[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Barrett as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 5-23-2006 by Ord. No. 145]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
APPLICANT
Any person making application for a road opening permit.
BACKFILL
An aggregate material composed of materials approved by the Township and specified by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication Number 408.
COST
All expenditures by the Township for labor, equipment and materials.
EMERGENCY
Any unforeseen circumstance or occurrence which constitutes a clear and immediate danger to persons or properties.
EXCAVATION
Any ditch, trench, tunnel, saw cut, test or vent hole, boring, or opening in or under the surface of any street in the Township.
INSPECTION
A site visit by the Township Roadmaster or designee to verify compliance with the provisions of this article.
PA ONE CALL
The agency responsible for coordinating the notification of all utilities of an impending street excavation.
PERMIT FEE
The fee paid by the permittee to the Township for inspections and for the administration of this article.
PERMITTEE
Any person who has been issued a permit and who is responsible for fulfilling the requirements of this article.
PERSON
Any natural person, partnership, firm, association, utility, corporation, or authority.
RESTORATION FEE
A fee paid by the permittee to the Township as a security deposit to assure the street excavation is repaired in accordance with the provisions of this article.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The legal right-of-way of any street in the Township.
SIDEWALK
That portion of the street right-of-way reserved for pedestrian traffic.
STREET
The entire right-of-way of a public street. The term street shall include any public streets or road, public alley, public easement, or public right-of-way owned or maintained by the Township, or in which the Township maintains utilities within the Township limits.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of Barrett, County of Monroe, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
WORK ZONE SAFETY
Implementing appropriate traffic control measures and the posting of appropriate work area warning signs to provide for the safety and welfare of the public and construction crews. Work zone safety shall conform to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Publication Number 203, Work Zone Traffic Control.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to make any excavation in any street without first securing a permit from the Township as provided herein.
B. 
Any person maintaining pipes, lines, or other underground facilities in or under any street may proceed with an opening without a permit when emergency circumstances warrant the work be done immediately. The person shall apply thereafter for a permit on the first regular business day on which the Township office is open for business. Said permit shall be retroactive to the date when the work was begun. In all cases where emergency openings are necessary, the Township Roadmaster shall be notified prior to such opening by contacting the Monroe County Control Center.
C. 
No person shall perform any work authorized by such permit in any amount greater than that specified in the permit.
D. 
Permits are not transferable from one person to another, and the work shall not be made in any place other than the location specifically designated in the permit.
E. 
Every permit shall expire on the date specified on the permit. If the permittee should not be capable of completing the work within the specified time, the permittee shall, prior to the expiration of the permit, present in writing to the Township a request for an extension of time, setting forth the reasons for the requested extension. If in the opinion of the Township Roadmaster such extension is necessary and not contrary to the public interest, the permittee may be granted an extension of time for the completion of work.
F. 
No permit shall be issued unless all fees are paid.
G. 
Any permit may be revoked by the Township Roadmaster after notice to the permittee for any violation of the conditions of the permit or provisions of this article.
A. 
It shall be the duty and the responsibility of any person needing to excavate any street in the Township to make written application for a road opening permit. Applications are to be made on such forms as prescribed by the Township. No work shall commence until the Township Roadmaster has approved the application and the Zoning Officer has issued a permit. All fees shall be paid prior to issuance of a permit.
B. 
The application shall furnish a plan in triplicate showing the work to be performed under the permit. Said plan shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) 
The address or location of the proposed work area;
(2) 
The approximate dimensions of the work area;
(3) 
A detailed work sequence; and
(4) 
The expected completion date for all work.
C. 
The applicant shall notify the PA One Call agency prior to any excavation. The PA One Call serial number is required on the permit application.
D. 
The applicant shall agree to save and hold the Township, and its employees, officers, and agents, harmless from any and all costs, damages, or liabilities which may accrue or be claimed to accrue by reason of any work performed under said permit. The acceptance of a permit shall constitute such an agreement by the applicant whether the same is expressed or not.
E. 
The applicant shall pay to the Township of Barrett all fees required under this article and as established and amended from time to time by resolution of the Barrett Township Board of Supervisors.
F. 
The applicant shall furnish the Township with a certificate of insurance.
A. 
Every applicant for a road opening permit shall pay a permit fee as provided in the Barrett Township Fee Resolution. The fee is nonrefundable and is intended to cover the costs of inspections and for the administration of this article.
B. 
Every applicant for a road opening permit shall pay a restoration fee as provided in the Barrett Township Fee Resolution. This fee shall serve as a security deposit to assure the street excavation is repaired in accordance with the provisions of this article. This fee is refundable pending satisfactory restoration of the excavation and a satisfactory final inspection by the Township Roadmaster and Township Engineer. The return of restoration fees shall be subject to § 440-7 of this article.
A. 
No excavation shall extend beyond the center line of the street before being backfilled in accordance with the provisions herein and the road surface temporarily restored.
B. 
No excavation shall exceed 150 feet measured longitudinally at any one time, except by special permission of the Township Roadmaster.
C. 
All pavement cuts shall be made with an asphalt saw in the form of a parallelogram (rectangle or square). Irregular pavement cuts are not permitted.
D. 
A milling notch no less than 25 feet from any road excavation shall be required in accordance with the diagram attached hereto as Exhibit 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Exhibit 1 is included as an attachment to this article.
E. 
No excavation will be undercut or have a greater width at the bottom than at the top. In case of slips or slides of the excavation, the same will be trimmed to solid earth and the top surface cut back to the limit of the same before any backfilling is commenced. When necessary or when required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the sides of the trench shall be sheathed, braced, and rendered secure until the construction has been laid therein and the trench backfilled.
F. 
The bedding and laying of culvert pipes, or water, sewer, gas, petroleum electric, telephone, communications, or television cable lines shall conform to the specifications and requirements of the applicable sections of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Publication Number 408.
G. 
The top of all culverts shall not be less than 12 inches below the finish grade of the street. Any pipe, conduit, wire, cable or other obstruction placed under the Township right-of-way which is less than 36 inches below the finish grade shall not be the responsibility of the Township in case of rupture or breakage of any kind due to Township construction, maintenance or excavation.
H. 
All conduits, wires, cables, pipes, and lines placed under the Township right-of-way shall be plainly defined by location ribbon or tape placed in the excavation trench.
I. 
Work zone traffic control shall be provided in compliance with the regulations established in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Publication Number 203.
J. 
All excavated materials and earth shall be removed from the site. Excavated materials and earth shall not be used as bedding or backfill.
A. 
All excavation shall be backfilled using an aggregate material of 2A modified stone as specified in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Publication Number 408.
B. 
All excavations shall be backfilled in eight-inch-maximum lifts, and compacted with vibratory compacting equipment as specified in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Number 408. The excavation shall be backfilled and compacted to a depth of six inches below the finish grade of the excavation.
C. 
The base course of the street shall consist of ID-2 Super Pave binder course bituminous asphalt mix placed and compacted with vibratory compacting equipment to a compacted depth of four inches.
D. 
The surface course of the street shall consist of ID-2 Super Pave wearing course bituminous asphalt mix placed and compacted with a pavement roller to a compacted depth of two inches. Crack seal must be used after installation of the surface course on all mill joints.
E. 
Temporary pavement restoration may be accomplished utilizing cold bituminous asphalt mix placed and rolled to a depth equal to the finish grade. Temporary pavement shall be replaced at the earliest opportunity with hot mix ID-2 Super Pave bituminous asphalt mix as required above. Temporary pavements shall be maintained by the permittee to provide an adequate, safe road surface.
F. 
Shoulder areas shall be reconstructed to conform to the existing cross slope utilizing 2A modified stone, and utilizing vibratory compacting equipment.
G. 
Sidewalks, curbs, and guide rails shall be replaced in a manner satisfactory to the Township Roadmaster.
H. 
All joints and saw cuts shall be sealed utilizing an in-place hot fiberized asphalt cement, class AC-20, as specified in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Publication Number 408. All joints are to be clean of loose and foreign material. Fiberized AC-20 shall be applied a minimum width of four inches and a uniform thickness not to exceed 1/8 inch.
A. 
The Township Roadmaster may conduct inspections at any time during the excavation and restoration of the road opening. The permittee shall notify the Township upon completion of all work accomplished under the provisions of the permit.
B. 
The Township Roadmaster shall conduct a final inspection of the work area and note any deficiencies prior to authorizing the release of restoration fees.
C. 
Should any deficiencies be noted in the final inspection, the Township Roadmaster shall cause written notice to be served on the permittee specifying said deficiencies. The permittee shall be responsible to make all repairs to correct said deficiencies.
D. 
Should the permittee fail to correct said deficiencies, the Township shall retain the restoration fee and make said repairs using Township work forces. Any and all costs associated with repairs performed by the Township shall be deducted from the restoration fee. Costs exceeding the restoration fee shall be invoiced to the permittee.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any person who shall violate any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, pay to the Township of Barrett a fine of not more than $1,000, together with the cost of prosecution, or in default of such payment be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days for each offense. Every day that a violation of this article continues shall constitute a separate offense.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances or resolutions conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this article are hereby repealed.
This article shall take effect five days after the date of its enactment.
[Adopted 9-14-2016 by Ord. No. 189]
This article establishes rules, requirements and standards governing issuance of driveway and road occupancy permits prior to the construction of any driveway or street accessing a Township road and the collection of fees and also provides penalties for violations thereof within the corporate limits of Barrett Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
This article shall be known as and may be cited as the "Barrett Township Driveway Permit Ordinance (Driveway Ordinance)."
This article has been adopted for the purpose of providing minimum standards for the protection of life, property, environment and for the safety of the traveling public.
A. 
General rule. It is in the public's interest to regulate the location, design, construction, maintenance and drainage of access driveways and streets and other property within the Township road right-of-way for the purpose of security, economy of maintenance, preservation of proper drainage and safe and reasonable access.
B. 
Other requirements. Issuance of a permit under these regulations does not relieve the permittee from any additional responsibility to secure other federal, state or local approval or permits as may be required by law.
C. 
Safety requirements. Nothing contained in this article is intended to relax existing safety requirements.
The provisions of this article apply to the construction and upgrading of all driveways and other accessways onto the public road system of Barrett Township.
A. 
Applicability of references. Unless specifically provided in this article, all references to article, section or subsection numbers or to provisions not specifically identified by number shall be construed to refer to such article, section, subsection or provision of this article.
B. 
Ordinance remedial. This article shall be construed to secure its expressed intent, which is to ensure public safety as it is affected by unregulated access onto public roads, and to prevent excess stormwater drainage onto and drainage to the public roads resulting from the construction of such accessways.
A Township official, designated by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, is hereby authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of this article.
A. 
Entry. Upon presentation of proper credentials, the official or his duly authorized representative may enter, at reasonable times, any premises in Barrett Township to perform any duty imposed upon him by this article.
B. 
Unlawful action. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation whether as owner, lessee or occupant, to construct or change (installation of macadam, etc.) any driveway or street access onto any road that is currently or proposed to be a part of the Barrett Township public road system or cause or permit the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this article.
Ordinary repairs to driveways or street access entrances may be made without application or notice to the Roadmaster and any other Township official designated by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, but such repairs shall not include resurfacing with macadam, regrading or diverting stormwater runoff onto the public road.
A. 
All sight distances and drainage facilities for driveways and street access entrances shall be maintained in the same condition as the original permit requirements.
B. 
Property owner responsibility. The owner of the property where the driveway is located or, in the case of street access, the developer or property owners' association shall be responsible for the above maintenance.
A. 
This article shall not create liability on the part of the Barrett Township Board of Supervisors or any officer, consultant, agent, representative or employee of Barrett Township for damages that may result from reliance on this article and any amendment thereto or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
B. 
The landowner's signature on the permit application shall be an acknowledgment and acceptance of this section.
Terms or words used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, shall have the following meanings:
ACCELERATION LANE
The portion of roadway adjoining the traveled way constructed for the purpose of enabling a vehicle entering a roadway to increase its speed to a rate at which it can safely merge with traffic.
ACCESS
Any driveway, street or other means of passage of vehicles between the public roadway and abutting property, including acceleration and deceleration lanes and such drainage structures as may be necessary for the proper construction and maintenance thereof.
CURBLINE
A line formed by the face of the existing curb or in its absence the outer edge of the shoulder, along which curbing is or may be located.
DECELERATION LANE
The portion of the roadway adjoining the traveled way constructed for the purpose of enabling a vehicle that is exiting a roadway to slow to a safe speed after it has left the mainstream of traffic.
DRIVEWAY
Every entrance or exit used by vehicular traffic to or from properties abutting a public road, including streets, lanes, alleys, courts and ways, and shall be classified as follows:
A. 
SINGLE/FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAYA residential driveway which serves:
(1) 
Single-family dwellings.
(2) 
Two-family dwellings.
(3) 
Apartment buildings of two dwelling units.
(4) 
Subdivisions/developments of two lots or units.
B. 
MULTIFAMILY/COMMERCIAL DRIVEWAYA residential and/or commercial driveway which serves:
(1) 
Multifamily buildings (townhouses) of three or more units.
(2) 
Apartment buildings with three or more units.
(3) 
Office buildings.
(4) 
Commercial/industrial facilities.
DRIVEWAY WIDTH
The narrowest width of a driveway measured perpendicular to the center line of said driveway.
EGRESS
The exit of vehicular traffic from abutting properties to a public roadway.
EQUIPMENT
All machinery and equipment, together with the necessary supplies for upkeep and maintenance, and also tools and apparatus necessary for the proper construction and completion of the work.
FORM 408
The latest revision of highway construction specifications issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
FRONTAGE WIDTH
The distance along the right-of-way line in front of an abutting property.
HIGHWAY
A road on the system of Township roads, including the entire width between right-of-way lines, over which Barrett Township has assumed jurisdiction.
IMPROVED AREA
The area within the right-of-way which has been constructed for highway purposes, including roadbed, pavement, shoulders, slope, sidewalks, drainage facilities and any other appurtenances.
INGRESS
The entrance of vehicular traffic to abutting properties from a public road.
INSPECTOR
The Township's authorized representative assigned to inspect permit operations.
INTERMEDIATE ISLAND
The section of right-of-way between driveways from the pavement edge or curb to the property line.
JOINT-USE DRIVEWAY
A driveway shared by and constructed to provide access to more than one property.
MEDIAN
Any structure or area which separates the paved traveled ways for opposing directions of traffic.
OWN
To hold title to land for which a driveway permit is requested.
PAVEMENT EDGE
The edge of the main traveled portion (travelway) of any street or road, exclusive of shoulder area.
PERMANENT CURBING
Plain or reinforced cement concrete curb.
PERMIT
A driveway permit issued by Barrett Township pursuant to this article.
PERSON
Any natural person, firm, copartnership, association, corporation or property owners' association filing an application for a driveway permit.
PLANS
Drawings which show the location, character and dimensions of the proposed driveway and related road features, including layouts, profiles, cross sections, drainage and other details.
PROPERTY LINE CLEARANCE
The distance measured along the pavement edge or curb between the property frontage boundary line and the near edge of the driveway.
PUBLICATION 43
A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publication, sometimes called "Bulletin 43," containing requirements for the maintenance and protection of traffic on construction projects.
PUBLICATION 68
A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publication containing regulations governing the design, location and operation of all official traffic signs, signals and markings on and along highways.
PUBLICATION 90
A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publication containing requirements for work area traffic control during highway maintenance operations and utility work.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The area which has been acquired by Barrett Township for public road purposes.
ROADWAY (TRAVELWAY)
That portion of a road improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the sidewalk or shoulder.
SHOULDER
The portion of the roadway (cartway), contiguous to the traffic lanes, for accommodation of stopped vehicles, for emergency use and for lateral support of base and surface courses and pavements.
SHOULDER LINE
The intersection of the shoulder slope with the side slope or ditch slope.
SIDEWALK
A paved walkway, continuous for a reasonable distance and an integral part of the highway, constructed solely for use by pedestrians.
STABILIZED MATERIAL
Any aggregate such as aggregate cement, aggregate, bituminous or lime pozzyolan, placed in such a manner as to provide a smooth, stable, all-weather surface not subject to undue traveling.
STOPPING SIGHT DISTANCE
The distance required by a driver traveling at a given speed to stop the vehicle after an object on the roadway becomes visible to the driver.
SUPPLEMENT
An amendment to a Township driveway permit issued by Barrett Township.
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE
Any sign, signal, marking or device placed or erected for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding vehicular traffic or pedestrians, or both.
TRAVELWAY
That portion of a roadway for the movement of vehicles exclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes.
TURNING RADIUS
The radius of an arc which approximates the turning path of the exterior corner of a vehicle.
VEHICLE
Every device in or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway. The term includes special mobile equipment as defined in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Vehicle Code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq.
A. 
All driveways, street entrances or drainage facilities or structures proposed to be constructed or altered within the Township road right-of-way and any drainage facility of the Township proposed to be altered or connected onto shall require a driveway permit from Barrett Township.
B. 
Permit application procedures. Application for a permit to construct or alter (resurface, revise drainage pattern, etc.) a driveway or street access entrance or to alter or connect onto any Township drainage facility shall be made to the Township by the property owner(s) or by a person who is an authorized agent of the owner(s).
C. 
Authorized agent requirements. An authorized agent must have written authorization to act in behalf of the property owner(s), signed by the owner(s), with signature(s) witnessed and notarized.
All permit applications shall be on forms provided by the Township and shall contain and/or be accompanied by the information and documents listed below.
A. 
Single/two-family residential driveways.
(1) 
Driveway location in relation to side property lines.
(2) 
Township road right-of-way line.
(3) 
All related Township road facilities (pavement, shoulders, culverts, ditches, etc.).
(4) 
Sight distances along the Township road.
(5) 
Type of surface proposed.
(6) 
Grade of driveway within the Township road right-of-way.
(7) 
All drainage facilities proposed (culverts, ditches, swales, endwalls, etc.).
B. 
Multifamily residential and commercial driveways.
(1) 
Driveway plan. A plan which illustrates, as a minimum, the following, including dimensions where applicable:
(a) 
Driveway location in relation to side property lines.
(b) 
Township road right-of-way line.
(c) 
All related Township road facilities (pavement, shoulders, culverts, etc.).
(d) 
Sight distances along the Township road.
(e) 
Details of entrance access approach.
(f) 
Design features of existing and proposed driveways, including but not limited to the following:
[1] 
Driveway width.
[2] 
Driveway radii and other points of curvature.
[3] 
Driveway grades and profile view of center line of driveway.
[4] 
Driveway angle relative to the Township road.
[5] 
Driveway surface material.
[6] 
Location of all traffic control signs and devices.
(g) 
Distance from each existing and proposed driveway to the following:
[1] 
Nearest intersecting street.
[2] 
All driveways within 200 feet on the same property or on adjacent properties.
[3] 
Intersecting streets or driveways opposite the site that are within 200 feet.
(h) 
Sight distance in each direction from each proposed driveway.
(2) 
Drainage plan. If it can reasonably be anticipated that there will be an increase in the flow of water onto the Township road or into Township drainage facilities as a result of action by the applicant or that there will be an increase in the flow of water onto the property of some other person as a result of action authorized by the permit, a drainage control plan containing at least the following information shall be submitted with the application:
(a) 
Source of stormwater runoff.
(b) 
Existing peak runoff in cubic feet per second.
(c) 
Predicted peak runoff in cubic feet per second.
(d) 
Where drainage currently flows.
(e) 
Where drainage ultimately outlets.
(f) 
Hydraulic computations showing effect of additional flow on existing Township road drainage system.
(3) 
Drainage release. If it can be reasonably anticipated that there will be an increase in the flow of stormwater runoff onto the property of some other person as a result of action authorized by the permit, a drainage release that contains an indemnification agreement acceptable to the Township shall be submitted with the application.
C. 
Authority to reject application. The Township will examine and determine the genuineness, regularity and legality of every application and may reject any application if not satisfied of its genuineness, regularity or legality or the truth of any statement contained in the application. The Township may also require such additional information as it deems necessary.
D. 
Penalty for falsifying application. Information provided in applications must be accurate. Section 4904 of the Crimes Code (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904) makes it a misdemeanor for a person to mislead a public servant in performing an official function by making any written false statements which the person does not believe to be true.
Upon application duly made in accordance with this article, a permit will be issued by the Township, subject to §§ 440-24 and 440-25 and the conditions contained on the permit and its attachments and supplements. The permit will be the authority of the applicant to proceed with the work; however, use of the driveway is not authorized at this time.
A. 
Permit issued only to the property owner.
(1) 
Permits will be issued only to the owner of the property.
(2) 
Permits will not be issued to contractors of the property owner nor to any person other than the owner of the property subject to § 440-20C, Authorized agent requirements.
B. 
Permit requiring agreement. Where the applicant will be required to perform a substantial amount of work, the Township may require the applicant to execute a construction agreement as a prerequisite to issuance of the permit.
C. 
Waiver of design requirements. If any of the design requirements set forth in §§ 440-24 and 440-25 cannot be met, the Township may waive the requirement if the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) 
No other reasonable access is available.
(2) 
The applicant has done all that can reasonably be done to satisfy the design requirements.
(3) 
If additional land is required, the applicant provides satisfactory evidence that it cannot be purchased at a reasonable price.
(4) 
No traffic problem will be created.
(5) 
The applicant executes an indemnity agreement satisfactory to the Township.
D. 
Requesting permit time extension. A permit shall be valid for a six-month period or multiples thereof as specified on the permit.
(1) 
If the permittee has not completed all authorized work by the completion date specified on the permit, an application may be submitted requesting a time extension, and, if approved, a supplement may be issued by the Township authorizing work to continue for an additional six-month period.
(2) 
If the permit is allowed to expire prior to the authorized work being completed and notice of completion given to the Township, a new permit application in accordance with § 440-22 of this article will be required.
E. 
Work completion notification.
(1) 
When all permitted work has been completed, the permittee shall notify the Township in writing.
(2) 
Upon receipt of the work completion notice, the Township shall inspect the permit site, and if all work has been completed as required, the Roadmaster or other Township official designated by resolution of the Board of Supervisors will sign the use authorization section of the permit.
The following conditions shall apply to permits issued under the provisions of this article.
A. 
Scope of permit. The permit shall be binding upon the permittee, its agents, contractors, successors and assigns.
(1) 
The permittee shall be responsible for causing compliance with all terms and conditions of the permit by its employees, agents and contractors.
(2) 
The permit shall be located at the work site and shall be available for inspection by any representative of the Township.
(3) 
The permit shall be maintained by the permittee as a permanent record and remain in effect, subject to the permit conditions and this article as long as the driveway or the facility authorized by the permit exists.
(4) 
Responsibility for compliance with the terms of the permit cannot be assigned or transferred by the permittee without first obtaining approval from the Township.
(5) 
The permittee shall be principally liable to the Township for any failure to comply with the permit and this article. The principal liability of the permittee to the Township shall not preclude the Township from bringing any action against the permittee's contractor, subcontractor or any other person.
(6) 
The permittee shall be the only party in interest in any action against the Township involving disputes arising from the permit.
(7) 
A permit shall be valid only as long as the use of the driveway does not change the approved driveway classification in this article (relating to driveway design requirements).
(8) 
The Township, in granting a permit, will waive none of its powers or rights to require the future change in operation, removal, relocation or proper maintenance of any access within Township road right-of-way.
B. 
Additional restrictions. All work authorized by the permit shall be subject to the following:
(1) 
All applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to the following:
(a) 
Title 62 Pa.C.S.A. § 3301, concerning environmental control measures related to pollution and the preservation of public natural resources.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
(b) 
Act of December 10, 1974 (P.L. 852, No. 287)(73 P.S. §§ 176 through 182), concerning protection of the public health and safety by preventing excavation or demolition work from damaging underground utility facilities.
(c) 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction safety and health regulations, 39 CFR 22801 (June 24, 1974) and 29 CFR 21 and 23 CFR 230.101, et seq.
(2) 
The rights of any person.
(3) 
The conditions, restrictions and provisions of the permit.
C. 
Permittee responsibilities. Permittee responsibilities shall be as follows:
(1) 
The permittee shall pay all fees, costs and expenses incident to or arising from the project, including the cost of related Township road improvements which increased traffic or surface drainage may necessitate. The permittee shall reimburse the Township within 30 days after receipt of the Township's invoice.
(2) 
In the event of failure or neglect by the permittee to perform and comply with the permit or the provisions of §§ 440-24 and 440-25, the Township may immediately revoke and annul the permit and order and direct the permittee to remove any or all structures, equipment or property belonging to the permittee or its contractors from the legal limits of the right-of-way and to restore said right-of-way to its former condition. Should the Township determine that such structures, equipment or property pose a threat to the public safety and the permittee fails to remove the same after notice from the Township to do so, the Township or its attorney shall be authorized to appear for the permittee and to enter an amicable action of ejectment and confess judgment against the permittee, and the attorney shall be authorized to issue forthwith a writ of possession without leave of court, all at the cost of the permittee.
(3) 
If the work is stopped on a project for any reason and any ditch or trench, in the opinion of the Township, remains open for an unreasonable period, the permittee, if so directed, shall refill the ditch or trench and work shall not be resumed until authorized by the Township. In the event that the permittee fails to refill the ditch or trench or proceed to completion of the work upon notice from the Township to do so, the Township may perform the necessary work and shall be reimbursed for all costs by the permittee within 30 days after receipt of the Township's invoice.
(4) 
If the permittee, after making an opening in the surface to place or repair a drainage facility or for any other purpose, fails to restore any portion of the right-of-way to conform with Township specifications upon notice from the Township to do so, the Township may perform the work and the permittee shall reimburse the Township for the costs within 30 days after receipt of the Township's invoice.
D. 
Restoration of slopes. All disturbed slopes or earthen areas shall be restored to their original condition or in a manner approved by the Township.
E. 
Altering drainage prohibited. Unless specifically authorized by the permit, the permittee shall not:
(1) 
Alter the existing drainage pattern or the existing flow of stormwater runoff.
(2) 
Direct additional stormwater runoff onto or into the Township right-of-way or road facilities in a way which would have a detrimental effect on the roadway or roadway facilities.
F. 
Disposition of materials. Disposition of material shall comply with the following:
(1) 
The permittee shall keep the improved area free of all material which may be deposited by vehicles traveling upon or entering onto the Township road during the performance of work authorized by the permit.
(2) 
The permittee shall be responsible for controlling dust conditions created by its operations.
(3) 
All excess material and material that is not suitable for backfill shall be removed and disposed of outside the right-of-way as the work progresses.
(4) 
All retained suitable material shall be placed or stored outside the improved area and in such a manner that there will be no interference with the flow of water in any gutter, drain, pipe, culvert, ditch or waterway.
G. 
Equipment damaging Township road. If equipment damages the pavement or shoulders, the permittee shall restore the pavement or shoulders to their former condition at his own expense.
H. 
Restoration. All disturbed portions of the Township roadway, including slopes and all appurtenances and structures such as guide rail (includes providing appropriate end treatments on guide rail systems where existing guide rail is being broken by the driveway) or drain pipes shall be restored by the permittee to a condition at least equal to that which existed before the start of any work authorized by the permit.
I. 
Approval by the Township. Approval by a designated officer of the Township of all or any part of any permitted work shall not constitute acknowledgment that the work was performed in accordance with the permit, nor shall such approval by the designated officer act as a release of the permittee or waiver by the Township of its right to seek performance or restitution by the permittee.
J. 
Maintenance. All driveways and adjacent areas within the Township road right-of-way shall be continuously maintained by the property owner so as to conform to the permit and so as not to interfere or be inconsistent with the design, maintenance and drainage of the Township roadway or the safe and convenient passage of traffic upon the said roadway.
K. 
Indemnification. The permittee shall fully indemnify and save harmless and defend the Township, its agents and employees of and from all liability for damages or injury occurring to any person or persons or property through or in consequence of any act or omission of any contractor, agent, servant, employee or person engaged or employed in, about or upon the work, by, at the instance or with the approval or consent of the permittee, from any failure of the permittee or any such person to comply with the permit or this article and, for a period of two years after completion of the permitted work, from the failure of the Township roadway in the immediate area of the work performed under the permit where there is no similar failure of the roadway beyond the area adjacent to the area of permitted work.
L. 
Insurance. The permittee shall, when requested by the Township, submit to the Township Secretary a certificate or certificates of insurance for public liability and property damage, in form and amount satisfactory to the Township, to cover any loss that may be incurred for or on account of any matter, cause or thing arising out of the permitted construction.
M. 
Damage to Township Road. Restoration of Township road shall include the following:
(1) 
If there is a failure of the roadway, including slope or any other appurtenance thereto, in the immediate area of the permitted work within two years after the completion of the permitted work and there is no similar failure of the roadway beyond the area adjacent to the area of the permitted work, the permittee shall have absolute responsibility to make all temporary and permanent restoration including restoration of the adjacent area if it has also failed.
(2) 
If there is a failure of the roadway, including slope or any other appurtenance thereto, in the area adjacent to the immediate area of the permitted work within two years after completion of the permitted work and there is no similar failure of the roadway in the area of the permitted work or beyond the area adjacent to the area of the permitted work, it shall be presumed that the work done by the permittee was the proximate cause of the failure, and the permittee shall be responsible to make all temporary and permanent restoration unless the presumption is rebutted by clear and convincing evidence.
All driveways shall be located, designed, constructed and maintained in such a manner as not to interfere or be inconsistent with the design, maintenance and drainage of the Township roadway.
A. 
General location restrictions. Access driveways shall be permitted at locations in which:
(1) 
Sight distance is adequate to safely allow each permitted movement to be made in or out of the access driveway.
(2) 
The free movement of normal roadway traffic is not impaired.
(3) 
The driveway will not create a hazard.
(4) 
The driveway will not create an area of undue traffic congestion on the Township road.
B. 
Specific location restrictions. Specific location restrictions shall include the following:
(1) 
Access driveways shall not be located at intersections or locations that would interfere with the placement and proper functioning of roadway signs, signals or other devices that affect traffic control.
(2) 
Access to a property which abuts two or more intersecting streets or roads may be restricted to the roadway which can more safely accommodate its traffic.
(3) 
For two access driveways to be constructed on the same property frontage, the roadway frontage must be 100 feet or more (measured at the road right-if-way).
C. 
Approaches to driveways. Driveway approaches shall conform to the following standards:
(1) 
The location and angle of an access driveway approach in relation to the roadway intersection shall be such that a vehicle entering or leaving the driveway may do so in an orderly and safe manner and with a minimum of interference to the roadway traffic.
(2) 
Where the access driveway approach and roadway pavement meet, flaring of the approach to allow safe, easy turning of vehicular traffic shall be required.
(3) 
Where the roadway is curbed, driveway approaches shall be installed 1 1/2 inches above the adjacent roadway or gutter grade to maintain proper drainage.
The design features described in this section and illustrated in the attendant figures are to be used by the applicant in designing the driveway plans which accompany the application.
A. 
Angle of access driveway approach. Angle of access driveway approach shall include the following:
(1) 
Access driveway approaches used for two-way operation shall be positioned at right angles, that is 90°, to the roadway or as near thereto as site conditions permit.
(2) 
When two access driveways are constructed on the same property frontage, each of these driveways may be placed at an angle less than a right angle, but not less than 45° to the roadway. Two access driveways will not be permitted on property with less than 100 feet of roadway frontage (measured at the road right-of-way).
B. 
Driveways adjacent to intersections. Driveways serving properties located adjacent to a roadway intersection shall be subject to the following:
Driveway Isolation Distance Table
Distance Between the Center Line of the Driveway and the Center Line of the Nearest Intersecting Street on the Same Side of the Street as the Driveway by Type of Intersecting
Type of Driveway
Connector
(feet)
Collector
(feet)
Minor
(feet)
Local Access
(feet)
Residential Single/2-family
150
100
75
75
Multifamily/commercial
300
200
100
100
C. 
Driveway grades.
(1) 
The tangent grade of the connecting driveway shall be a minus 6% (0.75 inch per foot) for a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of the travelway pavement or the shoulder or gutter line of the accessed road, whichever is greater.
(2) 
Grade differences of 14% shall require a vertical curve of at least 30 feet. The point of vertical curvature (PVC) of the required vertical curve shall be 10 feet from the edge of the travelway pavement or the shoulder or gutter line of the accessed street, whichever is greater. Every driveway shall be constructed and maintained with a crown sloped at least 0.75 inch per foot.
D. 
All driveways shall intersect the road right-of-way at the front yard property line, and, except for joint-use driveways, all driveways shall be located at least 10 feet from any bordering property boundary line.
E. 
Curbing. Requirements for curbing shall conform with the following:
(1) 
If, in the opinion of the Township, there is a high probability that vehicles would otherwise utilize a portion of the property frontage other than the approved driveway to gain access to the property or for parking of vehicles on the Township right-of-way, the permit may require curbing or other physical barriers.
F. 
Sight distance. Conditions for sight distance shall be as follows:
(1) 
Access driveways shall be located at a point within the property frontage limits which provides at least the minimum sight distances listed in the appropriate following table.
(a) 
Table 1.
Table 1
Safe Sight Distance for Vehicles Exiting from Driveways
Posted Speed
(mph)
Safe Sight Distance to the Left
(feet)
Safe Sight Distance to the Right
(feet)
25
250
195
35
440
350
45
635
570
55
845
875
NOTE: Measured from a vehicle 10 feet back of the pavement edge.
(b) 
Table 2.
Table 2
Safe Sight Distance for Vehicles Entering Driveways by Left Turns
Posted Speed
(mph)
Safe Sight Distance Approaching Lane
(feet)
25
190
35
300
45
445
55
610
NOTE: Measured from the point where a left-turning vehicle stops to a vehicle in the oncoming lane.
(2) 
The sight distance values in Tables 1 and 2 are desirable for safe operation of the driveway; however, sight distance values less than desirable will be accepted if it is impossible to achieve the desirable value by locating the driveway at any point within the property frontage boundaries.
(3) 
If sight distance requirements as specified in this article cannot be met, the Township may:
(a) 
Prohibit left turns by exiting vehicles.
(b) 
Restrict turning movement to right turns in and out of a driveway.
(c) 
Require installation of a right-turn acceleration lane or deceleration lane.
(d) 
Require installation of a separate left-turn standby lane.
(e) 
Alter the horizontal or vertical geometry of the roadway.
(f) 
Deny access to the Township roadway.
G. 
Construction of access driveways. Construction of access driveways shall achieve the following:
(1) 
All driveways shall be constructed so as not to impair drainage within the right-of-way, to allow stormwater runoff to flow onto the Township roadway pavement, to alter the stability of the improved area or to change the drainage of adjacent areas.
(2) 
Where a drainage ditch or swale exists, the permittee shall install adequate pipe under the driveway. Drainage pipes installed under driveways shall be at least 15 inches in diameter and have at least one foot of cover (proof of adequacy may be required).
(3) 
Grade requirements in uncurbed shoulder areas within the right-of-way shall conform to Subsection C above.
(4) 
Grade requirements where curbs and sidewalks are present shall be as follows:
(a) 
The driveway approaches shall be installed 1 1/2 inches above the adjacent roadway or the gutter grade to maintain proper drainage.
(b) 
The difference between the cross slope of the roadway and the upward grade of a driveway approach shall not exceed 8.0%.
H. 
Auxiliary lanes.
(1) 
Auxiliary lanes shall consist of the following:
(a) 
Acceleration and deceleration lanes. The combination of roadway speed, volumes, location and arrangement of driveways and intersections may require the installation of an acceleration or deceleration lane, or both, by the permit, a speed change lane of sufficient length and width shall be constructed to allow vehicles to safely decelerate or accelerate when entering or leaving the property.
(b) 
Left-turn standby lanes. The permit may require the installation of a left-turn standby lane to separate and protect left-turning vehicles from through traffic if failure to do so would result in an undue hazard to the traveling public.
(c) 
Additional right-of-way for lanes. Where the width of the Township right-of-way is insufficient to permit the construction of a needed auxiliary lane, the permittee shall provide any necessary additional right-of-way. When required, auxiliary lanes shall be constructed, at no expense to the Township, in accordance with the Barrett Township road regulations.
(d) 
Lane in front of another property. If an auxiliary lane must be located in front of property of another person, the applicant shall be required to secure the approval of the other person or indemnify the Township against any action which the other person may bring against the Township.
(e) 
Access driveway pavement.
[1] 
Access driveways shall be appropriately surfaced with a stabilized material between the traveled way and the right-of-way line unless a higher-type material is specified by the permit.
[2] 
Multifamily/commercial driveways which provide access to paved Township roadways shall be paved within the right-of-way.
(f) 
Median openings. Median openings shall have a left-turn standby lane installed to protect left-turning vehicles whenever a median opening is permitted.
(g) 
Shoulder upgrading. Where the existing shoulder on either side of a proposed low-, medium-, or high-volume driveway is not adequate to allow its use by turning vehicles, the permittee shall upgrade the shoulder area for a minimum of 100 feet on either side of the driveway.
(h) 
Traffic control devices. Requirements for traffic control devices shall be as follows:
[1] 
The permittee shall, at his own expense, install and maintain all traffic control devices, as specified in the permit, which are required to provide for the safe and orderly movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or both. These devices shall include, but not be limited to, any required regulatory, warning or guide signs, traffic lights, delineators and pavement markings.
(2) 
Although site conditions may not allow strict adherence to the dimensions shown in these illustrations, every effort shall be made to design and construct the safest and most efficient access onto the Township roadway.
I. 
Joint-use driveways. All joint-use driveways shall be established by a restrictive covenant on a recorded plot plan, or by a written and recorded agreement or deed covenant, signed by all of the parties that have rights to use the joint driveway, and setting forth adequate provisions for maintenance and cost-sharing for the driveway.
J. 
Drainage pipes. Driveways shall have a drainage pipe installed, with a minimum inside diameter of 15 inches or equivalent area, at the point where the driveway joins the public road, when required to pass stormwater. All such drainage pipes shall be installed pursuant to specifications approved by the Township and under the supervision of a designated Township officer. Inlet boxes shall be installed where needed.
K. 
Driveway paving near Township roads. All driveways with an uphill grade of 10% or more within a distance of 30 feet from the edge of the public right-of-way shall be paved with a hard permanent surface of ID2A or macadam or paving blocks for a minimum distance of 20 feet from the edge of the public right-of-way, based on the sketch plan attached hereto.
Barrett Township shall keep records of all driveway permit applications and the actions taken as follows:
A. 
Board of Supervisors records.
(1) 
The Board of Supervisors shall keep a record of all driveway permits and the action taken relative to all applications that are submitted for review and action.
(2) 
All such records shall be made available for public inspection during normal Township office hours, upon request.
The Board of Supervisors may, from time to time, amend this article by action taken at a public hearing on the proposed amendments subject to the following:
A. 
Publication, advertisement and availability.
(1) 
The Board of Supervisors shall publish the full text of the proposed amendment or the title and a brief summary thereof, prepared by the Municipal Solicitor, setting forth all the provisions in reasonable detail, including the time and place of the hearing at which passage of the amendment is to be considered and a place within the Township where the amendment may be examined and/or obtained at cost, one time in a newspaper of general circulation in Barrett Township, with said publication not more than 60 days and not fewer than seven days prior to the date of the hearing.
(2) 
If the full text is not included, a copy of the full text of the proposed amendment shall be supplied to the newspaper at the time the public notice is published.
(3) 
In the event that substantial amendments are made, before voting upon enactment, the Board of Supervisors shall, at least 10 days prior to enactment, readvertise a brief summary of the amendments.
All appeals and challenges to this article shall conform to the requirements and procedures as outlined by law.
The Board of Supervisors shall establish, by resolution, and may revise from time to time as deemed necessary, a Schedule of Fees to be paid by the applicant at the time of filing the application for a driveway permit or an extension of the issued permit.
A. 
Posting of the Fee Schedule. The Schedule of Fees shall be posted in the municipal building and in such other places as the Board of Supervisors may designate and shall be available upon request.
B. 
Approval of applications. No driveway application shall be approved and/or issued unless all fees have been paid in full. In the event that the applicant is required to pay additional fees, such fees shall be collected by the Township Secretary prior to approval of the subject driveway.
C. 
Fee refunds. There shall be no refund or credit of any portion of the fees or charges.
D. 
Additional inspection fees. If the Township determines that the permitted work is of sufficient magnitude or importance to warrant assignment of one or more employees to inspect the permitted work on a more than spot inspection basis, the permit will so indicate and the permittee shall be charged for all salary, overhead and expenses incurred by the Township for inspection.
A. 
The applicant shall be responsible for observing the procedures established by this article and for submitting all plans and documents as may be required.
B. 
Additional data. When the Township Roadmaster or other Township official designated by resolution of the Board of Supervisors requires additional information or documents pertaining to the submitted permit application, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to promptly furnish all items requested.
Any violation of this article or the permit requirements shall constitute grounds for imposition of any or all of the following penalties:
A. 
Notice of violation. Upon receipt of oral or written notice of a violation from the authorized representative of the Township, the permittee shall cease to perform any further work in the permitted area except to restore the area to a safe condition.
(1) 
No further work shall commence in the permitted area until the violation has been remedied.
(2) 
Where the permittee has received oral notice of the violation, written notice shall be sent to the permittee within 10 days of receipt of the oral notice.
(3) 
Notice of violation shall include a time limit within which the violation corrective action shall be undertaken and a time limit within which said correction or corrections shall be completed. If the corrective action is not undertaken within the time period set forth or, if undertaken, is not completed within said time limit, the Township may institute legal proceedings in a court of proper jurisdiction for the enforcement of the provisions of this article.
(4) 
A warning notice that a violation does or may exist at any site in Barrett Township may be posted on the site or mailed to the violator by the Township along with instructions to contact the Roadmaster or other Township official designated by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
B. 
Refusal to issue permit. Barrett Township may refuse to issue any permit necessary to further improve or develop any real property which has an unresolved violation or notice of violation of any applicable ordinance of Barrett Township.
(1) 
This authority to deny such a permit or approval shall apply to any of the following applicants:
(a) 
The owner of record at the time of such violation.
(b) 
The vendee or lessee of the owner of record at the time of such violation without regard as to whether such vendee or lessee had actual or constructive knowledge of the violation.
(c) 
The current owner of record who acquired the property subsequent to the time of violation without regard as to whether such current owner has actual or constructive knowledge of the violation.
(2) 
As an additional condition for issuance of a permit to such owner, current owner, vendee or lessee for the development of any such real property, Barrett Township may require compliance with the conditions that would have been applicable to the property at the time the applicant acquired an interest in such real property.
C. 
Penalties. Any violation of this article or the permit requirements shall constitute grounds for imposition of any or all of the following penalties:
(1) 
Revocation of the applicant's permit.
(2) 
The Township may block driveways or sever, remove or block drainage facilities constructed without a permit or in violation of this article.
(3) 
Such other action as may be deemed necessary or proper after consultation with the Township Solicitor.
D. 
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this article shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding brought before a Magisterial District Judge under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, be guilty of a summary offense and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, plus costs of prosecution. In default of payment thereof, the defendant may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days. Each day or portion thereof that such violation continues or is permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense, and each section of this article that is violated shall also constitute a separate offense.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
E. 
Right to take action. Nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted to grant to any person or entity other than Barrett Township the right to commence any action for enforcement pursuant to this section.
When there is a difference between the minimum standards specified herein and those included in other Township ordinances and/or regulations, the more stringent requirements shall apply.
This article is enacted under the authority conferred by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
This article shall take effect five days after the date of its enactment.