Required minimum improvements and construction standards for all subdivisions shall be as set forth in this Article V. Where not set forth, required minimum improvements and construction standards shall be as established by the Commission upon the advice of the City Engineer. Alternate improvements and/or standards may be permitted if, in the opinion of the Commission, they are equal or superior in performance characteristics to the specified improvements and/or standards.
A. 
Types of monuments. Monuments shall be of the following types:
(1) 
Made of concrete, having a five-inch-by-five-inch cross-section and 36 inches in length. A scored one-half-inch round brass pin shall be located in the top center.
(2) 
Made of cut stone, having a five-inch-by-five-inch cross-section and being 36 inches in length with a drill hole in the top center.
(3) 
A two-inch round galvanized pipe 36 inches long with a brass cap having a punch hole for in its center.
B. 
Placement of monuments. Monuments shall be set at the intersection of all lines forming angles in the boundary of the subdivision. They shall be placed so that the scored or marked point will coincide exactly with the intersection of the lines to be marked and shall be set so that the top of the monument is level with the surface of the surrounding ground.
C. 
Markers. Markers shall consist of steel bars being at least 15 inches long and not less than 3/4 of an inch in diameter. Markers shall be set at the beginning and ending of all curves along street property lines, at all points where lot lines intersect curves and at all angles in property lines of lots and at all corner lots.
A. 
Streets must be surfaced to the grades and dimensions drawn on plans, profiles and cross-sections submitted by the developer and approved by the Commission.
B. 
All streets intended to be dedicated for public use shall be paved to full cartway width, as shown on the final plan. In all cases, paving materials and workmanship shall conform to any and all City regulations and the specifications of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
C. 
Subsurface drainage and all utilities shall be installed prior to placing the street surface.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 440, Streets and Sidewalks, Art. II, Utility Cuts.
D. 
Driveway entrances or aprons within the street right-of-way shall be surfaced to their full width, the type of surface to be the same as specified by the engineering specifications for streets.
A. 
Curbs shall be installed on both sides of all streets in subdivisions and land developments as herein specified. Curbs shall be concrete. Curbs and gutters are to be constructed within the right-of-way.
B. 
The installation of curbs may be waived by the Planning Commission only where there are unique physical circumstances or conditions or exceptional topography peculiar to the particular property which make the installation of curbs impossible or impracticable.
Sidewalks shall be installed on both sides of all streets in subdivisions and land developments as herein specified. Sidewalks shall be located, if possible, within the street right-of-way line and shall be a minimum of four feet wide, except that in the vicinity of shopping areas, schools, parks, recreation areas and other community facilities, they shall be a minimum of six feet wide. Sidewalks shall be constructed of concrete at least four inches thick, underlain by three inches of compacted gravel or crushed stone.
The land development shall be provided with street name signs at all intersections. Such signs shall conform to City specifications and shall be installed by the developer in a manner specified by the City Engineer.
A. 
In developments of six or more lots, the developer shall provide street trees in accordance with regulations of the Hazleton Shade Tree Commission. The trees should be of a minimum caliper of 1 1/2 inches.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 504, Trees.
B. 
In residential subdivisions of six or more lots or units and in all commercial and industrial subdivisions and land developments, the developer shall provide landscaping in accordance with this section. Planting plans shall be required, and such plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of landscape architecture. Plantings shall consist of clusters of evergreens interspersed with groupings of deciduous trees and shrubs selected from the recommended plant list. Single species planting is prohibited. Use of native species is encouraged.
C. 
Plant materials. Species selected by the applicant shall reflect the following consideration:
(1) 
Existing site conditions and their suitability for plant materials, based upon the site's geology, hydrology, soils, existing vegetation and microclimate.
(2) 
Specific functional objectives of the plantings, which may include, but are not necessarily limited to, visual screening, noise abatement, protective or safety barriers and aesthetic values.
(3) 
Maintenance and replacement considerations such as hardiness, resistance to insects and disease, longevity and availability and cost of plant materials.
(4) 
Review and approval of the Hazleton Shade Tree Commission.
D. 
Site maintenance.
(1) 
All landscape requirements shall be installed and maintained by accepted practices as recognized by the American Association of Nurserymen. Planting and maintenance of vegetation shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, provisions for surface mulch, guy-wires and stakes, irrigation, fertilization, insect and disease control, pruning, mulching, weeding and watering.
(2) 
The applicant shall make arrangements acceptable to the City for the property's long-term landscape maintenance. The applicant shall provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of those persons or organizations who will be assuming such responsibilities.
(3) 
At the City's discretion, the applicant may be required to escrow sufficient funds for the maintenance and/or replacement of the proposed vegetation during an eighteen-month replacement period. In addition, an escrow may be required for the removal and replacement of specimen trees damaged during construction.
A. 
For the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the development, on-site or public streetlights shall be installed, unless conditions require otherwise.
B. 
Where electric service is supplied by underground methods and prior to the installation of streets, curbs, sidewalks and driveways, the subdivider shall provide and install conduits where necessary to accommodate the installation of a streetlight system. Installation and locating of conduits will comply with the specifications of the appropriate public utility.
Recommended trees and shrubs for buffer yards shall be as follows:
Recommended Trees and Shrubs for Buffer Yards
Height at Maturity
(feet)
Latin Name
Common Name
Street Trees
35
Acer buergerianum
Trident maple
40
Acer rubrum
Red maple (N)
50
Acer saccharum
Sugar maple
45
Acer campestre
Hedge maple
50
Carpinus betulus
European hornbeam
60
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura tree
50
Ginkgo biloba
Maidenhair tree
30
Koelreuteria paniculata
Panicled goldenrain
40
Ostrya virginiana
Hop hornbeam (N)
50
Prunus sargentii
Sargent cherry
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Bradford
Bradford pear
50
Quercus imbricaria
Shingle oak
70
Quercus macrocarpa
Bur oak (N)
60
Quercus palustris
Pin oak
60
Quercus rubra
Red oak (N)
60
Quercus shumardii
Shumark oak (N)
50
Quercus prinus
Chestnut oak (N)
50
Taxodium distichum
Bald cypress (N)
50
Tilia tomentosa
Silver linden
60
Tilia cordata
Littleleaf linden
50
Zelkova serrata
Japanese zelkova
60
Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweet gum (N)
Shade Trees
40
Acer rubrum
Red maple (N)
30
Amelanchier canadensis
Shadbush, serviceberry juneberry (N)
55
Betula lenta
Cherry birch (N)
40
Betula nigra
River birch (N)
35
Carpinus caroliniana
Ironwood, American hornbeam (N)
30
Chionanthus virginicus
Fringetree (N)
50
Cladrastis lutea
American yellow-wood (N)
25
Cornus kousa
Japanese dogwood (N)
25
Cornus mas
Cornelian cherry
35
Cornus flordia
Flowering dogwood (N)
30
Cornus kousa
Panicled goldenrain
70
Larix decidua
European larch
30
Malus floribunda
Japanese flowering crab
30
Oxydendrum arboreum
Sourwood (N)
20
Prunus serrulata cv Kwanzan
Kwanzan (cherry)
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Bradford
Bradford pear
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Aristocrat
Aristocrat
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Autumn Blaze
Autumn blaze
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Capital
Capital
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Chanticlear
Chanticlear
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Fauriei
Fauriei
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Redspire
Redspire
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Trinity
Trinity
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Whitehouse
Whitehouse
45
Quercus acutissima
Sawtooth oak
80
Quercus borealis (rubra)
Northern Red oak
80
Quercus coccinea
Scarlet oak (N)
80
Quercus imbricaria
Shingle oak (N)
80
Quercus macrocarpa
Bur oak (N)
80
Quercus montana
Chestnut oak (N)
80
Quercus velutina
Black oak (N)
70
Taxodium distichum
Bald cypress (N)
60
Tilia cordata
Littleleaf European linden
90
T. tomentosa
Silver linden
40
Ulmus parvifolia
Chinese elm
80
Zelkova serrata
Japanese zelkova
Ornamental Trees
30
Amelanchier canadensis
Shadbus, serviceberry, juneberry (N)
80
Betula nigra
River birch (N)
35
Carpinus caroliniana
Ironwood, American hornbeam (N)
30
Chionanthus virginicus
Fringetree (N)
50
Cladrastis lutea
American yellow-wood (N)
25
Cornus kousa
Japanese dogwood (N)
25
Cornus mas
Cornelian cherry
35
Cornus floridia
Flowering dogwood (N)
30
Koelreuteria paniculata
Panicled goldenrain
30
Malus floribunda
Japanese flowering crab
30
Oxydendrum arboreum
Sourwood (N)
20
Prunus serrulata cv Kwanzan
Kwanzan (cherry)
30
Pyrua calleryana cv Bradford
Bradford pear
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Aristocreat
Aristocrat
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Autumn Blaze
Autumn blaze
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Capital
Capital
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Chanticlear
Chanticlear
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Fauriei
Fauriei
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Redspire
Redspire
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Trinity
Trinity
30
Pyrus calleryana cv Whitehouse
Whitehouse
50
Abies concolor
White fir (N)
45
Ilex opaca
American holly (N)
40
Juniperus virginiana
Red cedar (N)
70
Pinus strobus
White pine (N)
40
Pinus strobus cv Fastigiata
Pyramidal white pine
60
Pinus thunbergi
Japanese black pine
70
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas fir
50
Thuja occidentalis
American arborvitae
60
Tsuga canadensis
Hemlock
50
Picea omorika
Serbian spruce
50
Picea orientalis
Oriental spruce
Native Shrubs
8 to 12
Aesculus parviflora
Bottlebrush buckeye
9
Aronia arbutifolia
Red chokeberry
8
Aronia melanocarpa
Black chokeberry
5
Callicaroa americana
Beautyberry
12
Calycanthus floridus
Sweetshrub
10
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Buttonbush
18
Clethra acuminata
Summersweet
18
Clethra alnifolia
Summersweet
9
Cornus amomum
Silk dogwood
10
Cornus sericea
Red osier dogwood
9
Fothergilla major
Fothergilla
15
Hamamelis virginiana
Witch hazel
8
Hydrangea quercifolia
Oak-leaved hydrangea
3-9
Itea virginica
Sweetspire
9
Ilex glabra
Inkberry
10
I. verticillata
Winterberry
6
Kalmia latifolia named varieties
Mountain laurel
5
Leucothoe fontanesiana
Leucothoe
8
Lindera benzoin
Spice bush
20
Magnolia virginiana
Sweet bay
9
Myrica pennsylvanica
Bayberry
6
Pieris floribunda
Mountain andromeda
9
Rhododendron arborescens
Sweet azalea
2
Rhododendron atlanticum
Coast azalea
6
Rhododendron bakeri
Cumberland azalea
10
Rhododendron calendulaceum
Flame azalea
10
Rhododendron canadense
Catawba rhododendron
6
Rhododendron carolinianum
Carolina rhododendron
12
Rhododendron fortunei
Fortune rhododendron
6-10
Rhododendron x gandavense
Ghent azalea
3
Rhododendron obtusum
Hiryu azalea
3
Rhododendron obtusum kaempferi
Torch azalea
3
Rhododendron schlippenbachii
Royal azalea
12-20
Rhododendron maximum
Rosebay
6
Rhododendron nudiflorum
Pinxterbloom azalea
6
Rhododendron vaseyi
Pinkshell azalea
6
Rhododendron viscosum
Swamp azalea
8
Rhus aromatica
Fragant sumac
20
R. copallina
Shining sumac
15
Rhus glabra
Smooth sumac
20
Rhus typhina
Staghorn sumac
12
Sambucus canadensis
Elderberry
6
Symphoricarpos albus leavigatus
Snowberry
5
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
Coralberry
6-10
Vaccinium corymbosum
Blueberry
5
Viburnum acerifolium
Mapleleaf viburnum
6
Viburnum cassinoides
Witherod
10
Viburnum dentatum
Arrowwood
15
Viburnum nudum
Smooth witherod
15
Viburnum prunifolium
Black haw
10
Viburnum trilobum
American cranberry
Non-Native Shurbs
5
Abelia grandiflora
Glossy abelia
3
Cotoneaster apiculata
Cranberry cotoneaster
3
Cotoneaster conspicua
Wintergreen cotoneaster
6
Cotoneaster divaricata
Spreading cotoneaster
30
Enkianthus campanulatus
Redvien enkianthus
3
C. horizontalis
Rock spray cotoneaster
9
Euonymus alatus
Burningbush or winged euonymous
Forsythia
10
  cv Beatrix Farrand
Forsythia
10
  Lynwood
10
  Spring glory
15
Hamamelis x intermedia
Arnold's promise
  cv Arnold Promise
witch hazel
15
Hibiscus syriacus
Rose of Sharon or althea
3
Hydrangea arborescens
  cv grandiflora
Hills-of-snow
1.5
Sypericum patulum cv Hidcote
Hidcote St. Johnswort
20
Ilex crenata
Japanese holly
4
Ilex crenata cv Helleri
Helleri holly
10
Ilex x Meservea
Blue holly series
Juniperus horizontalis
Creeping juniper
2
  cv Bar Harbor
Bar harbor
2
  Emerson
Black Hill creeper
2
  Wiltonii
Blue tug
15
Philadelphus spp.
Mock orange
8
Pieris japonica
Japanese sndromeda
8
Pinus mugo mugo
Mugo pine
15
Prunus laurocerasus
Cherry laurel
6
Spirea x vanhouttei
Vanhoutte spirea
60
Taxus buccata
English yew
50
Taxus cuspidata
Japanese yew
8
Viburnum carlesii
Spice viburnum
9
Viburnum dilatatum
Linden vibrnum
8
Viburnum plicatum cv Mariesii
Doublefile virburnum
A. 
The plan for the installation of a water supply system must be prepared for the development with cooperation of the Hazleton City Authority and approved by the City Engineer. Upon completion of the water supply system, a reproducible as-built plan of the system must be filled with the City.
B. 
Where the connection to a public water supply system is not possible or feasible, each lot must be provided with an individual water supply system prior to the issuance of a building permit.
C. 
All such individual systems shall meet all applicable regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
A. 
Where a public sanitary sewer system is accessible to or plans approved by the City provide for the installation of such public sanitary sewer facilities within six years, the developer shall provide the development with a complete sanitary sewer system ready to be connected into the existing or proposed sanitary sewer system.
B. 
The plan for the installation of a sanitary sewer system must be prepared for the development and approved by the City Engineer and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Sewer line construction for dedication and City operation must be to City standards and reviewed by the City Engineer. A full-time inspection is required during all construction work. Review and inspection costs are the developer's responsibility. Storm sewers, roof drains, footer drains or sump pumps may not be connected to the sanitary sewer. The system must be constructed, inspected and offered for dedication to the City. Prior to the City assuming operation of the system, the City must accept ownership by resolution.
C. 
Where installation of a public sanitary sewer system is not required, the developer or owner of the lot shall provide for each lot, at the time improvements are erected thereon, a private sewage disposal system consisting of a septic tank, tile absorption field or other sewage disposal system approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the City Engineer.
D. 
If on-site subsurface or alternate sewage disposal systems are feasible, they must be laid out in accordance with the minimum standards of the Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537)[2] and of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The City and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection must inspect and approve each on-site sewage disposal system.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 381, Sewers.
An adequate storm sewer system, consisting of inlets and other underground drainage structures and approved outlets, shall be constructed where the runoff of stormwater and the prevention of erosion cannot be accomplished satisfactorily by surface drainage facilities. The system shall be designed by a registered professional engineer and be approved by the City Engineer.
A. 
Fire hydrants shall be installed if their water supply source is capable to serve them in accordance with the requirements of the local fire authority.
B. 
Fire hydrants, if provided, shall be located within 600 feet of any dwelling unit or structure open to the public as measured along the center line of abutting streets. Fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with all applicable regulations.
A. 
Placement of underground utilities and improvements. No underground sewer, water, gas, electric or other utilities and improvements shall be located anywhere except within public right-of-way lines as projected unless, in the opinion of the Commission, such location is impractical or unreasonable. It is understood that this provision applies only to lines serving more than one property and does not apply to individual lot connections, i.e., on-site lateral service lines. In those cases where the Commission does approve such placement in private lands, easements for same shall be provided, and no buildings or other structures shall be permitted within the lines of such easements. (See also § 475-29 herein.)
B. 
Grading, excavation and filling. Where major cuts, excavation, grading and filling materially changes the site and its relationship with surrounding areas or materially affects such areas, they shall not be permitted if they result in a slope exceeding a vertical rise of one foot for each two feet of horizontal distance between abutting lots or between adjoining tracts of land, except where adequate provision is made to prevent slides and erosion by cribbing and retaining walls.
C. 
Mine and mine fire hazards. Land subject to mine subsidence or mine fires shall not be platted for use unless such adverse conditions are first remedied by the subdivider to the satisfaction of the Commission and other appropriate state, county and local agencies. (See also § 475-8B for other restrictions regarding geological hazards, etc.)
No plan shall be finally approved unless the streets shown on such plan have been improved as may be required by this chapter, and any walkways, curbs, gutters, streetlights, fire hydrants, shade trees, water mains, sanitary sewers, storm drains and other improvements as may be required by this chapter have been installed in accordance with such chapter. In lieu of the completion of any improvements required as a condition for the final approval of a plan, the developer may deposit with the City a corporate bond, or other security acceptable to the Commission, in an amount sufficient to cover the costs of any improvements which may be required by this chapter. In the case where development is projected over a period of years, the Commission may authorize submission of final plans by section or stages of development subject to such requirements or guaranties as to improvements in future sections or stages of development as it finds essential for the protection of any finally approved section of the development.
A. 
When the developer has completed all of the necessary and appropriate improvements, the developer shall notify the Commission, in writing by certified or registered mall, of the completion of the aforesaid improvements as well as certification from all utility companies that said utilities have been installed as shown on the as-built plans. The Commission shall, within 10 days after receipt of such notice, direct and authorize the City Engineer to inspect all of the aforesaid improvements. The City Engineer shall, thereupon, file a report, in writing, with the Commission, said report shall be detailed and shall indicate approval or rejection of said improvements, either in whole or in part, and if said improvements or any portion thereof shall not be approved or shall be rejected by the City Engineer, said report shall contain a statement of reasons for such nonapproval or rejection.
B. 
The Commission shall notify the developer, in writing, of its action.
C. 
If any portion of the said improvements shall not be approved or shall be rejected by the Commission, the developer shall proceed to complete the same and, upon completion, the same procedure of notification, as outlined herein, shall be followed.
D. 
Nothing herein, however, shall be construed in limitation of the developer's right to contest or question by legal proceedings or otherwise any determination of the Commission or the City Engineer.
E. 
Where herein reference is made to the City Engineer, he shall be a duly registered professional engineer employed by the City or engaged as a consultant thereto.
F. 
To cover inspection costs, the developer must pay a fee, to be established by the Commission. Any unused portion of this fee will be refunded to the developer upon completion of the inspections.
In the event that any improvements which may be required have not been installed as provided in this chapter or in accord with the approved final plan, the Commission may enforce any corporate bond or other security by appropriate legal and equitable remedies. If proceeds of such bond or other security are insufficient to pay the cost of installing or making repair or corrections to all the improvements covered by said security, the Commission may, at its option, install part of such improvements in all or part of the subdivision or land development and may institute appropriate legal or equitable action to recover the moneys necessary to complete the remainder of the improvements. All of the proceeds, whether resulting from the security or from any legal or equitable action brought against the developer, or both, shall be used solely for the insulation of the improvements covered by such security and not for any other City purpose.
The offer to dedicate streets, parks or other areas or portions of them does not impose any duty upon the City concerning maintenance or improvement until the proper authorities of the City have made actual appropriation by ordinance or resolution.