This article provides an overview of the general procedure for the Township review of proposed subdivisions and land developments (§ 400-302) and of the general procedures for submitting plans to the Township (§ 400-303). This article is intended to be instructional and explanatory only and does not set forth mandatory requirements which are binding on the Township or an applicant. See the actual provisions of the other articles of this chapter. Two flowcharts are included at the end of this article to show the general subdivision process for major and minor subdivisions.
A.
Review and approval stages.
(1)
Three types of plan submission are included in the procedure for filing and approval of subdivision and land development plans: sketch, preliminary and final.
(2)
The table below outlines the stages for the different types of proposed subdivision or land development.
Stage | Article | Type of Proposed Subdivision or Land Development* | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Land Development | Major Subdivision | Minor Subdivision or Boundary Line Adjustment | ||
Sketch plan | Art. IV | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
Preliminary plan | Art. V | Required*** | Required | Not Required |
Final plan | Art. VI | Required | Required | Required** |
Guarantee of improvements installation | Art. VIII | Required | Required | Required |
Recording of final plan | Art. IX | Required | Required | Required |
* | See definitions in Article II. |
** | |
*** | A land development that only involves up to three dwelling units shall only be required to submit a final plan and not a preliminary plan. |
B.
Sketch plan.
(1)
While a sketch plan is not required, it is strongly recommended that it be filed to allow the applicant to consult early and informally with the Planning Commission before preparing a preliminary plan. This will often avoid expensive redesign and delay to the applicant.
(2)
Comments made by the Township on the sketch plan are not by themselves binding upon the Township.
C.
Preliminary plan.
(1)
The initial plan required to be filed to the Commission for formal review of a major subdivision or land development shall be the official preliminary plan.
(2)
Minor subdivisions, land developments of a maximum of three dwelling units and boundary line adjustments are not required to file a preliminary plan.
(3)
The purpose of the preliminary plan is to achieve formal approval of the overall development scheme proposed in order to minimize the need for any revisions of final plans.
D.
Final plan.
(1)
After approval of the preliminary plan of a major subdivision or land development, the applicant files a final plan.
(2)
Minor subdivisions and lot line adjustments require the filing of a final plan.
(3)
The purpose of the final plan is to obtain formal approval from the Board of Supervisors before plans for all subdivisions and land developments are recorded.
E.
Guarantee of improvements installation. Where improvements are required by this chapter, the Township and applicant shall enter into an improvements agreement and the applicant shall post financial security acceptable to the Township in an amount sufficient to cover the costs of any improvements which may be required. See Article VIII.
A.
Submission. Applicants shall have all sketch, preliminary and final plans and all required accompanying information submitted to the Township Staff by delivery by person.
B.
Receipt by Commission. The Planning Commission shall have the authority to recommend rejection by the Board of Supervisors or to table an application that the Commission determines is significantly incomplete.
C.
Attendance.
(1)
The applicant or his duly authorized representative should endeavor to attend the Commission meeting to discuss the filed plans.
(2)
The Commission may request such attendance. If the applicant fails to appear when so requested at a meeting where the plans will be considered, it may result in plan disapproval, if the Township determines that it resulted in insufficient information to render a decision.
D.
Action by the Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Within 90 days following the date of the first regular meeting (not including a workshop meeting) of the Commission after a proper and timely submission, the Commission shall make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, and the Board of Supervisors shall act to approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the plan. The ninety-day time limit shall apply unless the applicant grants an extension or unless other provisions of this chapter are not complied with by the applicant.
Generalized Process for a Major Subdivision or Land Development  |
Generalized Process for a Minor Subdivision or Land Development  |