The purpose of the PRD regulations is to create residential
development which is more creative and imaginative and which will
foster more efficient, aesthetic and desirable use of natural areas
than is generally possible under conventional zoning district regulations
and subdivision requirements. Further, this article are intended to
promote more economical use of land potential while providing a latitude
in building design, building placement, amenities and community facilities
of appropriate quality, oriented to the specific development site
characterized by special features of topography, shape or size, and
at the same time preserve the natural scenic qualities, open spaces,
and integrity of single-family residential neighborhoods within Harborcreek
Township.
PRD may be permitted in the "R-1" Rural Residential, "R-2A" and "R-2B" Medium-Density Residential, and "LF" Lakefront Districts, subject to the restrictions, qualifications and requirements cited in this chapter, as enumerated herein below. Provisions of this chapter and Chapter
405, Subdivision and Land Development, concerned with dwelling type, bulk, density and open space shall not be applied when PRD proposals are approved, except when specifically indicated by the provisions contained in this chapter.
[Amended 9-19-2018 by Ord. No. 2010-200-20]
The planned residential development provisions of this article
shall first be administered by the Harborcreek Township Planning Commission,
which shall review all applications on the basis of specified standards,
conditions, regulations and procedures and shall make recommendations
to the Board of Supervisors, which shall conduct public hearings (or
designate the Planning Commission to hold public hearings). The Board
of Supervisors shall have final authority to approve, modify or disapprove
development plans at their discretion as to what is best for the Harborcreek
community based on the provisions of this article and other issues
affecting the health, safety and welfare of citizens in, or adjacent
to, the PRD.
When it is anticipated that development pursuant to an approved
master plan will occur in phases over a period of years, the following
shall be included with the application for master plan approval:
A. The phases in which the land development will be submitted for final
land development approval and the approximate date when each phase
will be submitted for final plan approval.
B. The approximate date when each phase will be completed.
C. Any phase of development pursuant to an approved master plan shall
be able to function independently of the undeveloped phases while
being compatible with adjacent or neighboring land use.
D. If development pursuant to a master plan is to be done in phases,
over a period of years and according to an approved schedule, the
gross density of any phase, or in combination with previously developed
phases, shall be in general proportion to residential and nonresidential
density requirements.
E. The application for tentative approval of a planned residential development
shall include a written statement by the landowner setting forth the
reasons why, in his opinion, a planned residential development would
be in the public interest and would be consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan for the development of the municipality.
F. The application for tentative approval shall be forwarded to the
Harborcreek Township Planning Commission and Erie County Department
of Planning for their review and comments.
All enforcement procedures under this section shall be consistent
with Section 712.2 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and Article
XXIV, Administration and Enforcement, of this chapter.