of-way of 50 feet, a circular turnaround with a minimum right-of-way radius of 50 feet and a minimum outer paving radius of 41 feet with a maximum grade of 3%. No parking shall be allowed in the circular turnaround.

[iii]

Shall for residential streets have a minimum paved cartway of 20 feet and, where on-street parallel parking is permitted, shall have a minimum paved cartway of 28 feet.

[iv]

Will not be approved when a through street is practicable.

[v]

Shall be limited to:

[A]

A maximum length of 750 feet and, for a public street, a minimum length of 250 feet.

[B]

For residential areas, a maximum of 16 detached single-family homes or 32 multifamily dwelling units fronting along the cul-de-sac.

Secondary streets shall be defined in two ways:

A secondary feeder street shall be those which are used as connecting and through streets to serve residential areas and to connect residential streets to collector roads, and community facilities with low traffic volumes. They shall have a minimum right-of-way of 60 feet and shall have a minimum paved cartway width of 38 feet. Curbing and/or sidewalk shall be provided as required. Construction of the street, curbing and sidewalk shall be in accordance with specifications hereinafter included in these requirements;

[Amended 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

A secondary collector street shall serve to connect feeder streets and residential streets to other feeder roads, community facilities, and major highways with medium traffic volume. Additionally, collector streets may also serve business or industrial areas. They shall have a minimum right-of-way width of 80 feet and shall have a minimum paved cartway of 40 feet. The street shall be provided with curbing and sidewalk and shall conform with construction specifications hereinafter included in these requirements.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Primary streets. Connect district centers or communities serving large volumes of fast moving through traffic, and shall be defined in three ways:

Limited access highways that deny access to adjacent property owners, and provide access at only a limited number of grade-separated interchanges. They shall have a minimum right-of-way of 120 feet, widened appropriately at interchanges, containing:

Four twelve-foot travel lanes (minimum).

Two ten-foot shoulders.

Median (four-foot minimum).

Acceleration and deceleration lanes.

[e]

Entrance and exit roadways.

Controlled access highways which provide for access at a few grade level intersections (e.g., with other major streets, large shopping centers, etc.). They shall have a minimum right-of-way of 100 feet, appropriately widened at intersections for turning lanes, channelization, etc., and containing:

Four twelve-foot travel lanes.

Two ten-foot shoulders.

Four-foot median.

Semicontrolled access highways which place lesser restrictions on the access of adjacent property owners by providing more frequent access points at grade-level intersections (e.g., with secondary streets, marginal access streets, etc.). They shall have a minimum right-of-way of 100 feet, appropriately widened at intersections for turning lanes, channelization, etc., and containing:

Four twelve-foot travel lanes.

Two eight-foot shoulders.

Appropriate median.

(g)

Private streets.

[Added 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

The Township Supervisors shall have the authority to approve driveways intended for the use of three or more families, apartment developments, or commercial and industrial projects where usage by the occupants constitutes essentially a private street. Driveways constituting private streets are those accessways used by three or more families daily or 10 or more workers for vehicular circulation. Driveways serving as private streets shall not be dedicated to the Township Supervisors nor do the Township Supervisors assume any responsibility for their maintenance.

Construction of driveways to be used as private streets shall conform to all minimum design standards for public streets, other than those applicable to right-of-way and paved cartway width; provided, however, that the width of the cartway shall not be in any event less than 24 feet.

Location and placement of driveways serving as private streets shall comply with § 320-23B, Driveways. Additionally, provisions for drainage and stormwater runoff shall be approved by the Township Engineer.

The owner and all successors of any property which is to abut any driveway serving as a private street shall be fully responsible for the permanent improvement of the driveway(s) and for the maintenance thereof in a good and safe condition.

The Township Supervisors shall evaluate the location, placement and alignment of driveways serving as private streets based upon the case of accessibility to an efficient maneuverability throughout the development for protective services of fire and police.

[6]

A private residential street shall be limited to a maximum of 25 detached single-family homes or 50 multifamily units.

[7]

Rights-of-way and paved cartway widths for private streets.

A small residential development of three to eight detached single-family homes shall have a minimum street right-of-way of 40 feet, a minimum paved cartway width of 20 feet, and a minimum cartway width of 28 feet where on-street parallel parking is permitted.

A medium residential development of nine to 25 detached single-family homes shall have a minimum street right-of-way of 50 feet, a minimum paved cartway width of 20 feet, and a minimum cartway width of 28 feet where on-street parallel parking is permitted.

An industrial project shall have a minimum street right-of-way of 50 feet and a minimum paved cartway width of 32 feet. On-street parking is not permitted.

A commercial project shall have a minimum street right-of-way of 40 feet and a minimum paved cartway width of 24 feet. On-street parking is not permitted.

[e]

An apartment project shall have a minimum street right-of-way of 40 feet and a minimum paved cartway width of 24 feet. On-street parking is not permitted.

(h)

Widths summary table: The following table summarizes the right-of-way, paved cartway widths and associated parameters for the street classifications specified in § 320-22C(1).

[Added 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07]

Widths Summary Table
Street Classification		Maximum Number of Detached Single-Family Homes	Minimum Right-of-Way (feet)	Minimum Cartway (feet)	Minimum Cartway with Parking (feet) (X = no parking)
Marginal access
	MA -Industrial		50	32	X
	MA - Commercial		40	24	X
	MA - Multifamily		40	24	X
	MA - Single-family, 2-way		40	20	28
	MA - Single-family, 1-way		30	14	22
Rural, greater than or equal to 200 feet frontage			50	20	X
Residential (FR, R-1, and R-2 Districts)			50	20	28
Residential - loop road		25	50	20	28
Residential - cul-de-sac		16	50	20	28
Secondary feeder			60	38
Secondary collector			80	40
Limited access			120	72
Controlled access			100	72
Semicontrolled access			100	66
Private - residential		25
Private - small residential		3 to 8	40	20	28
Private - medium residential		9 to 25	50	20	28
Private - industrial project			50	32	X
Private - commercial project			40	24	X
Private - apartment project			40	24	X

Street width. The following general standards shall apply to street width:

The minimum widths of the rights-of-way and paving, and the requirements for curbing, shall not be less than those of an existing street of which the new street is to be a continuation, nor less than as required above under classification.

Minimum right-of-way width of development along existing streets shall correspond with the ultimate right-of-way for the streets, as defined in the Schuylkill Township Comprehensive Plan, and/or shown on the right-of-way map.

The area between an existing right-of-way line and the ultimate right-of-way line should be offered for dedication to the authority having jurisdiction over the road when land is subdivided or developed along an existing right-of-way.

Islands, medial strips, and channelization may be required in any area where traffic volumes warrant their use for safety and efficiency, and may be permitted in any area at the discretion of the Township Supervisors. Such devices on state roads shall meet or exceed the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

No fences, hedges, trees, shrubbery, walls, plantings, or other obstructions shall be located or be permitted within the right-of-way except for ground covers such as grass, ivy, crown-vetch, or horizontally spreading shrubs less than one-foot high, or retaining walls necessitated by road widening and constructed by the authority having jurisdiction over the road.

Street paving. All street paving shall conform to the specifications incorporated in this section, to the applicable requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specification, Form 408, and be approved by the Township Engineer prior to acceptance by the Township Supervisors. All grades, horizontal curves, vertical curves, intersections, sight distances, and tangents shall conform to the requirements established by this chapter and shall be subject to the approval of the Township Engineer. Street paving shall have a minimum total compacted depth of 14 inches, consisting of a six-inch subbase of 2A modified stone, a four-inch bituminous concrete base course, and a four-inch bituminous surface course.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Subgrade. The bottom of the excavation and the top of the fill between the outer limits of the paving or base course, when completed, will be known as the subgrade and shall conform to the lines, grades and cross sections given. The subgrade for macadam paving shall conform to the established lines, grade and cross section as approved by the Township Supervisors. The subgrade shall be solidly compacted to a firm and unyielding state by rolling with a minimum of ten-ton power roller. Unstable areas shall be removed and replaced with suitable fill and then rerolled as required to provide a uniform even surface.

Construction methods. After the excavation of rough grading has been performed and all drains have been constructed, the subgrade shall be fine graded and shaped to the proper cross section. It shall be brought to a fine unyielding surface by rolling the entire area with an approved three-wheel power roller having a metal weight of not less than 10 tons. Solid rock, boulders, soft clay and all spongy material which will not consolidate under the roller shall be removed from the subgrade to a depth to be determined by the Township Engineer or other person designated by the Township Supervisors. The space shall be filled with suitable material from the excavation and the subgrade rerolled until it presents a smooth and firm surface of the proper shape and cross section. Crown board and straight edge shall be used for checking road and street construction. Maximum deviation shall not exceed 1/4 of an inch.

Shoulder. Supporting shoulder shall be constructed on all sections of projects where a base course or pavement is to be constructed without other permanent support along the sides. All shoulders shall be thoroughly compacted and graded to provide drainage from the macadam surface.

Construction methods. Where concrete curbing is not to be constructed, shoulders are to be constructed adjacent to the paving of the proposed road. The width and type of construction, grade, and construction methods of these shoulders is to be determined by or shall meet the approval of the Township Engineer or other person designated by the Township Supervisors.

Subbase. The subbase shall be 2A modified stone placed to a compacted thickness of six inches. The subbase shall be solidly compacted to a firm and unyielding surface by rolling the entire area with a ten-ton, or larger, power roller. Subbase will be checked by the engineers for lines, grade, crown and contour before any succeeding courses are placed. Proper compaction will be determined based on nonmovement of the material under the specified compaction equipment.

Bituminous concrete base course.

The bituminous concrete base course shall have a compacted thickness of four inches. It shall be mixed, delivered, placed and protected in accordance with the requirements of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation specification, Form 408, dated 1973, Section 305, or the latest revision thereto.

The base course shall be primed with a tack coat. The priming of the base course shall be allowed to cure for a minimum of 48 hours (weather permitting) before the surface course is placed.

Bituminous surface course.

This surface course shall consist of two courses, binder course and wearing course, of hot-mixed, hot-laid asphaltic concrete, constructed on the prepared base course. The bituminous surface course shall have a total thickness, after final compaction, of not less than four inches.

The binder course shall be not less than two inches compacted depth, and the wearing course shall be not less than two inches compacted depth.

The bituminous surface course shall be mixed, delivered, placed and protected in accordance with the requirements of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Form 408, dated 1973, Section 420, or the latest revision thereto.

All wearing courses shall be sealed to the concrete curb with a one-foot wide grade BM-1 or A-1 bituminous gutter seal.

Crown board and straight edge shall be used for checking during the paving operation.

Duplicate delivery slips for all materials will be required.

Street intersections.

Number of intersections. No more than two streets shall cross at the same point. When existing streets intersect at odd angles, or have more than four approaches, the applicant shall be required to make corrective changes to eliminate the odd angle or reduce the number of approaches to the intersection by curving the lesser street.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Minimum angle of intersection. Right-angle intersections shall be used whenever practicable, especially when local streets empty into major or secondary streets; there shall be no intersection angle, measured at the center line, of less than 60° minimum.

Center lines. Where center lines of residential or secondary streets open into opposite sides of a major street within 100 feet of each other they shall be made to coincide by curving the minor street or streets.

Primary thoroughfare. Wherever practicable, intersections with through highways shall be kept to a minimum and shall be located at least 1,200 feet apart.

Sight distance.

Adequate sight distance shall be maintained at all street intersections. Sight distance shall be determined to be a triangular-shaped area established at intersections in which nothing is erected, planted, placed or permitted to grow in such a manner as to obstruct the visibility of motorists entering or leaving the intersection. The sight distance triangle is measured by including the horizontal area within the angles that are formed by connecting a point 15 feet from the edge of a cartway along the center line of an intersecting street or driveway, with two other angles formed by points on the center line of the cartway, which are located on either side of the intersecting street or driveway. The vertical area of the sight triangle includes the area at an elevation of 3.5 feet above grade, to the farthest object that can be observed at an elevation of 4.25 feet above the pavement. There shall be measured along the center line a minimum clear sight triangle of 75 feet from the point of intersection. No building, trees, hedge, shrubbery or other obstruction whatsoever will be permitted in this area. Any obstruction to sight shall be removed at the time the street is graded or at the time a building or structure is erected, whichever shall first occur.

The Township standards [§ 320-22E(5)(a) above] or PennDOT standards, whichever are more stringent, shall apply unless the developer demonstrates there is no safety risk. No vegetation or scenic features [per § 320-22I(1)] shall be disturbed unless necessary.

Maximum grade. Maximum grade within any intersection shall not exceed 1%.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Approach grades. All approaches to an intersection shall not exceed 3% for a distance of 50 feet measured from the nearest right-of-way line of the intersecting street. Approaches to an intersection shall follow a straight horizontal course for 100 feet.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Radii of pavement and right-of-way at intersections. Street intersections shall be rounded with tangential arcs at pavement edge (curbline) and right-of-way lines as listed below. Where two streets of different right-of-way widths intersect, the radii of curvature for the widest street shall apply.

Type of Street	Minimum Radius of Arc at Intersection of Pavement Edge or Curbline (feet)	Minimum Radius of Arc at Intersection of Right-of-Way Line (feet)
Primary	40 (or more as may be required)	20 (or more as may be required)
Secondary	30	20
Residential	25	15
Rural	25	15
Cul-de-sac	25	15
Marginal access	25	15

Street names and signs. No street name shall be used which will duplicate or be confused with the name of an existing street. New street names should meet the requirements of Chester County Emergency Services for 911 emergency service. Existing street names shall be projected whenever possible. Sign posts and name plates approved by the Township authorities shall be placed at street intersections.

Obstructions. No fences, hedges, walks, planting or other obstructions shall be located within the right-of-way.

Streetlights. The location of poles or standards for streetlights shall be located on the plan, and when required by the Township Supervisors, said poles or standards, of a type approved by the Township Supervisors shall be erected.

Scenic road requirements. The following design requirements shall apply to any subdivision or land development proposal on any parcel adjacent to any road segment identified as a scenic collector road or scenic local road or containing a scenic vista on the "Scenic, Historic, and Cultural Resources Map" (Map 5, page 49) in the Schuylkill Township Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan of 1992, as amended:

Any roadside feature adjacent to any road or road segment identified as a scenic collector road or scenic local road in the Schuylkill Township 1992 Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan, as amended, and located within the public right-of-way, including but not limited to fences and walls, hedgerows, trees, and topographic formations shall not be disturbed except to the extent necessary to provide safe and efficient ingress to and egress from the site, consistent with all applicable sight distance requirements. It shall be the burden of the applicant to demonstrate that any proposed disturbance is the minimum necessary to provide safe ingress and egress.

Any scenic vista identified in the Schuylkill Township Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan of 1992, as amended, not located within the public right-of-way should be disturbed to the minimum extent possible without affecting the amount of development permitted on the parcel. It shall be the burden of the applicant to demonstrate that the proposed site configuration causes the minimum possible disturbance to identified scenic vistas.

Every attempt shall be made to situate dwellings and accessory buildings below existing ridge lines or the tree line on ridges to preserve existing scenic vistas from public roads. To achieve this objective, dwellings and accessory buildings should be sited entirely below the elevation of the nearest ridgeline or ridgetop treeline whenever possible. Where the applicant claims that dwellings or accessory buildings cannot be situated below the ridgeline, it shall be the burden of the applicant to demonstrate why not and how the proposed design creates the minimum possible disturbance of views of the ridgeline. To the extent that any portion of a structure shall be located above a ridgeline elevation, such siting shall be contingent upon the submission and approval by the Township Supervisors of a plan for the mitigation of such ridgeline impacts. Such plans shall identify the locations and dimensions of the proposed structure(s), the architectural style proposed, and shall demonstrate how the structure(s) shall be effectively screened and/or designed to minimize disruption of views of the ridgeline from public roads.

Exceptions. The Township Supervisors may waive specific requirements of this section if such waiver will result in a design that is more compatible with the natural limitations of the site than would result from strict adherence to this section, provided that no such waiver shall be granted that would compromise the safety of the road system.

§ 320-23 Alleys, driveways and parking areas.

Alleys. Alleys are prohibited in residential developments except as the completion or extension of one in existence. In commercial or industrial districts without expressly designed loading areas, alleys with a minimum right-of-way width of 25 feet shall be required. The cartway width shall be a minimum of 20 feet. Where such alleys dead-end, they shall be provided with a paved turnaround having a radius of not less than 40 feet.

Paving. The paving requirements shall be the same as for street paving.

Intersections. Intersections of right-of-way lines shall be rounded by a tangential arc, the minimum radius of which shall be 10 feet, and the edge of the paving at intersections shall be rounded by a tangential arc the minimum radius of which shall be 15 feet.

Obstructions. No fences, hedges, trees, shrubbery, walls, plantings or other obstructions shall be located within the right-of-way. Reasonable sight distance shall be provided at intersections with streets.

Driveways.

Location. Driveways shall be so located as to provide reasonable sight distance at intersections with streets. A stopping area measured 20 feet behind the right-of-way line shall be provided not to exceed a four-percent grade.

Intersections. Driveways shall be located not less than 40 feet from the street intersection and shall provide access to the street of a lesser classification when there are streets of different classes involved.

Pavement widths and grade. Driveway paving widths and grades shall be as follows:

Land Use	Minimum Paving Width (feet)	Minimum Radius at Curb (feet)	Maximum Grade (percent)	Maximum Change of Grade per 10 feet (percent)
Single-family residential	10	5	8	10
Multifamily residential	12 (1 way) 24 (2 way)	10 10	8 8	10 10
Commercial and industrial	12 (1 way) 24 (2 way)	15 15	5 5	7 7

All driveways shall be located, designed and constructed in such a manner as not to interfere or be inconsistent with the design, maintenance and drainage of the highway.

Access driveways should be located in such manner that they will not cause the following:

Interference to the traveling public;

A hazard to the free movement of normal highway traffic; or

Areas of undue traffic congestion on the highway.

Frontages of 50 feet or less shall be limited to one driveway. Normally not more than two driveways need to be provided to any single property, tract or business establishment. Exceptions may be made where the frontage exceeds 300 feet in length.

Driveway paving shall have a minimum compacted depth of eight inches, consisting of six inches compacted and two inches wearing course.[1]

[Added 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03; amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Editor's Note: Original § 503C, Driveways for land development, as amended, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 6-1-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07. See now § 320-22C(1)(g).

Parking areas.

Off-street automobile parking facilities shall be provided in accordance with the following requirements:

Paving. Except on lots occupied by single-family, semidetached and two-family dwellings, all areas to be used for the parking or movement of vehicles shall be paved using a six-inch stone base, three inches of binder, and two inches of wearing course or its equivalent.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03; 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Curbing. Curbing shall be required along the access or street and along the perimeter of the parking lot except on lots for single-family, semidetached, and two-family dwellings.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Striping. All exterior parking areas, except those serving single-family and two-family dwellings, shall be striped with painted lines, either hair-pin or single lines.

Width of lanes. When parking spaces are placed side-by-side, to form rows, the access lanes shall not be less than 25 feet in width.

Ingress and egress.

Off-street parking areas for all uses, except single-family detached, single-family semidetached, and two-family detached dwellings, shall be so designed and arranged that:

No vehicle can conveniently be backed directly into a street.

No driveway leading to an off-street parking area on a corner lot shall be located closer to point of radius of the curb at the corner than 50 feet.

On corner lots used by motor vehicle service stations, drive-in banks, and similar establishments, no driveway shall be closer than 25 feet to the point of radius of the curb at the corner.

Access to major highways must be in accordance with § 370-129 of Chapter 370, Zoning.

The exact design and location of the green areas required by this section shall be disclosed on the development plan or a subdivision plan or any required land development plan.

Landscaping. For any lot, except as noted herein for shopping centers, there shall be one 2 1/2 inch DBH deciduous hardwood or coniferous tree within the parking area, for every 40 parking spaces or fraction thereof. These trees shall be in addition to those required for landscaping or for an effective screen. Ten percent of all required, paved parking areas on each lot shall be devoted to green space or green areas which must be interspaced with the paved parking areas to channel traffic or to divided respective parking areas. The required green areas shall be curbed. All such required additional green areas shall be permanently maintained as such. The aforementioned required green space within the parking areas shall not be counted as required open space for each lot or parcel.

At no time shall angle or perpendicular parking along the curbs of public or private access streets be permitted. All parking lots and bays allowing any parking other than parallel shall be physically separated from the cartway by a minimum of seven feet and confined by barrier curbing.

No one area for off-street parking of motor vehicles in residential areas shall exceed 36 cars in capacity. Separate parking areas on a parcel shall be physically separated from one another by eight-foot planting strips.

No less than 20 feet of open space shall be provided between the curbline of any parking area and the outside wall of the dwelling unit in residential areas.

Parking may be permitted within the minimum side and/or rear yards when the side and/or rear yards abut a district zoned industrial and/or commercial. However, no parking shall be permitted within five feet of a side or rear property line unless formal arrangements, satisfactory to the Township Supervisors, have been made for the establishment of common parking facilities.

In commercial and industrial districts, provision of common parking facilities is hereby encouraged in recognition of their increased flexibility and efficiency. Subject to formal arrangements between the proposed users of the common parking facilities, satisfactory to the Township Supervisors, the Township Zoning Hearing Board may reduce the aggregate amount of required parking space upon determination that greater efficiency is effected by joint use of the common parking area. When common parking facilities are approved, side and/or rear yard parking requirements may be waived in order to establish unified and continuous parking areas. In such cases, access drives and sidewalks shall be so aligned as to maximize parking efficiency and minimize traffic congestion. Entrances and exits shall have clear site lines and good visibility so that, both going in and coming out, drivers can see and cars can be seen.

Parking stalls shall be paved to provide an all-weather parking area. Consideration shall be given to the use of porous pavement to reduce the amount of runoff from the parking areas.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Buffer planting requirements shall be applicable to parking lot facilities, along the area fronting major or secondary roads and along the area adjacent to other properties.

All dead-end parking lots shall be designed to provide sufficient back up area for the end stalls.

No less than a five-foot radius of curvature shall be permitted for all curblines in all parking areas.

Parking lot dimensions shall be no less than those listed in the following table:

	Parking Stall		Aisle Width
Angle of Parking	Depth (feet)	Width (feet)	1-Way (feet)	2-Way (feet)
90°	20	10	25	25
60°	21	10	18	20
45°	19	10	15	18

§ 320-24 Sidewalks and curbs.

Sidewalks.

Where required. Sidewalks shall be provided along all streets excepting where in the opinion of the Township Supervisors they are unnecessary for the public safety and convenience.

Width. Sidewalks shall not be less than four feet in width in residential areas. A greater width shall be required in areas in which apartments or business buildings are located, or deemed necessary at the discretion of the Township Supervisors.

Sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be located between the curb and ultimate right-of-way line five feet from the curbline. The grade and paving of the sidewalk shall be continuous across driveways except in certain cases where heavy traffic volume dictates special treatment.

Construction methods.

Sidewalks shall be constructed so as to discharge drainage to the street, the grade of which shall not be less than 1/4 inch per foot. The finished grade between the outside of the sidewalk to the curbline (edge of the cartway) shall never exceed a total vertical elevation change of one foot.

Sidewalks shall be constructed of cement concrete to a width as approved for the various areas. All undesirable material shall be removed from the subgrade.

Cement concrete used in sidewalks shall have a compressive strength of at least 3,500 p.s.i. at 28 days with certification of the mix furnished to the Township Engineer. Concrete shall be placed in forms that are straight and securely braced. Care shall be taken to control the water content to prevent separation of the aggregates. The concrete shall have a broom finish and the edges shall be finished with an approved edging tool.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

All cement concrete sidewalks shall be constructed on a four-inch crushed stone or gravel base, with six-inch crushed stone or gravel base where sidewalks cross driveways. The concrete shall be placed so that there is a separate joint every five feet and shall be so constructed so that the five-foot sections are completely separated from adjacent sections. One-half inch premolded expansion joints shall be placed every 20 feet and between all points where the concrete sidewalk abuts a concrete curb.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

All cement concrete sidewalks shall have a minimum thickness of four inches except under driveways where they shall have a minimum thickness of six inches. The concrete apron in the driveway area shall be reinforced with 6 x 6-9/9 steel wire fabric (minimum). Two layers of this wire fabric shall be utilized with a minimum of two inches spacing between layers. The wire shall be installed so that it is not closer than 1/2 inch from the top or bottom surfaces of the driveway.

Curbs.

Granite curbs shall be installed along each side of every street proposed in Schuylkill Township. Unless otherwise specified herein, material and construction requirements for the granite curbs shall conform to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Form 408, dated 1973, Section 634, or the latest revision thereof. The granite curb shall be Type A granite curb, five inches by 18 inches in residential streets and six inches by 20 inches in all other streets.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

The distance from the flow line of the gutter to the top of the curb shall be six inches on residential streets and seven inches in all other streets.

The granite curb shall be set in a plain cement concrete chair which shall extend six inches below, behind and along the bottom of the granite curb at each joint. Cement concrete used in the plain cement concrete chairs shall have a compressive strength of at least 3,000 p.s.i. at 28 days with certification of the mix furnished to the Township Engineer.

To provide for planned driveways, depressions in the granite curbing shall be constructed and finished during the time of street construction. The granite curb shall be carried across all driveways one inch above gutter grade.

In the event that a driveway entrance is required at a location where a depression has not been provided during curb construction, the granite curb shall be lowered, not broken down, to one inch above gutter grade.

The top of the ends of granite curb adjacent to depressions shall be rounded to a radius of five inches by a saw cut.

§ 320-25 Blocks.

Length. In general all blocks in a subdivision shall have a minimum length of 500 feet and a maximum length of 1,200 feet.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Width. Whenever practicable blocks shall be of such width as to provide two tiers of lots of the minimum size permitted under the applicable zoning classification except in the case of lots along a major thoroughfare where the lot fronts on an interior street.

Through lots. Double frontage lots are to be avoided and generally will not be permitted except where reversed frontage is desired away from a major thoroughfare to a street of lesser traffic volume.

Crosswalk. Crosswalks not less than 10 feet wide, and with concrete sidewalks not less than four feet wide, may be required where necessary to provide access to schools, churches, parks and commercial areas.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Nonresidential blocks. Blocks for commercial and industrial areas may vary from the elements of design contained in this section if the nature of the use requires other treatment. In such cases, off-street parking for employees and customers may be required along with safe and convenient limited access to the street system. Space for off-street loading may also be required with similarly access. Space for the extension of streets, railroad access right-of-way, and utilities shall be provided. The amount of parking space shall be as required by Chapter 370, Zoning.

§ 320-26 Lots.

Lots in residential areas.

Area. All lots shall be no smaller than the minimum lot area requirements of the applicable zoning classification.

Depth. Lots excessively deep in relation to width are to be avoided. A proportion of 2 1/2 to one is generally regarded as proper maximum for lots 60 feet or more in width.

Width. The minimum width of a lot shall be that width in feet which is specified for the applicable zoning district.

Corner lots. All corner lot widths on each front shall be a minimum of 1 1/2 times the minimum width of the interior lots of the same block.

Frontage. Every lot shall have frontage along the ultimate right-of-way line of a street, but double frontage lots are prohibited except as provided for in § 320-25C of this chapter. The frontage shall not be less than the minimum requirements of Chapter 370, Zoning.

Sidelines. Whenever practicable, the sidelines of a lot shall be set at right angles or radial to the right-of-way line.

Building setback lines. Building setback lines for all lots shall be in conformance with the minimum front, side, and rear yard line requirements of the applicable zoning district.

Lot numbers. For the purpose of development, each subdivision may have an overall system of lot numbers, the number one being assigned to a lot in the first section to be developed. (Such system of lot numbers shall not be confused with the regular house or building numbering system based on a Township-wide plan).

Building numbers. House or building numbers shall be assigned by the Township Supervisors based on an overall street numbering plan. Numbers will be assigned in such a way as to allow for vacant parcels and future development.

Subdivisions or land developments with existing structures on land. No subdivision of land will be approved with the property line extending through any portion of any existing structure.

If existing structure(s) is to remain.

In residential zoning districts of the Township, the lot size and the lot dimensions of the newly created lot containing the structure(s) shall be in scale with the height and bulk of the existing structure even if this requires a lot area and/or dimensions exceeding the minimum zoning requirement for that district. Structures proposed on the vacant portions of lands being subdivided shall conform to the extent possible with the height, bulk, building material and architectural character of the existing structures in the immediate vicinity and the subdivision plans shall show building plans in suitable detail.

In other zoning districts of the Township (especially commercial and industrial districts) the subdivision of the land shall provide adequate service and parking facilities, etc., in keeping with the minimum requirements of Chapter 370, Zoning, for each lot and cumulatively for all lots in the subdivision. No subdivision will be approved in such instances if the servicing and/or parking facilities, etc., attendant to the existing structure are deemed inadequate or would be considered to become inadequate with the development of the now vacant lands. Any new structures contemplated on the newly subdivided parcels shall be in conformity with the existing structures in the immediate vicinity to the extent possible in regard to height, bulk, building material and architectural character and the subdivision plans shall show building plans at suitable detail.

Alterations and replacements will be permitted within the existing structure, but exterior extensions of the building shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 370, Zoning.

In cases where the principal building use has not been as a dwelling, its conversion to a dwelling shall comply with all of the requirements of Chapter 370, Zoning, and the Building Codes of Schuylkill Township[1].

Editor's Note: See Ch. 140, Construction Codes, Uniform.

If existing structure(s) is to be removed. Subdivision approval will be issued conditional to the expeditious removal of existing structures in complete conformity to all other pertinent procedural requirements. The subdivision plans shall furthermore show in detail the proposed development of each parcel of ground, and the proposed development shall not provide less service and parking facilities, etc., than now exist. In commercial and industrial areas, plots of land that have been cleared, as well as the existing vacant portions of such lands should be developed in conformity with the long range needs of the area to the extent possible and all developmental requirements embodied in this chapter and Chapter 370, Zoning, shall be adhered to. If roadway realignments and other similar requirements are deemed necessary in the immediate vicinity of the plot being subdivided, they shall be corrected as part of the subdivision design to the utmost of the applicant's ability.

If existing structure(s) is to be partly replaced or is to be enlarged. Demolition plans and/or construction plans shall be detailed as part of the subdivision plan review and subsequent subdivision approval will be conditional upon compliance with said proposed details. Additions to existing structures shall be in harmony with existing structures in the immediate vicinity, especially in respect to height, bulk, building material and architectural characteristics. In the case of partial demolition of existing structures, the remaining structure shall be in keeping with the existing buildings in the immediate vicinity in relation to type, bulk, building material and architectural characteristics. Renovation work to the remaining portion of a structure following partial demolition shall be completed promptly and expeditiously.

§ 320-27 Recreational land requirements.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to implement the recreational open space goals and objectives, as identified in the Schuylkill Township Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan, 1992, as amended, including but not limited to:

Provide for a variety of recreational facilities;

Establish a trail network to link higher density areas and recreation areas within the Township;

Outline supplementary ordinance provisions which prescribe a specific amount of land and recreational facilities for each new subdivision and land development.

Applicability. The requirements in this section shall apply to any land development involving 12 or more residential units or subdivision of land involving 12 or more lots.

General requirements.

The applicant shall make an irrevocable offer of dedication of park and open space land to the Township per the requirements of this section. The Township Supervisors may authorize the transfer of the land to a homeowners' association or other appropriate third party when such reservation is consistent with the Schuylkill Township Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan. In lieu of dedicating park and open space land to the Township, the applicant may elect to pay a fee to the Township.

All dedications of land for park and open space purposes shall be consistent with any standards contained in the Schuylkill Township Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan. Such dedications shall be at locations deemed appropriate by the Township Supervisors. If a specific site has been designated in the Schuylkill Township Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan for future park purposes, any preliminary or final plan shall show the dedications of land in a location that corresponds to the plan designation. Title to land to be dedicated shall be good and marketable, free of all liens or other defects, and acceptable to the Township Solicitor.

Amount of land required. Consistent with the standards of the Chester County Open Space and Recreation Study, the amount of park and open space land required to be dedicated shall equal at least 350 square feet per resident of the proposed subdivision or land development. The number of residents shall be determined by multiplying the number of dwelling units to be built or lots subdivided by the average number of residents per dwelling unit for Schuylkill Township, as documented in the most recent U.S. Census Bureau count.

Fee-in-lieu of dedication. The applicant may, with the consent and approval of the Township Supervisors, elect to pay a fee to the Township in lieu of the park and open space land dedication provision.

The amount of any fee to be paid in lieu of dedication shall be equal to the fair market value of the land otherwise required by § 320-27D

Determination of the total fair market value of the land shall be the responsibility of the applicant and shall result in a reasonable value acceptable to the Township Supervisors.

Parkland acquisition fund. All fees paid by the applicant in lieu of dedication of park and open space land shall be paid to the Township and, upon its receipt, shall be deposited in a separately accountable interest-bearing account set aside for park land acquisition. Fees deposited to this account shall be administered as required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968, as amended by Act 170 of 1988, and as subsequently revised).

General requirements. The land dedicated for park and open space uses shall meet the following requirements:

The park and open space land shall be reasonably located so as to serve all of the residents of the subdivision or land development.

If the park and open space land required to be dedicated is less than four acres in size, the park and open space land shall be located at a suitable place on the periphery of the original parcel so a more usable tract will result when additional park and open space land is obtained as a result of development of the adjacent land.

When park and open space land exists or is planned on land adjacent to the tract to be subdivided or developed, the park and open space land to be dedicated by the applicant shall be located to adjoin and enlarge the existing or planned park and open space land on adjacent land.

The park and open space land shall be accessible from a public street or shall adjoin and become part of an already existing park or open space area which is accessible from a public street. Where access to the park is by public road, the width of the frontage shall be a minimum length deemed necessary by the Township Supervisors for access, visibility of the site, and public safety. Access to the park and open space should be capable of accommodating pedestrian, bicycle, maintenance, and vehicle traffic.

The park and open space land shall not be divided by any public or private streets, except where necessary for proper traffic circulation.

The park and open space land shall be free of all structures, except those structures deemed usable for park activities by the Township Supervisors.

The park and open space land shall be suitable for active recreational uses to the extent deemed necessary by the Township Supervisors, without interfering with adjacent dwelling units, parking, driveway, and roads. In no case shall less than 25% of such land be suitable for active recreation. Land suitable for active recreation shall not:

Consist of less than 1/4 acre of contiguous area or areas of less than 75 feet in width, except as defined in Subsection G below;

Include land with slopes greater than 15%;

Include wetland areas;

Include floodplain areas except in the case of athletic fields which contain no structures that could impede the flow of floodwaters.

Planned trails. If a planned trail identified in the Schuylkill Township Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan crosses or abuts a portion of the tract, the Township Supervisors may require the dedication of a trail corridor which may be counted toward the park and open space land requirement described in § 320-27D. Trail corridors dedicated for public use may be credited toward the park and open space land requirement provided that such trail corridors meet the following standards:

Dedicated trail corridors shall be a minimum width of 25 feet, but the Township Supervisors may require a wider corridor if needed;

The location of the trail corridor shall conform to the corridor identified in the Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan as closely as is practical;

Trails shall have a vertical clearance of no less than 10 feet from any permanent structure.

Additional recreational reservation. The provisions of this section are minimum standards and shall not be construed as prohibiting a developer, with the approval of the Township Supervisors, from dedicating or reserving other land for recreation purposes in addition to the requirements of this chapter.

§ 320-28 Reserve strips; ultimate rights-of-way and/or easements; deeds.

Reserve strips controlling access to streets, alleys, subdivisions or adjacent areas are prohibited.

Rights-of-way and/or easements for sanitary utilities, road construction or maintenance, or for drainage purposes, public utilities or for any specific purposes shall be required by the Township Supervisors as needed; the location and width in each case to be as determined by the Township Supervisors.

Building setback lines shall be measured from the nearest side of the ultimate right-of-way or easement to the proposed building.

Nothing shall be permitted to be placed, planted, set or put within the area of an easement that is not directly related to the use, intent or purpose of the easement. The area shall be kept as grass unless otherwise permitted.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

The owner of any lot, upon written request by the Township Supervisors, and at the owner's sole expense, shall remove anything placed, planted, set or put, (with or without knowledge of this regulation) within the area of any easement.

To the fullest extent possible easements shall be adjacent to rear or side lot lines.

No right-of-way nor easement for any purpose whatsoever shall be recited or described in any deed unless the same has been shown on the approved plan. Any error found in a deed shall be immediately corrected and rerecorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds for Chester County at West Chester, Pennsylvania, at the sole expense of the applicant.

Easements.

Utility. Easements with a minimum width of 20 feet shall be provided for common utilities and stormwater conveyance.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

(Reserved)[1]

Editor's Note: Former Subsection D(2), Drainage, was repealed 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05.

Off-site drainage easements. Where stormwater or surface water will be gathered within the subdivision or land development and discharged or drained in volume over lands within or beyond the boundaries of the subdivision or land development, the applicant shall reserve or obtain easements over all lands affected.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Access provision. The easements shall be adequate for their intended purpose and for the maintenance, repair and reconstruction of the same, including the right of passage over by vehicles, machinery and other equipment for such purpose.

[Added 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

§ 320-29 Survey monuments.

Monuments shall be of stone or concrete and located on the right-of-way lines at corners, angle points, the beginning and end of curves, and as otherwise required. Monuments shall be indicated on all plans. They shall be placed after a new street has been completed. The center line of all new streets shall be marked with spikes and referenced to permanent monuments or structures. A certified copy of this reference information shall be given to the Township Engineer. Permanent reference monuments of cast concrete or durable stone 20 inches by four inches, by four inches, with 45° beveled edges shall be set by the applicant at all corner and angle points of the boundaries of the original tract to be subdivided and at all street intersections and intermediate points as may be required.

Bench marks. The Township elevations are based on the Township sanitary sewer system datum and/or the 1929 mean sea level datum. Location and elevation is available to all engineers and surveyors upon request to the Sewer Authority. All contours and elevations shown on plans shall be based on this system.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Staking requirements. All lots shall be staked by the registered engineer or surveyor for the applicant, when final grading has been completed. This stake out shall be visible and completed before an owner or occupant moves into the property. All lot corner markers shall be permanently located and shall be at least 5/8 inch metal pin with a minimum length of 24 inches, located in the ground to existing grade.

§ 320-30 Stormwater management.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

See § 320-5D, Stormwater management.

§ 320-31 Bridges and culverts.

Bridges and culverts shall be designed to meet the current Pennsylvania Department of Transportation standards to support expected load and to carry expected flows. They shall be constructed to the full width of the right-of-way.

Approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is required when the area drained upstream of the point under consideration exceeds an area of 1/2 square mile (320 acres).

§ 320-32 Sanitary sewers and on-site sewage disposal.

Sewers. For development on any parcel located within an existing or planned sewer service area as identified in the Schuylkill Township Act 537 Wastewater Facilities Plan, as amended, sanitary sewers shall be installed and connected to the Valley Forge Sewer Authority (VFSA) sanitary sewer system.

When capped sewers are provided, on-site disposal facilities shall also be provided.

Sanitary sewers shall not be used to carry stormwater.

On-lot disposal system. If public sewage disposal is not available, and sewage treatment will be provided on an individual lot basis, such private facilities shall be installed by the applicant under the direct supervision of the Chester County Health Department.

Soil percolation tests shall be performed for all subdivisions wherein buildings will not be connected to an operating public sanitary sewage disposal system. Additional testing may be required by the Township Supervisors as a further means of guaranteeing the suitability of a site. Copies of all percolation test results shall be submitted to the Township Supervisors. During installation of such facilities, and before final coverage, officials of the Chester County Health Department shall be granted free access to the development area for inspection purposes at all times.

Once all requirements and specifications have been met, a copy of an approved Chester County Health Department on-lot sewage permit shall be submitted to the Township Secretary prior to final plan approval.

The type, location, and configuration of on-site sewage disposal system to be installed shall be determined on the basis of topography, available area, soil characteristics, permeability and groundwater elevation. The disposal area to be provided shall be determined by the results of percolation tests, soil classification and depth of water table and such other tests as may be deemed necessary. Proof of the adequacy of such facilities shall be furnished by a licensed professional engineer or other person qualified to the satisfaction of the Township Supervisors. The reports of such tests shall be required for each disposal area. One percolation test per lot shall be required when the applicant is dividing ground into lots and is not building immediately.

All soil percolation tests shall conform to the standards of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and be made in accordance with the procedure required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Chester County Health Department.

The usable area for sewage disposal shall be shown on the preliminary plan for each lot. The usable area shall be situated beyond the radius of the water supply well [per § 320-37C(1) of this chapter] and shall conform to all rules and regulations or future amendments thereto of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Chester County Health Department.

In no instance shall a septic tank, tile field or other effluent disseminating system be located within the minimum horizontal isolation distances specified in 25 Pa. Code § 73.13, as amended.

§ 320-33 Public utilities.

All water and gas mains and other underground facilities shall be installed prior to street paving at locations approved by the Township Supervisors for the full length of the right-of-way.

Underground utilities. All gas and water mains shall be installed underground. All electric, telephone, and communication services, both main and service lines, shall be provided by underground cables, installed in accordance with the prevailing standards and practices of the utility or other companies providing such services, except where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Township Supervisors that underground installations herein required are not feasible because of physical conditions of the lands involved or other valid reasons. All main underground cables which are within the right-of-way of a street shall be located as specified by the Township Supervisors.

In order to promote and facilitate the underground installation of utility distribution lines, a letter of endorsement shall be required from the suppliers of utility service (not limited to electrical, telephone, or cable television) of the applicant's choice wherein the applicant acknowledges that underground utilities are feasible and shall be consummated as part of the improvement plan. A statement relative to the intent of the applicant to provide underground utility service shall be placed on the final plan requisite to approval of such plan.

The provisions in this chapter shall not be construed as to limit or interfere with the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of public utility structures or facilities which may hereafter be located within public easements or right-of-way designated for such purposes.

Light standards shall be placed as required by the PECO Energy Company. Power sources for such standards shall be placed underground as required.

Along arterial roads and major highways all new electrical service shall be placed underground.

§ 320-34 Screening, landscaping and buffering.

Purpose. Screening and landscaping may be required as part of development plans. Vegetation may be used to satisfy these requirements. The purpose of this section is to:

Establish a set of general standards which all vegetation chosen for screening and landscaping shall meet; and

Establish specific design standards for screening and landscaping.

General standards.

Existing vegetation, such as woodlots, hedgerows, and trees with a caliper of two inches or more DBH or vegetation listed on the "Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory" should be preserved wherever possible and incorporated into screening and landscaping plans. Such trees may be credited toward screening and landscaping requirements.

Plant materials chosen to satisfy screening and landscaping requirements or to supplement existing vegetation shall be selected from the Schuylkill Township Native Plant List contained at the end of § 320-34.

[Amended 6-3-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-03]

All trees, shrubs, and ground cover shall achieve screening or landscaping objectives within three years.

Any trees and shrubs which are selected to satisfy screening and landscaping requirements shall meet minimum standards for size:

[Amended 6-3-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-03]

Type of Vegetation	At Planting (inches)	Minimum Size (height at grade) (feet)
Shrubs	30 to 36	N/A
Trees and shade trees	2 1/2 to 3 DBH	N/A
Evergreen trees	N/A	6 to 8
Flowering trees	N/A	6 to 8

Vegetation chosen to satisfy screening and landscaping requirements shall be from hardy and healthy stock, resistant to insects and disease, and pollution tolerant.

Without compromising the objective of required screening or landscaping, plant materials should be installed in a random natural-like order to reflect the rural character of the Township.

No planting shall obstruct motorist visibility at intersections.

Landscaping may be incorporated into a stormwater management plan, provided that the:

Vegetative cover, landscaped islands, or landscaped dividers are not destroyed, either directly or indirectly, by rain, snow, wind, or other climatic effects; and

Vegetative cover will tolerate excess water, salt, oil, or other elements that may threaten the health or growth of the plants; and

Stormwater detention basin berms shall contain ground cover or other vegetation to maintain the integrity of the basin.

No building permit shall be issued prior to the Township Supervisors' approval of screening and landscaping plans.

(10)

Required screening, parking lot landscaping, shade trees, and perimeter landscaping shall be perpetually maintained. The applicant shall be responsible for plantings for a period of 18 months from installation. The landowner shall be responsible for maintenance after this period has expired.

Screening.

Screening required. A screen shall be required between certain structures or uses within the Township as set forth in this section. The objective of a screen is to:

Provide a visual barrier around activities which may pose a hazard or conflict with other abutting land uses;

Reduce conflicts between neighboring properties due to incompatible noise levels, dust and debris, lighting requirements, and traffic generation; and

Provide a transition between zoning districts and incompatible uses.

Applicability. The Township supervisors may require that a screen be installed:

Where a proposed industrial or commercial structure or use abuts:

An existing residential structure or use;

An existing agricultural structure or use;

Any residential district.

Where a proposed structure or use is permitted by special exception or conditional use.

Where a proposed structure or use is incompatible with structures or uses on adjacent tracts due to bulk, density, or intensity of use.

Where outdoor storage or an outdoor storage area is proposed.

Where otherwise required within this chapter.

Between two lots which are zoned differently and if the proposed or existing uses on the two lots are incompatible.

[Added 2-1-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-01]

Alternatives to screening. At the discretion of the Township Supervisors, screening may not be required under the following circumstances. The applicant shall bear the burden of proving to the Township Supervisors, however, that the objectives of § 320-34A will be met.

Where the distance between structures or uses exceeds the required yard dimension by at least 200 feet or where existing natural features, such as topography and vegetation, accomplish the objectives of § 320-34A; or

Where another commercial structure or use abuts the proposed use.

Design standards.

The screen shall provide at least 50% opacity throughout the year.

The screen may consist of a variety of plant materials that meet the requirements set forth in § 320-34A, berms, architectural elements such as an ornamental fence or wall, or any combination of the above.

The screen shall have a minimum depth of 10 feet if it consists exclusively of plant materials. A screen consisting of plant materials and architectural elements shall be a minimum depth of five feet.

Landscaping.

Purpose. To accommodate various uses permitted by this chapter, while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Township residents, landscaping is required. The objectives of the landscaping requirements are to:

Maintain proper drainage by reducing soil erosion and stormwater runoff;

Mitigate certain effects of development, including traffic, noise, heat, glare, pollution, and the spread of dust and debris;

Conserve vegetation;

Restore native vegetation that is removed as a result of development; and

Soften the appearance of more intensive developments.

Interior landscaping. Excluding single-family and two-family residences, any portion of a site which is not used for buildings or other structures, loading or parking spaces and aisles, access roads, sidewalks, and designated storage areas shall be landscaped with an all-season ground cover according to an overall planting plan.

Parking lot landscaping.

Applicability. Parking lots which contain 10 or more spaces shall be landscaped.

Credit. Landscaping for parking lots may be credited toward the interior landscaping requirements set forth in § 320-34D(2) above.

Design standards.

At least 35 square feet of landscaping, which may include trees, shrubs, and ground cover, shall be provided for each parking space.

A minimum of one tree shall be provided for every 10 parking spaces.

Landscaped areas, such as dividers or islands, shall be provided to define the traffic circulation pattern and various sections of the parking lot, including parking rows and access aisles.

Landscaped areas, such as dividers or islands, shall be evenly disbursed throughout the parking lot. Each landscaped area shall be a minimum of 100 square feet, and no dimension shall be less than six feet.

If a landscaped area is situated such that the front or rear of a vehicle may hang over the edge of the landscaping, the first two feet of the landscaped area shall not count toward the landscaping requirement.

[6]

Trees that drop sap, large amounts of blossoms, seeds, and pods that might clog drains are prohibited.

[7]

Trees shall tolerate salt and de-icing compounds and heat from large paved surfaces, and shall have deep root systems to prevent cracked pavements and sidewalks. Species shall be selected from the Schuylkill Township Native Plant List contained at the end of § 320-34.

[Amended 6-3-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-03]

Shade trees. Any development proposing the creation of a new public road(s) or a subdivision along an existing road shall provide shade trees along the length of such road. When a proposed subdivision or land development is adjacent to only one side of a road, it shall only be responsible for providing shade trees on that side of the road. When a subdivision or land development is located on both sides of a road, it shall provide shade trees on both sides of that road.

Design standards.

Shade trees shall be installed outside the ultimate right-of-way line and no closer than 15 feet from the edge of cartway.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Trees on one side of the street shall be separated by no more than 50 feet and shall be offset from street trees on the opposite side of the street, according to the above figure. Existing trees with a minimum diameter of two inches DBH and located between the cartway edge and the right-of-way may be included in the calculation.

All trees shall be a minimum of 10 feet in height at planting, from good nursery stock, be of a species indigenous to the area, and have a deep root system.

A variety of trees may be installed, provided they grow to a height which will provide adequate shade during the summer, along the entire cartway.

[Amended 6-3-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-03]

Perimeter landscaping.

Applicability. Perimeter landscaping shall be provided for structures and uses which abut an existing public street, excluding single-family and two-family residences.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Credit. Perimeter landscaping may be credited toward the interior landscaping area requirements set forth in § 320-34D(2).

Design standards.

Perimeter landscaping shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width and shall consist of trees, shrubs, and ground cover.

A variety of trees, shrubs, and ground cover may be planted. Trees shall be separated by no more than 50 feet. Shrubs shall provide 90% opacity throughout the year. Ground cover shall be planted where trees or shrubs are not installed.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

[Amended 6-3-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-03]

Native Plant List.

[Added 6-3-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-03]

Native Plant List
				Light			Moisture
Type	Botanical Name	Common Name	Street Tree	Sun	Part Shade	Shade	Dry	Moist	Wet
TREES
EVERGREEN	Chamaecyparis thyoides	Atlantic White Cedar			X	X		X	X
	Ilex opaca	American Holly		X	X	X		X
	Juniperus virginiana	Eastern Red Cedar		X			X	X
	Picea glauca	White spruce		X	X			X
	Picea pungens	Blue Spruce		X			X	X
	Pinus echinata	Shortleaf Pine		X		X	X
	Pinus resinosa	Red Pine		X			X	X
	Pinus rigida	Pitch Pine		X			X	X
	Pinus strobus	White Pine		X			X	X
	Pinus virginiana	Virginia Pine		X			X	X
	Thuja occidentalis	Eastern Arborvitae		X			X	X	X
	Tsuga canadensis	Eastern Hemlock			X	X		X
DECIDUOUS	Acer rubrum	Red Maple	X	X	X	X		X	X
	Acer saccharinum	Silver Maple		X	X			X	X
	Acersaccharum	Sugar Maple		X	X	X		X
	Asimina triloba	Paw-Paw		X				X
	Betula lenta	Sweet Birch		X	X		X	X
	Betula nigra	River Birch		X	X			X	X
	Betula populifolia	Gray Birch		X	X		X	X	X
	Carpinus caroliniana	American Hornbeam			X	X		X
(C. tomentosa)	Carya alba	Mockernut Hickory			X	X	X	X
	Carya cordiformis	Bitternut Hickory		X				X	X
	Carya glabra	Pignut Hickory		X	X		X	X	X
	Carya ovata	Shagbark Hickory		X				X
	Castanea pumila	Allegheny Chinkapin		X	X		X
	Celtis occidentalis	Hackberry		X	X	X	X	X	X
	Crataegus crus-galli	Cockspur Hawthorn		X	X		X	X
	Crataegus viridis	Green Hawthorn			X	X		X	X
	Diospyros virginiana	Common Persimmon		X	X		X	X
	Fagus grandifolia	American Beech		X	X	X		X
	Fraxinus americana	White Ash		X	X		X	X
	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	Green Ash		X	X		X	X	X
	Gleditsia triacanthos v. inermis	Thornless Honeylocust	X	X	X		X	X
	Jugians nigra	Black walnut		X				X
'Rotundiloba'	Liquidambar styraciflua	Sweetgum	X	X	X			X	X
	Lirodendron tulipifera	Tuliptree		X	X			X
	Morus rubra	Red Mulberry		X	X			X
	Nyssa sylvatica	Black Gum	X	X	X		X	X	X
	Ostrya virginiana	Eastern Hophornbeam	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Oxydendrum arboreum	Sourwood		X	X		X	X
	Platanus x acerifolia	London Planetree	X	X	X			X
	Populus deltoides	Eastern Poplar		X				X	X
	Populus tremuloides	Quaking Aspen		X				X	X
	Quercus alba	White Oak		X	X		X	X
	Quercus bicolor	Swamp White Oak		X	X			X	X
	Quercus coccinea	Scarlet Oak	X	X			X	X
	Quercus ilicifolia	Bear Oak		X			X
	Quercus macrocarpa	Bur Oak	X	X			X	X
	Quercus marilandica	Blackjack Oak			X		X
	Quercus muehlenbergii	Chinquapin Oak	X	X			X	X
	Quercus palustris	Pin Oak[1]	X	X				X	X
	Quercus phellos	Willow Oak	X	X	X			X	X
Q. montana	Quercus prinus	Chestnut Oak		X	X		X	X
	Querous rubra	Northern Red Oak	X	X	X		X	X
	Quercus stellata	Post Oak		X			X	X
	Quercus velutina	Black Oak		X	X		X	X
	Salix discolor	Pussy Willow		X				X	X
	Salix nigra	Black Willow		X	X			X	X
	Sassafras albidum	Sassafras		X	X		X	X
	Tilia americana	American Linden	X		X	X		X
'Valley Forge' 'Princeton'	Ulmus americana	American Elm	X	X	X			X	X
	Ulmus rubra	Slippery Elm			X	X	X	X
FLOWERING	Amelanchier arborea	Downy Serviceberry		X	X		X	X	X
	Amelanchier canadensis	Shadblow Serviceberry			X	X	X	X
	Amelanchier laevis	Allegheny Serviceberry		X	X	X	X	X
	Cercis canadensis	Eastern Redbud			X	X	X	X
	Chionanthus virginicus	White Fringetree		X	X	X	X	X
	Cornus alternifolia	Pagoda Dogwood			X	X		X
	Cornus florida	Flowering Dogwood			X		X	X
	Hamamelis virginiana	Witch Hazel			X	X	X	X
	Magnolia acuminata	Cucumbertree Magnolia		X					X
	Magnolia virginiana	Sweetbay Magnolia		X	X	X		X	X
	Prunus americana	American Plum		X	X		X	X
	Prunus pensylvanica	Pin Cherry		X	X		X
	Prunus serotina	Black Cherry		X			X	X
	Prunus virginiana	Chokecherry		X				X
	Viburnum lentago	Nannyberry Viburnum		X	X		X	X
	Viburnum prunifolium	Blackhaw Viburnum		X	X		X	X

Native Plant List
			Light			Moisture
Type	Botanical Name	Common Name	Sun	Part Shade	Shade	Dry	Moist	Wet
SHRUBS
EVERGREEN	Ilex glabra	Inkberry Holly	X	X	X	X	X
	Juniperus communis	Juniper	X			X
	Kalmia angustifolia	Sheep Laurel	X	X	X		X	X
	Kalmia latifolia	Mountain Laurel	X	X	X	X	X	X
(Myrica heterophylla)	Morella caroliniensis	Swamp Bayberry	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Rhododendron maximum	Rosebay Rhododendron		X	X		X	X
	Taxus canadensis	Canada Yew		X	X		X
DECIDUOUS	Alnus serrulata	Hazel Alder	X				X	X
(Photinia pyrifolia)	Aronia arbutifolia	Red Chokeberry	X	X		X	X	X
(Photinia m.)	Aronia melanocarpa	Black Chokeberry	X	X		X	X	X
	Calycanthus floridus	Sweetshrub	X	X	X		X	X
	Ceanothus americanus	New Jersey Tea	X	X		X
	Cephalanthus occidentalis	Buttonbush	X	X	X		X	X
	Clethra alnifolia	Summersweet		X	X		X	X
	Comptonia peregrina	Sweetfern	X	X		X
	Cornus amomum	Silky Dogwood	X	X			X	X
	Cornus racemosa	Gray Dogwood	X	X	X	X	X
	Cornus sericea	Redosier Dogwood	X	X		X	X	X
	Corylus americana	American Hazelnut		X		X	X
	Dirca palustris	Leatherwood		X	X	X	X
	Gaylussacia baccata	Black Huckleberry		X	X	X	X	X
	Gaylussacia frondosa	Blue Huckleberry	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Hydrangea arborescens	Smooth Hydrangea		X	X		X
	Hypericum densiflorum	St. Johnswort	X			X	X	X
	Hypericum prolificum	Shrubby St. Johnswort	X	X		X	X
	Ilex laevigata	Smooth Winterberry	X	X			X
	Ilex verticillata	Winterberry Holly	X	X			X	X
	Itea virginica	Virginia Sweetspire	X	X	X		X	X
	Leucothoe racemosa	Fetterbush		X	X		X	X
	Lindera benzoin	Spicebush		X	X		X	X
	Myrica pensylvanica	Northern Bayberry	X	X		X	X	X
	Physocarpus opulifolius	Ninebark	X	X			X	X
	Potentilla fruticosa	Cinquefoil	X	X		X	X	X
	Prunus maritima	Beach Plum	X	X		X	X
	Rhododendron arborescens	Sweet Azalea	X	X			X
	Rhododendron atlanticum	Coast Azalea		X	X		X
	Rhododendron calendulaceum	Flame Azalea		X		X	X
	Rhododendron canadense	Rhodora	X	X			X	X
	Rhododendron canescens	Piedmont Azalea		X			X
	Rhododendron periclymenoides	Pinxterbloom Azalea	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Rhododendron viscosum	Swamp Azalea	X	X			X	X
	Rhus aromatica	Fragrant Sumac	X	X		X
	Rhus copallina	Flameleaf Sumac	X	X		X
	Rhus glabra	Smooth Sumac	X			X	X
(R. typhina)	Rhus hirta	Staghorn Sumac	X			X	X
	Ribes americanum	Black Currant	X	X		X	X	X
	Ribes rotundifolium	Eastern Gooseberry		X		X
	Rosa carolina	Pasture Rose	X	X		X	X
	Rosa palustris	Swamp Rose	X	X	X		X	X
	Rubus odoratus	Purple Flowering Raspberry	X	X	X		X
	Rubus strigosus	American Red Raspberry	X	X		X	X
	Salix humilis	Prairie Willow	X			X	X	X
ssp. canadensis	Sambucus nigra	Elderberry	X	X	X	X	X
	Sambucus racemosa	Red Elderberry			X	X	X
	Spiraea alba	White Meadowsweet	X				X
	Spiraea tomentosa	Steeplebush	X				X	X
	Staphylea trifolia	American Bladdernut			X		X
	Symphoricarpos albus	Snowberry	X	X		X	X
	Symphoricarpos orbiculatus	Coralberry	X	X		X	X
	Vaccinium angustifolium	Lowbush Blueberry	X	X		X	X
	Vaccinium corymbosum	Highbush Blueberry	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Vaccinium pallidum	Early Lowbush Blueberry	X	X		X	X
	Vaccinium stamineum	Deerberry	X	X		X	X
	Viburnum acerifolium	Mapleleaf Viburnum	X	X	X	X	X
	Viburnum dentatum	Arrowwood Viburnum	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Viburnum nudum	Possumhaw Viburnum	X	X		X	X	X
	Viburnum trilobum	American Cranberrybush Vib.	X	X			X
	Yucca filamentosa	Adam's Needle	X			X
HERBACEOUS PLANTS
FERNS	Adiantum pedatum	Maidenhair Fern		X	X		X
	Athyrium filixfemina	Lady Fern		X			X	X
	Dennstaedtia punctilobula	Hay-Scented Fern	X	X		X	X
	Dryopteris carthusiana	Spinulose Woodfern		X	X		X	X
	Dryopteris cristata	Crested Wood Fern	X	X	X		X	X
	Dryopteris intermedia	Evergreen Woodfern		X	X	X	X	X
	Dryopteris marginalis	Marginal Woodfern		X	X	X	X
	Onoclea sensibilis	Senstive Fern	X	X	X		X	X
	Osmunda cinnamomea	Cinnamon Fern	X	X	X		X	X
	Osmunda claytoniana	Interrupted Fern		X	X		X
	Osmunda regalis	Royal Fern	X	X	X		X	X
	Polystichum acrostichoides	Christmas Fern		X	X		X
	Pteridium aquilinum	Bracken Fern	X	X		X	X	X
	Thelypteris noveboracensis	New York Fern		X	X		X	X
	Thelypteris palustris	Marsh Fern	X	X			X	X
	Woodwardia areolata	Netted Chain Fern		X	X		X	X
GRASSES	Agrostis perennans	Autumn Bentgrass	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Andropogon gerardli	Big Bluestem	X	X		X	X	X
	Andropogon glomeratus	Bushy Bluestem	X	X			X	X
	Andropogon virginicus	Broomsedge	X			X	X	X
	Carex crinita	Long Hair Sedge	X	X			X	X
	Carex glaucodea	Blue Wood Sedge		X	X	X	X
	Carex lurida	Sallow Sedge	X	X				X
	Carex pensylvanica	Pennsylvania Sedge		X	X	X	X
	Carex platyphylla	Broadleaf Sedge		X	X	X	X
	Carex stricta	Tussock Sedge	X				X	X
	Carex vulpinoidea	Fox Sedge	X	X				X
	Chasmanthium latifolium	Northern Sea Oats	X	X		X	X
	Danthonia spicata	Poverty Oatgrass	X	X	X	X	X
	Dichanthelium clandestinum	Deer Tongue	X	X		X	X	X
	Dichanthelium commutatum	Variable Panicgrass		X	X	X	X
	Elymus hystrix	Bottlebrush Grass	X	X	X		X
	Elymus riparius	Riverbank Wild Rye	X	X		X	X	X
	Elymus virginicus	Virginia Wild Rye		X	X	X	X
	Leersia oryzoides	Rice Cutgrass	X	X			X	X
	Panicum amarum	Bitter Panic Grass	X			X	X
	Agrostis perennans	Autumn Bentgrass	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Andropogon gerardil	Big Bluestem	X	X		X	X	X
	Andropogon glomeratus	Bushy Bluestem	X	X			X	X
	Panicum virgatum	Switchgrass	X	X		X	X	X
(Andropogon scoparium)	Schizachyrium scoparium	Little Bluestem	X			X
	Sorghastrum nutans	Indiangrass	X			X	X
GROUNDCOVER	Gaultheria procumbens	Wintergreen		X	X	X	X	X
	Mitchella repens	Partridgeberry		X	X	X	X
	Pachysandra procumbens	Allegheny Spurge		X	X	X	X
	Rhus aromatic 'Gro Low'	Gro Low Sumac	X	X		X	X
	Vaccinium macrocarpon	Cranberry	X	X				X
VINES	Aristolochia macrophylla	Dutchman's Pipe	X	X			X
	Bignonia capreolata	Crossvine	X	X		X	X	X
	Campsis radicans	Trumpet Vine	X	X		X	X
	Cleastrus scandens	American Bittersweet	X	X	X	X	X
	Clematis viorna	Leather Flower		X	X	X	X
	Clematis virginiana	Virgin's Bower	X	X	X	X	X
	Lonicera sempervirens	Trumpet Honeysuckle	X	X		X	X
	Mikania scandens	Climbing Hempvine		X			X	X
	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Virginia Creeper	X	X	X	X	X	X
	Passiflora incarnata	Passion flower	X			X	X
	Smilax herbacea	Smooth Carrionflower		X			X
	Wisteria frutescens	American Wisteria	X	X			X	X
HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS
	Actaea pachypoda	Doll's Eyes		X	X		X
	Agalinis purpurea	Purple False Foxglove	X				X	X
(Eupatorium rugosum)	Ageratina altissima	White Snakeroot	X	X	X	X	X
	Anemone canadensis	Canadian Anemone	X	X			X
	Anemone virginiana	Thimbleweed	X	X		X	X
	Antennaria neglecta	Field Pussytoes	X	X		X	X
	Aquilegia canadensis	Eastern Columbine	X	X		X	X
	Aralia nudicaulis	Wild Sarsaparilla		X	X	X	X
	Aralia racemosa	Spikenard		X	X		X
	Arisaema triphyllum	Jack-in-the-pulpit		X	X		X	X
	Asarum canadensis	Wild Ginger		X	X		X
	Asclepias incarnata	Swamp Milkweed	X	X			X	X
	Asclepias syriaca	Common Milkweed	X			X
	Asclepias tuberosa	Butterfly Milkweed	X	X		X	X
	Baptisia australis	Wild Blue Indigo	X	X		X	X
	Baptisia tinctoria	Yellow Wild Indigo	X	X		X
	Bidens cernua	Nodding Beggar-Ticks	X	X		X	X
	Boltonia asteroides	Star Boltonia	X	X		X	X	X
	Caltha palustris	Marsh Marigold	X	X				X
	Campanulastrum americanum	American Bellflower		X	X		X
	Cardamine concatenata	Toothwort			X		X
	Caulophyllum thalictroides	Blue Cohosh	X	X			X
	Chamaecrista fasciculata	Partridge Pea	X			X
	Chelone glabra	White Turtlehead	X	X			X	X
	Chimaphila maculata	Striped Wintergreen		X	X	X
	Chrysogonum virginianum	Green-and-Gold	X	X	X	X	X
	Chrysopsis mariana	Golden Aster	X	X		X
	Cimicifuga racemosa	Black Snakeroot		X	X		X
	Claytonia virginica	Spring Beauty			X		X
	Coreopsis tripteris	Tall Coreopsis	X	X		X	X
	Coreopsis verticillata	Threadleaf Coreopsis	X	X		X	X
	Delphinium tricorne	Dwarf Larkspur		X	X		X
	Desmodium paniculatum	Narrow-Leaf Trefoil	X	X		X
	Dicentra canadensis	Squirrel Corn		X	X		X
	Dicentra cucullaria	Dutchman's Breeches		X	X		X
	Dicantra exima	Bleeding Heart		X	X	X	X
	Dodecatheon meadia	Shooting Star	X	X	X		X
(Aster u.)	Doellingeria umbellatus	Flat-top White Aster	X	X			X	X
	Erigeron pulchellus	Robin's Plantain		X		X	X
	Erythronium americanum	Trout Lily		X	X		X	X
	Eupatorium dubium	Joe-Pye Weed	X	X			X	X
	Eupatorium fistulosum	Trumpet Weed	X	X		X	X	X
	Eupatorium hyssopifolium	Hyssop-Leaved Thoroughwort	X	X		X	X
	Eupatorium maculatum	Spotted Joe-Pye Weed	X	X			X
	Eupatorium perfoliatum	Common Boneset	X	X	X		X	X
	Eupatorium purpureum	Green-Stemmed Joe-Pye Weed	X	X			X
	Eurybia divaricata	White Wood Aster		X	X	X	X
	Gentiana clausa	Closed Gentian		X			X	X
	Geranium maculatum	Wild Geranium	X	X		X	X
	Goodyera pubescens	Downy Rattlesnake Plantain		X		X	X
	Helenium autumnale	Sneezeweed	X	X	X		X
	Helianthus angustifolius	Swamp Sunflower	X				X	X
	Helianthus decapetalus	Ten-Petaled Sunflower	X	X			X
	Helianthus divaricatus	Woodland Sunflower		X		X	X
	Heliopsis helianthoides	Oxeye Sunflower	X	X		X	X
	Hepatica nobilis var. acuta	Sharp-Lobed Hepatica		X	X	X	X
	Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa	Round-Lobed Hepatica		X	X	X	X
	Heracleum maximum	Cow Parsnip	X				X	X
	Heuchera americana	Alumroot		X	X	X	X
	Heuchera villosa	Hairy Heuchera		X	X	X	X
	Houstonia caerulea	Bluet	X	X			X
	Hydrophyllum virginianum	Virginia Waterleaf		X	X		X
(Sedum telephiodes)	Hylotelephium telephioides	Allegheny Stonecrop	X	X	X	X
	Impatiens capensis	Jewelweed		X	X		X	X
	Ionactis linarifolius	Stiff-Leaf Aster	X			X	X
	Jeffersonia diphylla	Twinleaf		X	X		X
	Lespedeza capitata	Round-Head Bush Clover	X			X
	Liatris pilosa	Grass-Leaf Blazingstar	X	X		X	X
	Liatris scariosa	Eastern Blazing Star	X	X		X	X
	Liatris spicata	Blazingstar	X	X		X	X
	Liatris squarrosa	Plains Blazing Star	X	X			X
	Lilium canadense	Canada Lily	X	X			X	X
	Lilium philadelphicum	Wood Lily	X	X		X
	Lilium superbum	Turk's Cap Lily	X	X			X	X
	Limonium carolinianum	Sea Lavender	X				X	X
	Lobelia cardinalis	Cardinal Flower	X	X			X	X
	Lobelia siphilitica	Great Blue Lobelia	X	X	X		X	X
	Lupinus perennis	Lupine	X	X		X	X
	Maianthemum canadense	Canada Mayflower		X	X		X
	Maianthemum racemosum	False Solomon's Seal		X	X		X
	Medeola virginiana	Indian Cucumber	X	X			X
	Melanthium virginicum	Virginia Bunchflower	X	X			X
	Mertensia virginica	Virginia Bluebells		X	X		X	X
	Mimulus ringens	Monkeyflower	X	X				X
	Mitella diphylla	Twoleaf Miterwort		X	X		X
	Monarda bradburiana	Wild Bergamot	X	X		X	X
	Monarda didyma	Beebalm	X	X			X	X
	Monarda punctata	Horsemint	X			X
	Oenothera biennis	Common Evening Primrose	X	X		X
	Oenothera fruticosa	Narrow-Leaved Sundrops	X	X		X	X
	Oenothera perennis	Sundrops	X			X	X
	Opuntia humifusa	Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus	X			X
	Osmorhiza longistylis	Sweet Ciceley		X	X		X
	Oxalis violacea	Violet Wood Sorrel		X	X	X	X
(Senecio aureus)	Packera aurea	Golden Ragwort	X	X	X	X	X
	Penstemon laevigatus	Smooth Beardtongue	X	X	X		X
	Phlox carolina	Thick-Leaved Phlox	X	X		X	X	X
	Phlox divaricata	Woodland Blue Phlox		X	X		X	X
	Phlox maculata	Phlox	X	X	X		X	X
	Phlox paniculata	Summer Phlox	X	X			X
	Phlox stolonifera	Creeping Phlox		X	X	X	X
	Phlox subulata	Moss Phlox	X			X
	Physostegia virginiana	Obedient Plant	X	X		X	X
	Podophyllum peltatum	Mayapple		X	X		X
	Polemonium reptans	Jacob's Ladder		X	X		X
	Polygonatum biflorum	Smooth Solomon's Seal		X	X	X	X
	Polygonatum pubescens	Solomon's Seal	X	X	X	X	X
	Porteranthus trifoliatus	Bowman's Root	X	X			X
	Pycanthemum icanum	Hoary Mountain Mint			X	X
	Pycanthemum tenuifolium	Narrow-Leaved Mountain Mint	X	X		X	X
	Rhexia virginica	Virginia Meadowbeauty	X					X
	Rudbeckia fulgida	Orange Coneflower	X	X		X	X
	Rudbeckia hirta	Black-Eyed Susan	X	X		X	X
	Rudbeckia lacinita	Green-Headed Coneflower	X	X			X	X
	Rudbeckia triloba	Three-Lobed Coneflower	X	X		X	X
	Ruellia caroliniensis	Carolina Wild Petunia	X	X			X
	Sabatia angularis	Rose Pink	X	X			X
	Salvia lyrata	Lyre-Leaf Sage	X	X		X	X
	Sanguinaria canadensis	Bloodroot			X		X
	Saxifraga pensylvanica	Eastern Swamp Saxifrage	X	X				X
	Saxifraga virginiensis	Early Saxifrage	X	X	X	X	X
	Scutellaria integrifolia	Hyssop Skullcap	X	X		X	X	X
	Sedum ternatum	Mountain Stonecrop		X	X		X
	Senna marilandica	Southern Wild Senna	X	X		X	X
	Silene caroliniana	Wild Pink	X	X		X	X
	Silene stellata	Starry Campion	X	X		X	X
	Silene virginica	Fire Pink	X	X		X	X
	Silphium perfoliatum	Cup Plant	X	X	X	X	X
	Sisyrinchium atlanticum	Coastal Blue-Eyed Grass	X				X	X
	Solidago caesia	Bluestem Goldenrod	X	X	X	X	X
	Solidago flexicaulis	Broad Leaf Goldenrod		X	X	X	X
	Solidago juncea	Early Goldenrod	X			X	X
	Solidago nemoralis	Gray Goldenrod	X	X		X
	Solidago odora	Sweet Goldenrod	X	X		X	X
	Solidago rugosa	Wrinkle-Leaf Goldenrod	X	X			X	X
	Solidago sempervirens	Seaside Goldenrod	X	X		X	X
	Solidago speciosa	Showy Goldenrod	X	X		X	X
	Spiranthes cernua	Nodding Ladies' Tresses	X	X			X	X
	Stachys tenuifolia	Hedge Nettle	X	X	X		X	X
(Aster c.)	Symphyotrichum cordifolium	Heart-Leaved Aster		X	X	X	X
(Aster e.)	Symphyotrichum ericoides	White Heath Aster	X	X		X	X
(Aster l.)	Symphyotrichum laevis	Smooth Blue Aster	X	X		X
(Aster n.)	Symphyotrichum novaeangliae	New England Aster	X	X			X
(Aster n.)	Symphyotrichum novi-belgii	New York Aster	X	X			X	X
	Symplocarpus foetidus	Skunk Cabbage		X	X			X
	Thalictrum dioicum	Early Meadow Rue			X		X
	Thalictrum pubescens	Tall Meadow Rue	X	X	X		X	X
	Thalictrum thalictroides	Rue Anemone		X	X	X	X
	Tiarella cordifolia	Foamflower	X	X	X		X
	Tradescantia virginiana	Virginia Spiderwort	X	X	X		X
	Trillium erectum	Red Trillium			X		X
	Trillum grandiflorum	White Trillium			X		X
	Trillum sessile	Toadshade		X	X		X
	Trillium undulatum	Painted Trillium	X	X	X		X
	Uvularia grandiflora	Large-flowered Bellwort			X		X
	Uvularia perfoliata	Perfoliate Bellwort	X	X			X
	Uvularia sessilifolia	Straw Lily	X	X	X	X	X
	Veratrum viride	Green False Hellebore	X	X	X		X	X
	Verbena hastata	Blue Vervain	X	X			X	X
	Verbesina alternifolia	Wingstem	X				X
	Vernonia noveboracensis	New York Ironweed	X	X			X	X
	Veronicastrum virginicum	Culver's Root	X	X			X	X
	Viola conspersa	American Dog Violet	X	X	X		X	X
	Viola cucullata	Marsh Blue Violet		X	X		X	X
	Viola pedata	Bird's Foot Violet	X	X		X	X
	Viola pubescens	Yellow Violet		X	X		X
	Viola sororia	Common Blue Violet	X	X	X		X
	Viola striata	Striped Cream Violet		X			X	X
	Zizia aurea	Golden Alexanders	X	X	X	X	X
HERBACEOUS EMERGENTS
	Distichlis spicata	Saltgrass	X				X	X
	Dulichium arundinaceum	Three-Sided Sedge	X	X				X
	Hibiscus moscheutos	Rose Mallow	X	X			X	X
	Iris prismatica	Slender Blueflag	X	X			X	X
	Iris versicolor	Blue Flag	X	X			X
	Iris virginica	Virginia Blue Flag	X	X				X
	Juncus canadensis	Canada Rush	X	X			X	X
	Juncus effusus	Soft Rush	X	X			X	X
	Justicia americana	American Water-Willow	X					X
(N. advena)	Nuphar lutea	Spatterdock	X	X				X
	Pontederia cordata	Pickerelweed	X	X				X
	Sagittaria latifolia	Arrowhead	X	X				X
	Saururus cernuus	Lizard's Tail	X	X				X
(Scirpus vilidus)	Schoenoplectus validus	Great Bulrush	X					X
	Scirpus atrovirens	Green Bulrush	X					X
	Scirpus cyperinus	Woolgrass	X				X	X
	Sparganium americanum	American Bur-reed	X	X				X

NOTE: Cultivars are acceptable upon approval of the Township's plant expert (registered landscape architect, certified arborist).

REFERENCES:
	USDA/NRCS Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov (cited April/May 2006)
	Slattery, B.E., Reshetiloff, K., and Swicker, S.M. Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat & Conservation Landscaping. Annapolis, MD: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2005
	Gary L. Hightshoe. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America. Wiley, 1987
	Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, New Hope, PA

Note: For street tree a cultivar such as green pillar that has an upright branching habit should be used.

§ 320-35 Specifications for street improvements.

The minimum requirements for all street improvements, where applicable, shall be those contained in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specifications, Form 408, dated 1973, as amended.

§ 320-36 Special drainage problems; floodplain areas.

Those areas defined as floodplain or flood hazard areas in Chapter 370, Zoning, or Chapter 186, Flood Damage Prevention, of the Code of the Township of Schuylkill shall be subject to the requirements and restrictions contained herein and in the above noted ordinances. In addition, the following regulations shall apply:

The Township Supervisors may, when it is deemed necessary for the health, comfort, safety, or welfare of the present and future population of the area, and necessary to the conservation of water, drainage and sanitary facilities, prohibit subdivision of any portion of the property which lies within the floodplain of any stream or drainage course.

All floodplain areas shall be preserved from any and all destruction or damage by clearing, grading, or fill of other material of any kind.

All federal and commonwealth permits or approvals required to perform any work within a permanent or intermittent watercourse shall be obtained prior to the start of such work.

Any proposed development or reconstruction within floodplain areas shall also be governed by the most restrictive provisions which appear within this chapter, or Chapter 370, Zoning, or Chapter 186, Flood Damage Prevention, of the Code of the Township of Schuylkill with regard to floodplain management requirements. In all cases, the most restrictive provision of the above ordinances or codes shall govern.

[Added 11-20-1996[1]]

Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

§ 320-37 Water supply.

Where public water is available, the applicant shall make use of such public water service to provide an adequate supply to each lot.

Where no public water service is available, the applicant may, on approval of the Township Supervisors, be permitted to construct a well on each lot exclusively to serve that lot or a shared well or wells to exclusively serve the development. All wells shall be constructed according to all applicable rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Chester County Health Department, and the Township Supervisors.

The proposed location of the wells shall be shown on the preliminary plan for each lot. Where there are existing wells on the property or adjoining lots, they shall also be shown.

A circular area with a radius conforming to the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Chester County Health Department, and the Township Supervisors, shall be shown around each well to denote an area in which no on-site sewage disposal system is to be located.

Where public water will be provided, depiction of these circular areas is not necessary, except where existing wells on parcels adjacent to the subdivision may be affected by proposed on-site sewage disposal facilities. In any case, the usable area for on-site sewage disposal systems would still be limited by a clear zone surrounding the water service line to each house as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Chester County Health Department, and the Township Supervisors.

Prior to final plan approval, the applicant shall furnish documentation that the proposed water supply, whether individual wells or a public water system, is adequate to fully comply with the provisions of this section and shall meet the requirements of § 320-61B.

Fire hydrants shall be located in accordance with the Schuylkill Township Fire Marshal's review of and direction regarding the proposed fire hydrant plan, shall be located at accessible points throughout the subdivision when public water supply is available, shall begin with a hydrant located at the entrance to the subdivision, and shall locate at least one hydrant within 600 feet of each existing and proposed structure.

[Amended 8-6-1997]

§ 320-38 Grading, excavation, erosion and sedimentation control.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to implement soil erosion and sedimentation controls, including, but not limited to:

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Standards for grading, both excavation and fill;

Grading for drainage;

Management of vegetative cover; and

Management of soil resources.

Applicability. The requirements in this section shall apply to all proposed subdivision or land development involving any land disturbance activity, including but not limited to grading; excavating; or disturbance of the topsoil, trees or other vegetative cover; or introduction of fill material.

Erosion and sedimentation control requirements.

Applicants shall prepare erosion and sedimentation control plans according to the provisions of this section. All land disturbance activities shall be conducted in such a way as to minimize erosion and resulting sedimentation on the subject property and prevent erosion and resulting sedimentation on adjoining and downslope properties.

An applicant who engages in any land disturbance activity, including but not limited to grading, excavating; or disturbance of the topsoil, trees, other vegetative cover; or introduction of fill material, that may affect the existing flow of surface water within or downslope from the parcel proposed for subdivision or land development, shall be required to:

Collect on-site runoff and manage its release to a point of discharge into a natural watercourse of the drainage area.

Protect and clean up downslope, adjoining properties of silt and debris washed from the subject property as a result of land disturbance activities on the subject property.

Install all drainage and erosion control improvements as required by the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan.

Measures used to minimize erosion and resulting sedimentation shall meet the standards and specifications of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Erosion and Sediment Pollution Program Control Manual, as amended, the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law,[1] Chapter 102, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Rules and Regulations, as amended, and the specifications contained herein. The Township Engineer or other duly authorized agent shall ensure compliance with the appropriate specifications.

Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.

Whenever feasible, natural vegetation shall be retained, protected and supplemented, as defined in § 320-40, Vegetation preservation, of this chapter.

The disturbed area and the duration of exposure shall be kept to a practical minimum and the disturbed soil shall be stabilized as quickly as practical. In any case, stabilization shall occur within 20 days, except where the site of a proposed subdivision or land development is located adjacent to a stream within a watershed classified as high quality or exceptional value as designated by Pennsylvania Code Title 25, Chapter 93, Water Quality Standards, as amended, where stabilization shall occur within 72 hours.

Temporary vegetation and mulching shall be used to protect exposed critical areas during development.

The permanent vegetation, structural erosion control and stormwater management systems shall be installed as soon as practical, in the development, as defined in the standards and specifications in § 320-38J, Compliance with regulations and procedures.

Sediment in the runoff water shall be trapped until the disturbed area is permanently stabilized by the use of measures such as debris basins, sediment basins, silt traps, or similar measures. Sediment shall be removed by the developer as required to assure adequate capacity in the basins or traps.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

A grading, excavation, erosion and sedimentation control plan shall be submitted with the preliminary and final plan applications. Such a plan shall be prepared in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual, as amended, the Special Protection Waters Implementation Handbook, as amended, and in compliance with Chester County Conservation District practices.

No land disturbance activity shall occur, including but not limited to grading; excavating; disturbance of the topsoil, trees or other vegetative cover, or introduction of fill material until:

A plan for minimizing erosion and sedimentation has been processed, reviewed by the Township Engineer, and any other agency the Township Supervisors deems appropriate, including but not limited to the Township Planning Commission and the Chester County Conservation District;

All applicable permits have been issued; and

The plan has been approved by the Township Supervisors.

A copy of the erosion and sedimentation control plan and all applicable permits issued by agencies, including but not limited to the Chester County Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, shall be available at the earthmoving site at all times during construction.

Before commencing land disturbance activity which will affect an adjoining property, the applicant shall notify the owners of the adjoining properties in writing not less than 30 days before the start of such activity, describing the details of the activity.

Wood cribbing shall not be permitted except upon expressed approval by the Township Engineer.

Standards for grading: excavation and fill requirements.

No excavation or fill shall be made with an exposed face steeper in slope than three horizontal to one vertical, except under one or more of the following conditions:

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

The material in which the excavation or fill is to be made is sufficiently stable to sustain a slope of steeper than three horizontal to one vertical, and a written statement to that effect by a licensed professional engineer experienced in erosion control is submitted. The statement shall certify that the site has been inspected and that the deviation from the slope specified above will not result in injury to persons or damage to property or in increased erosion and resulting sedimentation; and

Where either a retaining wall or a stepped level or terraced retaining wall system is provided to support the face of the excavation.

A shallower slope shall be required when it is found that the material in which the excavation is to be made is unusually subject to erosion, or if other conditions exist which make such a shallower slope necessary for stability and safety.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

No grading shall occur within five feet of property lines or ultimate right-of-way lines. Grading for vehicular access and/or utilities from a public right-of-way is, however, permitted within five feet of ultimate right-of-way line, but not closer than five feet to a property line.

[Amended 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Where a retaining wall is three feet or more in height, a fence shall be located at the top of the retaining wall system. The fence shall be a minimum of four feet in height.

[Added 8-4-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-03]

Excavations shall not extend below the angle of repose or natural slope of the soil under the nearest point of any footing or foundation of any existing building or structure, unless such footing or foundation is first property underpinned or protected against settlement.

Grading shall not be done in such a way so as to redirect or concentrate surface water onto an adjacent property.

During grading operations, an applicant shall exercise necessary measures for dust control to prevent particulate matter from becoming airborne. These measures shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

A tire cleaning area shall be provided at each point of egress from the development area;

Use, where possible, of water or chemicals (which have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) for control of dust during any land disturbance activity; and

Prompt removal of earth or other material from paved streets.

Grading equipment shall not be allowed to cross permanent or intermittent streams prior to obtaining appropriate permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

No applicant shall engage in land disturbance activities that endanger any adjoining property, public street, sidewalk, alley, or other property from setting, cracking, or other damage which might result from such land disturbance. If the land disturbance would create a hazard to life or property unless adequately safeguarded, the applicant shall construct walls, fences, guard rails, or other structures to safeguard the adjoining property, public street, sidewalk, alley, or other property and persons.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

(10)

Excavations or fills shall not encroach on natural watercourses, flood hazard areas, constructed channels, or wetlands without the necessary state and federal permits. Excavations or fills located adjacent to natural watercourses or constructed channels shall have suitable protection against erosion.

(11)

All fill shall be compacted to provide stability of material and to prevent undesirable settlement. The fill shall be spread in a series of layers, none exceeding 12 inches in thickness, and be compacted by a sheepsfoot roller or other approved method after each layer is spread. The Township Engineer may require tests or other information.

(12)

Adequate provisions shall be made to prevent any surface waters from damaging the cut face of an excavation or the sloping surface of a fill within the area of a proposed subdivision or land development. Slopes of more than 10 feet in vertical height shall be separated by level berms of at least four feet in width within which ditches shall be constructed where necessary to prevent erosion and as a safe place to deposit and receive such water. Such drainage structures or pipes shall be constructed or installed which are necessary to prevent erosion damage and to satisfactorily carry off surface waters.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

(13)

The applicant who proposes any excavation or fill shall maintain all retaining walls, cribbing, drainage structures, fences and other protective devices in good condition and repair.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Grading for drainage. In order to provide more suitable sites for building and other uses, improve surface drainage, and control erosion, the following requirements shall be met:

All lots, tracts, or parcels shall be graded to provide proper drainage away from buildings and to dispose of water without ponding. All land within a development shall be graded to drain and dispose of surface water without ponding, except where ponding (such as in detention basins) is part of the stormwater management plan for the proposed subdivision or land development as specified and as indicated in § 320-30, Stormwater management, of this chapter; and

All drainage provisions shall be of such design to adequately handle the surface runoff and carry it to the nearest suitable outlet (such as a curbed street, storm drain, or natural watercourse). Where drainage swales are used to direct surface waters away from buildings, they shall be sodded or planted as required in the standards and specifications in § 320-38J, Compliance with regulations and procedures, and shall be of such shape and size as to preclude erosion.

Vegetative cover.

Removal of trees, tree clusters and their associated vegetation layers, noteworthy trees and other vegetation as a result of earth movement shall be kept to the absolute minimum as defined in § 320-40, Vegetation preservation, of this chapter. Wherever possible, existing vegetation shall be retained and protected.

The appropriate measures, as described in § 320-40, Vegetation preservation, of this chapter shall be taken to protect existing trees, tree clusters and their associated vegetation layers, noteworthy trees, and other vegetation.

The proposal to remove any portion of existing vegetation, which coincides with those requirements in § 320-40, Vegetation preservation, of this chapter shall be done in such a way as to minimize erosion and sedimentation.

Native soil preservation.

Existing topsoil shall not be removed from a site of subdivision or land development.

Existing topsoil which is moved within the site of subdivision or land development during construction shall be redistributed evenly and at a depth not less than predisturbance conditions to cover the disturbed areas of the site.

When the utilization of on-site topsoil is deemed to be impractical, clean topsoil from another site may be used. Topsoil shall be from a similar soil type and geologic formation as approved by a soil scientist or others with similar qualifications and licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Abandoned mines. The site shall be surveyed for abandoned mines. Any abandoned mines on the site shall be filled with a concrete slurry mixture.

Responsibility.

Whenever sedimentation is caused by the removal of vegetation, regarding or other development, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant causing such sedimentation to remove it from all adjoining surfaces, drainage systems and watercourses and to repair any damage at his or her expense within a time period acceptable to the Township Engineer.

No applicant shall block, impede the flow of, alter, construct any structure, or deposit any material or thing, or commit any act which will affect normal or flood flow in any stream or watercourse without having obtained prior approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Township Supervisors. Any such act shall be in compliance with the requirements of the Schuylkill Township Flood Hazard District as defined within Chapter 370, Zoning.

An applicant who makes any surface changes shall be required to provide and install at his or her expense, in accordance with Schuylkill Township and Commonwealth requirements, all drainage and erosion control improvements, whether temporary or permanent, as necessary.[2]

Editor’s Note: Former Subsection I(3), regarding subdivisions or land developments traversed by a watercourse, was repealed 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05. This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection I(4) as Subsection I(3).

Compliance with regulations and procedures.

The Township Supervisors in its consideration of all preliminary plans of subdivision and land development shall condition its approval upon the execution of erosion and sedimentation control measures as required by this chapter and other Township ordinances.

The installation and design of the required erosion and sediment control measures shall be in accordance with the standards and specifications of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual, as amended, and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law,[3] Chapter 102, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Rules and Regulations, as amended.

Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.

Each application shall contain a commitment to submit for approval a modified erosion and sedimentation control plan should the proposed plans prove to be inadequate prior to final release of escrow and dedication of improvements.

§ 320-39 Wetlands protection.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to implement standards which will protect wetlands and wetlands margins during subdivision or land development construction. Wetlands provide important environmental functions and values as identified in the Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan and the Comprehensive Plan, including but not limited to:

Wildlife habitat;

Open spaces;

Floodwater storage;

Maintenance of surface water and groundwater quality; and

Stream bank protection.

Applicability. The standards in this section shall apply to all proposed subdivision or land development which would cause disturbance to wetlands and wetlands margins. These standards are established in addition to and complimentary of any existing commonwealth or federal wetlands protection standards.

General requirements.

Wetlands shall not be altered, cleared, regraded, filled, drained, piped, or built upon, except where commonwealth or federal approval and permits have been obtained or verified. Any applicant proposing a use, activity, or improvement which would entail the regrading or placement of fill in wetlands shall provide the Township Supervisors with proof that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been contacted to determine the applicability of commonwealth and federal regulations. Copies of any permits or approvals to affect wetlands shall be provided to the Township Supervisors.

Wetland margins shall not be altered, cleared, regraded, filled, drained, piped, or built upon without the decision of the Township Supervisors after receiving the advice of the Township Engineer and the Schuylkill Township Environmental Advisory Council that such action will not degrade a verified wetland.

[Amended 2-3-1999 by Ord. No. 99-02]

During construction there shall be no storage of construction-related materials such as vehicles, topsoil, or timbers within the boundary of wetlands or a wetlands margin and no storage of toxic materials, including petroleum-based products, within 200 feet of the boundary of wetlands or a wetlands margin.

The boundaries of wetlands and wetlands margins shall be delineated through an on-site assessment which shall be conducted by a wetlands biologist or other Township-approved, similarly-qualified professional. Such a person shall certify that the methods used to delineate the wetlands correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts and the three parameter methodology (vegetation, soils, and hydrology) prescribed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The delineation shall also identify wetland margins mapped according to the definition in § 320-9.

A copy of the wetlands and wetlands margins delineation study (including reports, maps, and field logs) shall be submitted by the applicant to the Schuylkill Township Environmental Advisory Council. The study shall be approved by the Township Supervisors on the recommendation of the Township Engineer and the Schuylkill Township Environmental Advisory Council.

A copy of the wetlands delineation study (including reports, maps, and field logs) shall be submitted by the applicant to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Upon receipt, a copy of the confirmation letter from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection shall be submitted to the Township Supervisors.

In the event that a wetlands delineation validated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is shown to vary from the wetlands delineation validated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the more encompassing delineation shall govern.

All wetlands boundaries shall be identified and protected from disturbance during construction activity by flags or other proper barrier and signage.

The boundaries of wetlands and wetlands margins shall be depicted on both the preliminary and final plan of a subdivision and/or land development application, along with a note similar to the following: "Wetlands boundary reviewed and confirmed as accurate by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) on (date)."

§ 320-40 Vegetation preservation.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to preserve existing trees, tree clusters and their associated vegetation layers, noteworthy trees, and other vegetation to the maximum extent possible. In addition, Schuylkill Township recognizes the importance for and encourages the preservation of native, noninvasive vegetation. This section establishes requirements for vegetation preservation for reasons, including but not limited to:

[Amended 6-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]

Improving air quality;

Reducing soil erosion and stream sedimentation;

Reducing dust and noise levels;

Protecting groundwater resources and watersheds from increased volume of water runoff and pollutant levels;

Maintaining wildlife habitat;

Reducing the impact of strong winds;

Providing valuable open space which retains the rural character of the Township; and

Maintaining biodiversity in our community.

Applicability. The requirements in this section shall apply to all proposed subdivisions or land development which would cause disturbance or removal of existing vegetation.

General requirements. All cartways, buildings, other structures, and driveways shall be located in such a manner so as to minimize disturbance to existing vegetation. Where possible, open areas, rather than wooded areas, shall be developed.

General standards. Where possible, woodlands which remain undisturbed shall interconnect with existing woodlands or wooded areas of adjacent properties to preserve continuous woodland corridors and allow for the natural movement and migration of wildlife and the dispersion of native vegetation.

Existing vegetation. Existing individual trees, tree clusters and their associated vegetation layers, noteworthy trees, and other vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible. Tree removal shall be limited to terminally diseased or dead trees and those trees which are located within the following:

The ultimate right-of-way of a proposed street or other public improvement along with the minimum associated grading necessary;

Twenty-five feet from the foundation of a new building or structure and minimum associated grading necessary;

Utility easements and individual property utility services along with minimum associated grading necessary;

Driveway area;

Soil erosion control devices (e.g., sediment traps and sediment basins) and minimum associated grading necessary; and

Stormwater management facilities (e.g., detention basins and seepage pits) and minimum associated grading necessary.

Tree protection zone. Trees, tree clusters and their associated vegetation layers, noteworthy trees, and other vegetation which are to be preserved shall be protected to the limits of a tree protection zone (TPZ).

Trees within a TPZ shall be clearly marked, with landscape paint, colored tape or other appropriate marker, at breast height. Where tree clusters are to be preserved, only the trees on the edge of the cluster need to be marked.

During construction, trees within a TPZ shall be clearly delineated with a proper barrier and signage (such as wood stakes and color tape) to the limits of a TPZ to ensure that there is no encroachment and/or compaction of soil and roots within this area by change of grade; excavation or trenching; or storage of building materials, topsoil, motor vehicles or construction equipment. In addition, there shall be no storage of toxic materials, including petroleum based products, within 100 feet of a TPZ.

Trees, which are scheduled to be removed, may be left standing adjacent to the trunks of the trees within the TPZ to further protect them from the limits of grading. When this method of protection is utilized, these additional trees shall be removed as described in § 320-40F(4) below.

When roots from trees within a TPZ must be trimmed as a result of earth disturbance outside a TPZ, they shall be cut by a backhoe or similar equipment aligned radially to the tree. This method reduces the lateral movement of the remaining roots, reducing the possibility of damage to the intertwined roots of surrounding trees and other vegetation.

Within four hours of any severance of roots, all roots that have been exposed and/or damaged shall be trimmed cleanly and covered temporarily with peat moss, moist burlap or other biodegradable material to keep them moist and protected from disease until permanent cover is installed. Permanent cover shall be installed within 72 hours of the initial severance of roots.

Tree stumps, which are located within 10 feet of a TPZ, shall be removed by means of a stump grinder or similar device which will minimize the effect on existing, intertwined roots within a TPZ. A stump shall be ground and removed to a point at least six inches below existing ground level.

Trees that are to be removed shall not be felled, pushed or pulled into a TPZ.

Vegetation preservation plan. A vegetation preservation plan shall be submitted, per the requirements of § 320-18C(1)(d) and D(15).

§ 320-40.1 Conservation land.

[Added 10-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]

Design process for subdivisions and land developments, with conservation land when required by the CO District standards.

An existing features inventory shall be completed prior to starting the four-step design process.

Four-step design process. Residential subdivisions proposed under the Conservation Subdivision Overlay District and containing conservation land shall follow the four-step design process described below. Applicants are required to document the design process in accordance with § 320-18D(26).

Step 1: Delineation of conservation land, including stormwater and wastewater management areas. General locations for conservation land, including stormwater and wastewater management areas, shall be delineated according to the following procedure:

Using the existing features inventory as a base map, primary and secondary conservation areas shall be delineated.

Conservation land shall include all primary conservation areas plus enough secondary conservation area to meet or exceed the minimum acreage requirement for conservation land set forth in Zoning Ordinance § 370-104B.

The applicant shall prioritize natural and cultural resources in terms of their highest to least suitability for inclusion in the proposed conservation land in accordance with § 320-40.1A, B and C. ("prioritized list of resources to be conserved" and "additional design standards.")

The locations and boundaries of primary conservation areas shall follow the actual boundaries of flood hazard and wetlands district and elevated steep slopes over 25%.

The locations and boundaries of secondary conservation areas shall be based on the priorities established above, practical considerations given to the tract's configuration, its context in relation to resources on adjoining properties, and the applicant's subdivision objectives. Secondary resources with the highest significance shall be included in the conservation land. The applicant shall also be guided by any written recommendations provided by the municipality regarding the delineation of secondary conservation areas, following the site visit and/or the presubmission conference.

Conservation land shall be delineated in a manner clearly indicating conservation land boundaries as well as the types of resources included within them.

(g)

Preferred locations for stormwater and wastewater management facilities shall be identified using the existing features inventory plan as a base map and shall conform to the following:

The design of these facilities should use the natural capacity and features of the site to facilitate the management of stormwater and wastewater generated by the proposal.

Opportunities to use these facilities as a buffer between the proposed conservation land and development areas are encouraged.

Stormwater management facilities should be located in areas identified as groundwater recharge areas.

Wastewater facilities shall comply with the requirements of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and all other applicable, regulations.

These facilities located within the conservation land may be counted toward the minimum conservation land requirement only if they meet the requirements of § 370-107A(9) in the Zoning Ordinance.

(h)

Development areas constitute the remaining lands of the tract outside the conservation land, where dwellings, streets, and lots are to be delineated in accordance with Steps 2, 3, and 4 below.

Step 2: Locations for dwelling units. Dwelling units shall be tentatively located, using the proposed conservation land from Step 1 as reference and orientation as well as other relevant data on the existing features inventory. Dwelling units shall be sited to:

Fit the tract's natural topography;

Be served by adequate water and sewerage facilities;

Provide views of and access to adjoining conservation land; and,

Be located at least 100 feet from primary conservation areas and 50 feet from secondary conservation areas. Where the provisions of this chapter, Chapter 370 Zoning, or other chapters of the Township code include required buffers, setbacks or other protection standards, the strictest requirements shall apply.

Step 3: Alignment of streets and trails.

Once dwelling units have been located, applicants shall delineate a street system that provides a safe pattern of vehicular and pedestrian access to each dwelling unit. Streets and trails shall conform to the tract's natural topography and provide for a safe pattern of circulation to, from and within the tract.

Streets and driveways crossing wetlands and traversing intermediate slopes over 15% shall be avoided to the greatest extent practicable.

Street connections are encouraged in order to minimize the number of new cul-de-sacs and to facilitate easy access to and from homes in different parts of the tract and on adjoining parcels.

Lots shall generally be accessed from interior streets, rather than from roads bordering the tract. Lots containing existing historic structures to be preserved in the new development may be exempt from this requirement.

A tentative network of trails shall be shown, where appropriate, providing access to natural and cultural features in the conservation land. Potential trail connections to adjacent parcels shall also be shown in areas where a trail network is shown on an adopted Township or Chester County plan.

Greens, shaped by the street system, shall meet the requirements of § 320-40.1C(5).

Step 4: Design of lot lines.

Lot lines shall follow the configuration of dwelling locations and streets in a logical and flexible manner.

Lot lines are not required for condominium form of home ownership.

Design review standards for conservation land.

List of resources to be conserved. The location of proposed conservation land shall follow the standards set forth in § 320-40.1A, above, and shall reflect the Schuylkill Township Comprehensive Plan and the Regional Plan, as amended. The applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Township, that the following resources are incorporated into the conservation land.

Primary resources. The following primary resources shall be included in the conservation land. Lands containing primary resources are called primary conservation areas (PCA):

Lands within the flood hazard and wetlands district; and

Elevated steep slopes (those in excess of 25%).

Secondary resources. The following secondary resources shall be included in the conservation land to the fullest extent practicable. Lands containing secondary resources that are included in conservation land are called secondary conservation areas (SCA):

Significant habitat and species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern, such as those listed in the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory and county and local natural areas inventories.

Intermediate steep slopes 15% to 25%, particularly those adjoining watercourses and ponds, due to the potential for soil disturbance leading to erosion that is detrimental to water quality.

Healthy woodlands, particularly those performing important ecological functions such as soil stabilization and protection of streams, wetlands and wildlife habitats.

Hedgerows, groups of trees, specimen trees and other unique or significant vegetation features.

Areas where precipitation is most likely to recharge local groundwater resources because of topographic and soil conditions affording high rates of infiltration and percolation.

[6]

Prime agricultural soils as defined by Chester County.

[7]

Historic structures and sites.

[8]

Visually prominent topographic features such as knolls, hilltops and ridges, and scenic views as seen from public roads (particularly those with historic features). Significant views from within the site outward shall also be considered.

[9]

Existing or proposed trails connecting the tract to other locations in the municipality.

Additional design standards. Meeting the priorities in Subsection A above, conservation land shall be configured to:

Be free of all structures, except historic buildings, structures related to Conservation Land uses and utilities as permitted in § 370-230A in the Zoning Ordinance.

Be undivided by public or private streets, except where necessary for proper traffic circulation.

Be interconnected wherever possible to provide a continuous network of open space within and adjoining the subdivision.

Provide buffers to adjoining parks, preserves or other protected lands.

Include greens. A green shall be 5,000 to 30,000 square feet. Greens shall be surrounded by streets and dwellings on at least two and often three or four sides. Dwellings shall face the green. Greens may be designed as terminal vistas within a street system.

Provide for pedestrian paths and trails for use by the residents of the subdivision and/or the municipality, except in those cases where part of the conservation land is located within private residential lots. Consideration shall be given to providing for public access on such trails if they are linked to other publicly accessible pathway systems within the municipality.

Provide pedestrian and maintenance access to conservation land such that no more than 15 lots shall be contiguous to each other without a centrally located access point meeting the following standards:

The minimum width of the access strip shall ideally equal the minimum width of a lot, and in no case shall be less than 50 feet.

The minimum width of the access strip shall extend the full depth of the adjacent lots.

Access to conservation land used for agriculture or horticulture may be restricted or prohibited for public safety and to prevent interference with agricultural operations.

Generally not include parcels smaller than two acres, have a length-to-width ratio of less than 4:1, or be less than 75 feet in width, except for such lands specifically designed as greens, playing fields, trail links and boulevard or cul-de-sac islands.

Directly adjoin the largest practicable number of lots within the subdivision or development. At least 75% of the lots shall directly abut or face conservation land across a street.

(10)

Minimize views of new dwellings from exterior roads and abutting properties by the use of changes in topography, existing vegetation, or additional landscaping which meets the landscaping requirements of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

(11)

Conservation land that is not wooded or farmed shall be landscaped in accordance with the landscaping requirements and conservation land ownership and management plan standards in § 320-18D(28) of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

(12)

Be consistent with the policies of the Schuylkill Township Comprehensive Plan and Open Space, Recreation and Environmental Resources Plan.

(13)

Conservation land shall be delineated on the ground by any or all of the methods listed below.

Markers.

Small signs, no larger than 1.5 square feet.

Individual sections of split rail or post and rail fencing, as long as the fencing is not continuous and does not restrict or prohibit public access.

Vegetative plantings, landscaping.