A. 
The standards of design and construction in this article shall be used to judge the adequacy of development proposals and shall be considered to be the minimum criteria in achieving the purpose and objectives of this chapter. When a proposed project, because of its location, topography, special natural or man-made features, or because of its potential impact upon the Township or its environment is deemed to require more stringent criteria or additional standards and/or regulations, the Planning Commission may recommend or the Board of Supervisors may impose such requirements in order to promote the public's health, safety, or welfare or to assist in achieving the purpose of this and other Township ordinances. Conversely, as set forth in Article XIV and Section 512.1 of the Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10512.1, variations or modifications to these criteria may be granted by the Township Board of Supervisors in accordance with the provisions set forth in Article XIV of this chapter.
B. 
Where questions should arise regarding the interpretation of these design standards, the determination of the Board of Supervisors shall prevail.
A. 
Land. No land shall be subdivided or developed for any purposes unless reasonable hazards to lives, health, or property from flood, fire and disease, have been eliminated or unless the plans for the project shall provide adequate safeguard against such hazards.
B. 
Development. Proposed projects shall be coordinated with existing nearby neighborhoods so that the community as a whole may develop harmoniously, and no construction in any development is to occur until a building permit is obtained from the Building Permit Officer.
C. 
Natural and historic features. Reasonable measures shall be taken to insure, insofar as possible, the preservation of natural and historic features, areas and structures as identified in the Comprehensive Plan to be worthy of such preservation and to insure public access to such features, areas and structures where appropriate.
D. 
Conformance with Comprehensive Plan. The layout or arrangement of the subdivision or land development shall conform to the North Middleton Township Comprehensive Plan and any regulations or maps adopted in furtherance thereof.
E. 
Conformance with Zoning Ordinance. The layout or arrangement of the subdivision or land development shall conform to Chapter 204, Zoning, of the code of Township of North Middleton.
All lots shall front on a public or private street as provided in this chapter. Streets shall be designed and constructed as follows:
A. 
Street pattern. The proposed street pattern shall be integrated with existing and/or officially planned streets and it shall be related to topography to produce usable lots and reasonable street grades. Streets in and bordering a subdivision or land development shall be coordinated, and be of such widths and grades and in such locations as deemed necessary to accommodate prospective traffic, and facilitate fire protection.
B. 
Where adjoining areas are not subdivided, the arrangement of streets in new subdivisions shall make provisions for the proper projection of streets to the boundaries of the tract to be subdivided.
C. 
Where a development is to be constructed in phases, the arrangement of streets in each phase shall make provisions for the proper projections of streets to the boundaries of the next phase.
D. 
Design and purpose. Streets shall be designed according to their function and laid out to preserve the integrity of their design in accordance with the following functional classification unless otherwise determined by the Board.
(1) 
Arterial roads. This classification includes highways which provide, develop or may develop substantial volumes of traffic. Design features of arterial roads must permit high operating speeds. An arterial roadway is a roadway upon which mobility is essential and local access is minimized. All arterial roadways shall have as few access points as minimally necessary, and in all cases shall be accessed only by other arterial, collectors, local roads, and access drives if the standards, criteria and conditions of this chapter are satisfied. All such access to arterial roads shall be accompanied by adequate traffic control devices to insure the safe and efficient movement of traffic.
(2) 
Collectors. A collector is a roadway upon which mobility and local access are of equal importance. The collector shall provide mobility from the local and collector roadway networks to the arterial road network. Collectors shall be accessed by arterials, other collectors, local roads, access drives and driveways, if the standards, conditions and criteria of this chapter are satisfied.
(3) 
Local roads. This classification includes all public roads which are not included in higher classifications. A local road is a roadway upon which mobility and through traffic is minimized and access is of primary importance. Access to local roads is permitted only by other collector roads, as specified in Subsection D(2) above, local roads, alleys, access drives and driveways, if the standards, conditions and criteria of the chapter are satisfied.
(4) 
Alleys and service drives. This classification is intended to include minor streets which provide secondary access to the back or side of properties abutting a street. It is also intended to include private streets which are parallel to arterial highways and collector roadways providing service access to property fronting on such highways and roadways.
(5) 
Cul-de-sac. This classification is intended to include streets which have a turnaround area at their termini.
(6) 
Dead-end streets. This classification of street is prohibited unless designed as a permanent cul-de-sac.
E. 
Roads shall be laid out according to the following minimum schedule; however, additional road width may be required as determined by the Board to ensure public safety and convenience in accordance with this chapter.
Type of Road
Standard
Arterial roads
Penn DOT standards
Collector roads
Penn DOT standards
Right-of-way
50 or 60 feet (as approved by Township Engineer)
Cartway (with curbing)
32 feet minimum
Cartway (without curbing)
24 feet
Shoulders
4 feet on each side
Local roads
Right-of-way
50 feet
Cartway (with curbing)
32 feet minimum
Cartway (without curbing)
24 feet
Cartway (Parking on 2 sides of the street)
36 feet (curbing required)
Cartway (parking on 1 side of the street)
32 feet (curbing required)
Shoulders
4 feet on each side
Alley or service drives (to be dedicated to the Township)
Right-of-way
33 feet
Cartway (with curbing)
24 feet minimum
Cartway (without curbing)
18 feet
Shoulders
2 feet on each side
F. 
Cul-de-sac streets.
(1) 
Permanent cul-de-sac streets shall not be utilized, unless specifically approved by the Board of Supervisors after recommendation by the Planning Commission.
(a) 
A cul-de-sac street will be approved when a through street is not more advantageous. To be recommended for approval, the applicant must demonstrate that there is no other manner in which to design a street system due to topography or land parcel shape or size.
(b) 
Permanent cul-de-sac streets shall not exceed a center-line distance of 1,200 feet in length nor be less than 250 feet in length, measured from edge of the intersection of a street which is not a cul-de-sac to the end of the improved cartway at the end of the cul-de-sac street.
(c) 
Any street which is terminated for access to an adjoining property or because of authorized stage development shall be provided with a temporary, all-weather turnaround paved in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The use of such turnaround shall be guaranteed until such time as the street is extended. All cul-de-sac streets, whether permanently or temporarily designed, shall be provided at the closed end with a fully paved turnaround constructed to the specifications of this chapter. The developer who extends a street which has been provided with a temporary turnaround shall remove the temporary turnaround and restore the area of the temporary turnaround.
(2) 
Unless future extension is clearly impractical or undesirable, the turnaround right-of-way shall be placed adjacent to a property line and a right-of-way of the same width as the street shall be carried to the property line in such a way as to permit future extension of the street into the adjoining tract. At such time as such a street is extended, the coverage created by the turnaround outside the boundaries of the extended street shall revert in ownership to the property owners fronting on the cul-de-sac turnaround. The small triangles of land beyond the cul-de-sac to the tract boundary shall be so deemed that, until the street is continued, maintenance of these corners of land will be the responsibility of the adjoining owners.
(3) 
Residential cul-de-sac streets shall be provided at the closed end with a paved turnaround having a minimum diameter to the outer pavement edge or curbline of not less than 90 feet and a right-of-way line diameter of not less than 100 feet.
(4) 
Commercial or industrial cul-de-sac streets shall be provided at the closed end with a paved turnaround having a minimum diameter to the outer pavement edge or curbline of not less than 120 feet and a right-of-way line diameter of not less than 140 feet.
(5) 
Cul-de-sac streets in commercial and industrial development shall also be subject to review and approval of the Township Engineer as to adequacy to handle projected traffic.
(6) 
Drainage of cul-de-sac shall, wherever possible, be toward the open end of the cul-de-sac.
(7) 
All cul-de-sac streets shall be designed with an area reserved for the Township to push snow during snow removal operations. An easement shall be provided indicating that the Township has the right to use the area for snow removal. A curb cut shall be provided at least 20 feet in width so that snow can be pushed into the easement area. This easement shall have a minimum dimension of 20 feet by 20 feet.
(8) 
All street design standards herein which are pertinent to cul-de-sac shall apply.
G. 
Private streets.
(1) 
New private streets. Private streets are prohibited unless they meet the same design standards and specifications as public streets and unless they are accompanied by a right-of-way and permanent maintenance agreement subject to review and approval by the Township. This agreement shall be recorded with the office of the Cumberland County Recorder of Deeds on the same date as the recording of the final plan. The agreement shall contain at least the following:
(a) 
Identification of all parties with responsibility for the ownership and maintenance of the private street.
(b) 
Provision for enforcing the agreement upon all parties of the agreement.
(c) 
Assurance that the street will be constructed and maintained in conformance with this chapter.
(d) 
A requirement that a future offer of dedication will not be made until and unless the street is restored to the prevailing standards for a Township street.
(e) 
A requirement that an offer of dedication will include either the entire street system, or sections which provide reasonable circulation with the public street system.
(f) 
A method for assessing maintenance repair cost.
H. 
Where a subdivision abuts or contains an existing right-of-way of inadequate width, sufficient additional width shall be required to meet the above standards.
I. 
Additional right-of-way and cartway widths may be required by the Board of Supervisors to promote public safety and convenience when special conditions require it and to provide parking space in areas of intensive use.
J. 
Street grades. The minimum center-line grade for all streets shall be 1% and the maximum grade shall be as follows:
(1) 
Arterial streets: PennDOT standards.
(2) 
Collector streets: 7%.
(3) 
Local roads and alleys: 10%.
(4) 
Cul-de-sac: 10%.
(5) 
Cul-de-sac turnarounds: 4%.
(6) 
Private rights-of-way: 10%.
(7) 
Refer to § 180-34O(4) for grades within intersections.
K. 
Crown. The slope of the crown on all streets shall be not less than 1/8 nor more than 1/3 inch per foot.
L. 
Shoulders. Shoulders shall have a slope of 1/2 inch per foot.
M. 
Street construction standards. Streets must be constructed to the grades and dimensions drawn on the plans, profiles, and cross sections submitted by the applicant and approved by the Board of Supervisors. Before paving the street's surface, the applicant must install the required utilities and service laterals and provide, where necessary, adequate stormwater drainage for the street as approved by the Supervisors. All subgrade and paving work must be supervised by the Township Supervisors or their representative. All subgrade, stone subbase, and base pavement must lay over the winter months from November 1 through May 1, before being paved with the wearing course. The wearing course shall only be placed between May 1 and October 31. Prior to the commencement of paving, the Township shall be contacted to determine the suitability of compaction. The pavement base, wearing surface, and shoulders must be constructed according to the specifications in Table 180-34A, excepting, however, that for the construction of arterial roads or highways, the subdivider shall consult the Supervisors and be governed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the method of construction to be used. The developer shall also be responsible for the erection of all traffic control signage (i.e., warning, advisory, and informational) of the type and grade deemed necessary by the Board of Supervisors and must be installed in accordance with the latest addition of PennDOT's Sign Foreman Manual Publication 108.
Table 180-34A
Street Construction Specifications*
Thickness
Type Material
Local Roads
Collector Street
Flexible pavements
Superpave Wearing Course
Thickness
2 inches
2 inches
Superpave Mix
9.5 mm
9.5 mm
Superpave Base Course
Thickness
3.5 inches
6 inches
Superpave Mix
25 mm
37.5 mm
2A Subbase
6 inches
8 inches
Shoulders
Same construction and pavement standard as the cartway
NOTES:
*
All components of the street construction shall conform to the specifications set forth in the "Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408 Specifications," 2020 as amended.
**
The Township Engineer will consider alternative paving specifications subject to submission of paving plan supported by site specifications testing and a geotechnical analysis, PA approved. This plan must be certified by a licensed engineer.
N. 
Driveway entrances. Driveway entrances or aprons within the street right-of-way shall be surfaced to their full width, and in no case less than 10 feet, the type of surface to be either plain cement concrete (minimum depth of four inches) or the same pavement as specified above. Where sidewalks are installed, the required driveway surfacing shall be plain cement concrete and end at the street side of the sidewalk.
O. 
Intersections.
(1) 
Intersections involving the junction of more than two streets are prohibited. Right-angle intersections must be used wherever possible; however, in no case shall streets intersect at less than 70° (measured on the center lines of the streets).
(2) 
Curb radii. At intersections of streets, the radius of the curb or edge of shoulder shall not be less than the following:
Intersection
Minimum Simple Curve Radii of Curb or Edge of Shoulder
(feet)
Arterial with Arterial
45
Arterial with Collector Street
45
Collector with Collector Street
35
Collector with Local Road
25
Local Road with Local Road
20
Alleys with all streets
15
(3) 
Clear sight triangle. Proper sight lines must be maintained at all street intersections and at driveway/access drive intersections with streets. Measured along the center line, there must be a clear sight triangle of 75 feet (150 feet for arterial streets) from the point of intersection and as set forth in Chapter 204, Zoning, and no building or permanent obstruction and/or plant materials over 18 inches high shall be placed within the clear sight triangle.
(4) 
Maximum grade within any intersection shall not exceed 4% in any direction, and approaches to any intersection shall follow a straight course both vertically and horizontally within 100 feet of the intersection. The intersection grade requirement applies to intersections involving arterial and collector streets, local roads and alleys, culs-de-sac, and private rights-of-way.
P. 
Streets not in alignment. If streets are not in alignment, the distance between the center lines of streets opening on opposite sides of an existing or proposed street shall be no less than 125 feet.
Q. 
Sight distance. Sight distance must be provided with respect to both horizontal and vertical alignment. Passing sight distance and stopping sight distance shall comply with the minimum requirements of PennDOT Publication 70, based on highway classification and speed limit.
R. 
Curves, horizontal.
(1) 
Where connecting street lines deflect from each other at any one point, the lines must be connected with a true, circular curve.
(2) 
The minimum radius of the center line for the curve must be as follows:
Type of Street
Minimum Radius
(feet)
Arterial
500
Collector
300
Local
200
(3) 
Straight portions of the street must be tangent to the beginning or end of curves.
S. 
Curves, vertical. Vertical curves shall be used in changes of grade when the algebraic difference exceeds 1%, and shall be designed for maximum visibility. Intersections shall be approached on all sides by requirements of Publication 70, based on highway classification and speed limit.
T. 
Slope of banks along streets. The slope of banks along streets measured perpendicular to the street center line shall be no steeper than the following:
(1) 
One foot of vertical measurement for three feet of horizontal measurement for fills.
(2) 
One foot of vertical measurement for two feet of horizontal measurement for cuts.
U. 
Names of streets. Names of new streets shall not duplicate or approximate existing or platted street names, or approximate such names by the use of suffixes as lane, way, drive, court, avenue. In approving the names of streets, cognizance may be given to existing or platted street names within the postal delivery district served by the local post office. New streets shall bear the same name or number of any continuation or alignment with an existing or platted street. The names of new streets should be submitted to the Cumberland County Master Street and Address Guide (MSAG) Coordinator for review and approval for 911 emergency service response. The Township shall have the authority to disapprove any proposed street name.
V. 
Alleys and service drives. The following standards shall apply to the design and location of alleys and service drives:
(1) 
Alleys shall not be permitted in residential developments except by the permission of the Board of Supervisors. All buildings or other structures adjacent to any alley must comply with the side or rear yard setbacks from the alley right-of-way line as included in the appropriate district regulations in Chapter 204, Zoning.
(2) 
Alleys, primary or secondary access drives serving commercial and industrial establishments are required unless other provisions for service are provided.
W. 
Joint use driveways.
(1) 
A joint use driveway as the sole means of ingress and egress between a subdivision or land development and public rights-of-way serving more than one lot or dwelling unit are discouraged. The Supervisors, upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission, may, at the Board's discretion, grant modification of the requirement that lots or developments be accessed by a public street if the literal enforcement of said requirement will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question, provided that the modification shall not be contrary to the public interest and that the purpose and intent of the chapter is observed, and further provided that each lot or development is sufficiently accessed by a joint use driveway which shall be adequately designed to safely accommodate the traffic expected from the proposed and foreseeable development, and provided further that the proposed joint use driveway shall not be required to carry significant traffic.
(2) 
It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to substantiate adequately the need for such relief in accordance with Article XIV.
(3) 
Joint use driveways shall not be approved if:
(a) 
A bridge or other structure is located on the joint use driveway which is not in conformity with standards determined appropriate by the Township Engineer.
(b) 
Access to the properties serviced by the joint use driveway by emergency vehicles shall be inhibited.
(c) 
The joint use driveway would service more than three dwelling units.
(4) 
Supervisors may approve joint use driveways, provided the following conditions are met:
(a) 
Existing joint use driveways proposed to serve more than one lot or dwelling unit shall:
[1] 
Existing joint use driveways shall be improved with a dustless surface as specified on the final plan. When serving more than one lot, a minimum of six inches of shale and two inches of 2A modified stone shall be required along with a minimum cartway width of 14 feet with the cartway placed in the center of a private right-of-way. Any joint use driveway serving one lot and running through or between existing lots shall be a minimum of six inches of shale, two inches 2A modified stone up to the point where the bordering lots end and shall have the cartway placed in the center of said right-of-way.
[2] 
The cartway shall provide a paved apron at any public road or street intersection, within the established right-of-way of the public road or street. The paving specification shall be the same as required for the classification of the adjacent public road or street.
[3] 
Serve no more than a total of three lots or dwelling units.
[4] 
Provide adequate access for emergency vehicles.
[5] 
A private right-of-way shall be legally recorded with a minimum width of 20 feet. A right-of-way agreement shall be recorded with the office of the Cumberland County Recorder of Deeds in conjunction with the Final Plan. This agreement should specify ownership, use and maintenance responsibilities.
[6] 
Meet minimum, clear sight distances as set forth in this chapter.
[7] 
Security shall be posted for joint use driveways to ensure completion of any improvements, in accordance with Article XIII.
[8] 
Any subdivision or land development plan proposing a joint use driveway, approved by the Township under the provisions of this chapter, shall include the following notation on the plan sheet and shall be subject to the provisions specified therein.
"Each deed for the transfer or conveyance of any lot(s) shown on this plan shall contain restrictions and/or conditions that the private right-of-way and joint use driveway shown hereon shall remain a private right-of-way, and that the purchasers or owners of said lot(s), their heirs, successors and assigns, shall be responsible for the construction, maintenance, repair and snow and ice removal of said joint use driveway within the private right-of-way; which restrictions and/or conditions shall be deemed to be covenants running with the land. North Middleton Township shall not now, nor at any time in the future, have responsibility for the construction, maintenance, repair or snow and ice removal of any private right-of-way or joint use driveway shown on this plan, and, no further subdivision of any lot shown on this plan or the tract from which such lots have been subdivided shall be allowed, unless and until such right-of-way or joint use driveway is constructed or improved to current Township standards as a Local Road and offered for dedication in accordance with the requirements of the North Middleton Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance."
As noted, this language shall also be required on the deed to be recorded in the Recorder of Deeds Office.
(b) 
Joint use driveways proposed to serve one or more lot or dwelling unit shall:
[1] 
The proposed joint use driveway shall be improved with a dustless surface as specified on the final plan. When serving more than one lot a minimum of six inches of shale and two inches of 2A modified stone shall be required along with a minimum cartway width of 20 feet with the cartway placed in the center of a private right-of-way. Any joint use driveway serving one lot and running through or between existing lots shall be a minimum of six inches of shale, two inches of 2A modified stone up to the point where the bordering lots end and shall have the cartway placed in the center of said right-of-way.
[2] 
The cartway shall provide a paved apron at any public road or street intersection, within the established right-of-way of the public road or street. The paving specification shall be the same as required for the classification of the adjacent public road or street.
[3] 
Serve no more than a total of three lots or dwelling units.
[4] 
Provide adequate access for emergency vehicles.
[5] 
A private right-of-way shall be legally recorded with a minimum width of 50 feet. A right-of-way agreement shall be recorded with the office of the Cumberland County Recorder of Deeds in conjunction with the Final Plan. This agreement should specify ownership, use and maintenance responsibilities.
[6] 
Meet minimum clear sight distances as set forth in this chapter.
[7] 
Security shall be posted for joint use driveways to ensure completion of any improvements, in accordance with Article XIII.
[8] 
Any subdivision or land development plan proposing a joint use driveway, approved by the Township under the provisions of this chapter, shall include the following notation on the plan sheet and shall be subject to the provisions specified therein.
"Each deed for the transfer or conveyance of any lot(s) shown on this plan shall contain restrictions and/or conditions that the private right-of-way and joint use driveway shown hereon shall remain a private right-of-way, and that the purchasers or owners of said lot(s), their heirs, successors and assigns, shall be responsible for the construction, maintenance, repair and snow and ice removal of said joint use driveway within the private right-of-way; which restrictions and/or conditions shall be deemed to be covenants running with the land. North Middleton Township shall not now, nor at any time in the future, have responsibility for the construction, maintenance, repair or snow and ice removal of any private right-of-way or joint use driveway shown on this plan, and, no further subdivision of any lot shown on this plan or the tract from which such lots have been subdivided shall be allowed, unless and until such right-of-way or joint use driveway is constructed or improved to current Township standards as a local road and offered for dedication in accordance with the requirements of the North Middleton Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance."
As noted, this language shall also be required on the deed to be recorded in the Recorder of Deeds Office.
X. 
Streets. When streets become passable, they shall be adequately signed and identified, and all houses, places of business, and other such buildings shall be conspicuously numbered for identification purposes, consistent with any applicable ordinances or Township permits.
Y. 
Snowplowing. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to properly maintain all roads and keep them reasonably free and clear of snow and ice and other debris until such time as the Township has accepted an offer of public dedication thereon. In the event the developer should at any time fail to reasonably fulfill this responsibility, the Township and its agents, in its discretion, may enter the premises to properly maintain the road or remove any snow and ice, and the developer shall be held liable for all costs incurred by the Township therefor, including, but not limited to, costs associated with manpower, equipment and any damage that may occur to the Township equipment. In addition, the applicant/developer and/or owner agree to hold the Township harmless in the event of damage to the property or improvements and to indemnify the Township for any loss incurred by the Township. Such actions by the Township shall not in any way be construed to constitute an acceptance of the road for public dedication, or otherwise require the Township to regularly maintain any of the roads.
Z. 
Subdivision compliance with road access requirements. No subdivision of land shall be permitted unless it is shown that each proposed lot, tract, or parcel will be able to obtain access to a public street without violating any road access standards specified elsewhere in this chapter or any other ordinance or law.
AA. 
Construction of temporary or permanent ramps. The construction of temporary or permanent ramps of any material for the purpose of crossing a curb on a dedicated Township road shall be strictly prohibited. A note shall be placed on the plan acknowledging compliance with this section.
BB. 
Placement of dumpsters. The placement of dumpster on any dedicated Township road shall be strictly prohibited.
A. 
General layout.
(1) 
In general, the lengths, depths, and shapes of blocks and lots must be determined with regard to:
(a) 
Provision of adequate building sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use contemplated.
(b) 
Zoning requirements as to lot sizes, dimensions, yards and other open areas.
(c) 
Needs for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of street traffic.
(d) 
Limitations and opportunities of topography.
(2) 
Blocks shall not exceed 1,200 feet nor be less than 500 feet in length.
(3) 
Blocks shall be of sufficient depth to permit two tiers of lots, except where reverse frontage lots are necessary or in the case of cluster layouts or other site-specific limitations.
(4) 
In nonresidential areas, the block and lot layout must be designed with consideration of site conditions:
(a) 
To permit the most efficient arrangement of space for present use and future expansion.
(b) 
To permit adequate, safe worker and patron access, circulation and parking, as well as loading and unloading.
B. 
Lot size. The minimum lot size shall be as required by Chapter 204, Zoning.
C. 
Lot width. The minimum lot width shall be as required by Chapter 204, Zoning.
D. 
Lot frontage. The minimum lot frontage shall be as required by the Chapter 204, Zoning.
E. 
Double frontage lots.
(1) 
Double frontage lots shall be discouraged, except where desired along limited access highways, or required due to the limitations of a specific site. Reverse frontage lots adjacent to limited access highways must face on an interior street, and back on such thoroughfares. Where a lot is permitted to have reverse frontage, a landscaped screen shall be provided between the lot and the limited access highway.
(2) 
Access to all other double frontage lots shall be limited to the street of lower classification.
F. 
Lot lines. Lot lines shall be approximately at right angles or radial to street lines so long as reasonably shaped lots result.
G. 
Lot access. Every lot shall have access off a street which shall be properly designed, improved, and constructed as required by this chapter. Lots in a subdivision or land development which are proposed to front upon an existing Township or state road which is not improved to the standards set forth herein shall, as a minimum, comply with the right-of-way requirements of § 180-34.
H. 
Street address numbers shall be assigned to each lot by the Township or other assigning entity.
A. 
Width; location. When easements are required for any utility serving a subdivision or land development, they must be a minimum of 20 feet wide and must, to the fullest extent possible, be adjacent to, or centered on, rear or side lot lines.
B. 
Natural gas lines. All natural gas lines must be installed in compliance with the applicable state or federal laws. The minimum distance from a natural gas line to a dwelling unit or other structure must be as required by the applicable transmission or distribution company.
C. 
Petroleum lines. Minimum setback easements, as established by the owner of such easement must be maintained.
D. 
Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainageway, channel or stream, there shall be provided a drainage easement conforming substantially with the line of such watercourse, drainageway, channel or stream, and of such width as will be adequate to preserve the unimpeded flow of natural drainage as required by Article IX or X herein (whichever governs), or for the purpose of widening, deepening, relocating, improving or protecting such drainage facilities, or for the purpose of installing a stormwater sewer.
A. 
Streets shall be laid out to provide access to all lots and to adjacent undeveloped property, in which event the subdivider or developer shall improve or reserve access streets to the limit of the subdivision or development.
B. 
In the event that the Board of Supervisors shall determine that the literal enforcement of the requirement that all lots shall front on a public or private street would constitute a hardship to the owner of the property, up to three lots, which include a parent tract, may be proposed for service by a joint use driveway on the parent tract which is in existence at the time of enactment of this chapter. However, this provision may only be utilized for one joint use driveway per parent tract at the Board of Supervisor's discretion. Such joint use driveway shall be designed to provide safe access to said lots and where such approval, in the opinion of the Board of Supervisors, will not adversely affect public health or safety, including but not limited to accessibility for fire and ambulance service and impact on bridges or other structures.
C. 
The location and number of access points to a subdivision or land development shall be adequate for and appropriate to the size and nature of the development and surrounding roads and land uses.
(1) 
All subdivisions and land developments containing more than 20 dwelling units shall have at least two means of ingress and egress via streets or access drives meeting the design and construction standards of the Township.
(2) 
For all subdivisions and land developments for which only one means of ingress or egress is proposed, the North Middleton Township Board of Supervisors may require, where deemed necessary in the public interest and for the public safety, the provision of an additional street or access drive meeting Township standards or the provision of an alternative means of ingress or egress meeting Township standards which could be used by emergency vehicles. Such alternative means of ingress and egress shall be of such width, and improved to such an extent to be usable by emergency vehicles, and shall not be occupied by structures, trees or similar obstructions.
All sidewalks constructed within the Township shall conform to the following requirements. Where sidewalks are mandatory curbs shall also be required.
A. 
Installation. Wherever a proposed subdivision or land development plan shall have an average of three or more lots or dwelling units per net acre, is a nonresidential subdivision or land development (not including agriculture), is located in the vicinity of shopping centers, schools, recreation areas and other such facilities or is immediately adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of any existing or recorded subdivision or land development plan located along the same side of a connecting street having sidewalks, such sidewalks shall be installed on all lot frontages and a vegetative strip of four feet in width shall be provided between the sidewalk and curb.
(1) 
Sidewalks shall be located within the right-of-way of the street, shall be four feet in width and abut the vegetative strip. A grass area shall be maintained between the sidewalk and curb.
(2) 
In the vicinity of shopping centers, schools, recreation areas and other such facilities, sidewalks must be at least five feet wide and terminate at the street right-of-way line.
(3) 
If the Township deems necessary, for health and safety conditions, connectivity, or convenience, sidewalks may be required at the Board of Supervisors' discretion.
B. 
Construction. Sidewalks located within the dedicated street right-of-way shall be constructed of cement concrete according to the standards set forth in the most recent edition or revision of PennDOT Specification Form 408.
C. 
Waiver of requirement. The Board of Supervisors may waive a requirement for the construction of sidewalks. A grant of such a waiver shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board of Supervisors and shall require that the following language be shown on the final plan:
"The owners of these lots, upon notification by North Middleton Township, shall be responsible for the construction of sidewalks to Township specifications within six months of the date of such notification."
D. 
Sidewalks shall be ADA compliant.
E. 
Where, in order to promote the continuation of sidewalks over and across property in a planned community, condominium, or other development containing a homeowner's association, condominium association or the like, and where sidewalks are required under this chapter, all sidewalks within the development shall be connected and sidewalks shall be required to be installed and maintained across commonly owned property of all homeowners and any association in order to create a connected, continuous sidewalk system throughout the development and to avoid areas along the common ground where sidewalks start and stop and prevent the continuity and continuous sidewalk path throughout the proposed development.
Construction of curbs and gutters within the Township shall conform to the following requirements:
A. 
When required. Whenever a proposed subdivision or land development plan shall have an average of three or more lots or dwelling units per acre, is a nonresidential subdivision or land development, or where any project is immediately adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of any existing or recorded subdivision or land development located along the same side of a connecting street and having curbs, curbs shall be installed on all lot frontages on the street. In areas where curbing is not required, suitable gutters shall be designed and installed, subject to Township approval, to control stormwater runoff and erosion. If curbs are to be installed, the pavement shall extend from curb to curb. When the stormwater management plan, as determined by the Township, adequately controls surface water, curbs and gutters and such would not be necessary hereunder except for the density provisions herein, the curbing requirements hereof may be waived by the Township as provided for below.
B. 
Construction. Curbs and gutters shall be constructed according to the standards set forth in the most recent edition or revision of PennDOT Specifications, Form 408. The type of curbs or gutters shall be determined by the Engineer. Curbs must be of eight-inch vertical face design. Concrete gutter/curb combination is prohibited where streets are proposed to be dedicated to the Township, or could be dedicated to the Township in the future.
C. 
Waiver of requirement. The Board of Supervisors may waive a requirement for the construction of curbs. A grant of such a waiver shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board of Supervisors and shall require that the following language be shown on the final plan:
"The owners of these lots, upon notification by North Middleton Township, shall be responsible for the construction of curbs to Township specifications within six months of the date of notification."
D. 
If the Township deems necessary, for health and safety conditions, curbs and gutters may be required at the Board of Supervisors' discretion.
All outdoor lighting installed and/or replaced in North Middleton Township after the effective date of this chapter shall comply with the provisions of § 204-37 related to outdoor lighting within Chapter 204, Zoning.
A. 
Purpose. To ensure that present and future residents of the Township will have available to them adequate parks, recreational areas and facilities by establishing requirements for the dedication of land or a fee in lieu of such dedication to be imposed upon subdividers and land developers as authorized by the Municipalities Planning Code. All land so dedicated or fees collected in lieu thereof shall be used only for the purpose of providing accessible park or recreational facilities. The decision to require dedication of land or a fee in lieu of such dedication will be made at the option of the Board of Supervisors and/or at the recommendation of the Township Engineer.
B. 
Applicability. This section shall apply to all subdivisions and land developments in North Middleton Township, including mobile home parks.
C. 
General requirement. Every subdivision or land development shall, as a condition to approval, and subject to the standards for acceptance set forth hereafter, provide for the development of recreational areas or facilities by either the dedication of land suitable therefor or the payment of a fee in lieu of such dedication. The Board of Supervisors has the option to require the subdivider and/or land developer to make either a dedication of land or pay a fee in lieu of such dedication in accordance with the hereinafter established standards:
(1) 
Land dedication requirement. Except as hereinafter provided, every owner, subdivider or developer of a subdivision or land development shall dedicate a portion of the land proposed for said development to the Township for recreational purposes in accordance with the following standards and formula:
(a) 
Single-family detached or semidetached, including each mobile home pad in a mobile home park shall dedicate a minimum of 3,000 square feet per lot or dwelling unit.
(b) 
Multifamily developments shall dedicate a minimum of 3,000 square feet per unit. Twenty five percent of the land so dedicated may be included in and used to satisfy the open space requirement for development.
(c) 
Conversions from single- to multifamily will be subject to the standard for multifamily developments.
(d) 
Nonresidential developments shall dedicate a minimum of 10% of gross land area to recreational use.
(e) 
Single lot one-time exemption. The subdivision or development of one single-family residential lot from a larger tract shall be exempt from the dedication or fee requirements of this chapter; provided, however, that this exemption shall be available one time only and further subdivisions or land development from the same tract shall not be exempted. Further, a note shall be made on the subdivision plan that the one-time exemption was applied.
(2) 
Standards and criteria for dedication and acceptance of recreational land. Acceptance of dedication shall be at the option of the Board of Supervisors. In determining whether to accept or reject land offered for dedication the Board shall consider the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Board and the following factors:
(a) 
All land offered for dedication shall be contiguous and located in a single area of not less than three acres in area.
(b) 
Not more than 25% of the offered land shall be located in a floodplain or exceed a slope in excess of 8%.
(c) 
Offered land must be suitable for recreational use as a public park based upon its size, topography and soil conditions.
(d) 
Offered land shall abut and have direct access to a public road and shall be suitable for the installation of water and sewer facilities and other utilities.
(e) 
The decision of the Board of Supervisors to accept or reject dedication shall be conclusive. In the event dedication is rejected, the developer or subdivider shall comply with the provisions herein for payment of a fee in lieu of dedication.
(3) 
Fees in lieu of dedication.
(a) 
In lieu of dedication of land as aforesaid, the developer or subdivider shall pay a fee to the Township in an amount based upon a schedule of fees adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. Said fee schedule shall establish a set fee for lots and dwelling units, including mobile home pads thereon, and may be revised from time to time without further amendment of this chapter.
(b) 
Payment of fees. All fees hereunder shall be due and payable in full upon approval of the subdivision or land development plan or any phase or section thereof.
D. 
Use of land or fees received. All land or fees received by the Township shall be used to establish and develop recreational areas and facilities within the Township which shall be reasonably available for use and enjoyment by the residents of the development or subdivision assessed for said lands or fees. Such facilities shall not however be required to be within or immediately adjoining such subdivisions or developments. A separate park and recreation capital account in the name of the Township shall be established to set aside the funds collected and ensure their use for recreational purposes exclusively. Said account shall be an interest-bearing account, and funds not utilized within the period provided by law shall, upon request, be returned to the owner or developer in accordance with the provisions of Municipalities Planning Code.
A. 
Monuments must be set:
(1) 
At the intersections of all street right-of-way lines.
(2) 
At the intersection of lines forming angles in the boundaries of the subdivision.
(3) 
At one corner of a lot comprising a single lot subdivision, or at one predominant intersection of a street and a property line of a lot in a subdivision comprised of not more than five contiguous lots or parcels.
(4) 
At least three predominant line intersections or line angles in subdivisions of more than five lots or parcels, and in any land development plan. When any plan of development and/or subdivision encompasses more than 20 acres, the Township Supervisors and/or the Township Engineer may require additional monuments at designated points.
(5) 
Such other points as may be required by the Township Supervisors when unusual conditions may create sight problems or cause unusual deviation from normal surveying practice.
B. 
Markers must be set:
(1) 
At all corners, except those monumented.
(2) 
By the time the property is offered for sale.
(3) 
At the beginning and ending of curves along street property lines if not monumented.
(4) 
At points where lot lines intersect curves either front or rear.
(5) 
At angles in property lines of lots.
C. 
Monuments and markers shall be made of the following size and material:
(1) 
Monuments shall be four inches square or four inches in diameter and shall be 30 inches long. Monuments shall be made of concrete, stone or by setting a four-inch cast iron or steel pipe filled with concrete.
(2) 
Markers shall be 3/4 inch square or 3/4 inch in diameter and 24 inches long. Markers shall be made of iron pipes or iron or steel bars.
D. 
Monuments and markers must be placed so that the scored or marked point coincides exactly with the point of intersection of the lines being monumented. They must be set so that the top of the monument or marker is level with the finished grade of the surrounding ground. Monuments must be marked on top with a copper or brass plate or dowel set in the concrete.
A. 
Where a public sanitary sewer system is within 1,000 feet, or where plans approved by the municipality provide for the installation of such public sanitary sewer facilities to within 1,000 feet of a proposed subdivision, the subdivider shall provide the subdivision with a complete sanitary sewer system. The design and installation shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors, such approval to be based on the North Middleton Authority's recommendation.
B. 
Where the installation of a public sanitary sewer system is not required, the subdivider 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 and tile absorption field or other approved sewage disposal system. All such individual sewage disposal systems shall be constructed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
C. 
Where a private, community sewerage system is proposed, such system shall be subject to approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection before approval by the Township. As a condition of Township approval, the Board, upon recommendation of the Planning Commission, may establish terms for future acceptance of such system on behalf of the North Middleton Authority which may include a deferral of acceptance or a permanent refusal to accept. All private, community sewerage systems shall be owned and maintained by a perpetual entity, and such ownership and maintenance responsibility shall be clearly established as a condition of final plan approval.
D. 
Where a water main supply system is within 1,000 feet of, or where plans approved by the Township provide for the installation of such public water facilities, the subdivider shall provide the subdivision with a complete water main supply system to be connected to the existing or proposed water main supply system. The design and installation shall be subject to the approval of the agency or entity having jurisdiction as a condition of Township approval.
E. 
Where installation of a public water main supply system is not required, the subdivider or owner of the lot shall provide for each lot, at the time improvements are erected thereon, an individual water supply approved when applicable by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as to source, installation, and quality of water.
F. 
Where a private, community water system is proposed, such system shall be subject to the applicable approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection before approval by the Township. As a condition of Township approval, the Board of Supervisors, upon recommendation of the Planning Commission, may establish terms for future acceptance of such system on behalf of the North Middleton Authority which may include a deferral of acceptance or a permanent refusal to accept. All private, community water systems shall be owned and maintained by a perpetual entity, and such ownership and maintenance responsibility shall be clearly established as a condition of final plan approval.
A. 
Purpose. To provide the Board of Supervisors with an opportunity to:
(1) 
Identify traffic and transportation problems associated with the adequacy of the existing transportation network and facilities to provide access to and from and through the site in light of the character and volume of traffic expected to be generated by the proposed subdivision and/or land development.
(2) 
Delineate solutions to such problems or facilities, including the prescription of improvements to be provided by or at the expense of the applicant.
B. 
When required. A transportation impact study shall be submitted regarding subdivisions and land developments which meet the following criteria:
(1) 
Residential: involving 25 or more dwelling units.
(2) 
Nonresidential: involving 50 or more parking spaces.
(3) 
Other: when the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors shall determine that the volume or type of anticipated vehicular movements resulting from the proposed subdivision or land development may adversely impact road conditions.
C. 
By whom prepared; costs.
(1) 
The study shall be prepared by a qualified traffic engineer and/or transportation planner who shall be mutually agreed upon by the developer and the Township. The study preparer shall have sufficient, documented prior traffic study experience to qualify him/her to perform the study and render any opinions and recommendations set forth therein.
(2) 
The cost to prepare the study will be borne entirely by the developer.
D. 
Contents. The study shall contain information, analyses and conclusions regarding the following:
(1) 
General site description. The site description shall include the size, location, proposed land uses, construction staging and completion date of the proposed land development. If the development is residential, types of dwelling units and number of bedrooms shall also be included. The general site description shall also include probable socioeconomic characteristics of potential site uses to the extent that they may affect the transportation needs of the site (i.e., number of senior citizens).
(2) 
Transportation facilities description.
(a) 
Proposed internal transportation system. This description shall show proposed vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian circulation, all proposed ingress and egress locations, all existing or proposed internal roadways, including the widths of paved cartway and rights-of-way, parking conditions, traffic channelization and any other traffic signals or other intersection control devices, within or near the site of the subdivision or land development.
(b) 
External transportation system. This report shall describe the entire external roadway system within the study area of the proposed subdivision or land development. Major intersections in the study area shall be identified and sketched. All existing and proposed public transportation services and facilities within a one-mile radius of the site shall also be documented. All future highway improvements, including proposed construction and traffic signalization, shall be noted. This information shall be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Any proposed roadway improvements resulting from proposed surrounding developments shall also be recorded.
(c) 
Existing traffic conditions. Existing traffic conditions shall be measured and documented for all roadways and intersections in the study area. Existing traffic volumes for average daily traffic, peak highway hour(s) traffic, and peak development-generated hour(s) traffic shall be recorded. Manual traffic counts at major intersections in the study area shall be conducted, encompassing the peak highway and development-generated hour(s) and documentation shall be included in the report. A volume capacity analysis based upon existing volumes shall be performed during the peak highway hour(s) and the peak development-generated hour(s) for all roadways and major intersections in the study area. Levels of service shall be determined for each location. This analysis will determine the adequacy of the existing roadway system to serve the current traffic demand.
(d) 
Transportation impact.
[1] 
Estimation of vehicular trips to result from the proposal shall be completed for the average daily peak highway hour(s) and peak development-generated hour(s). Vehicular trip generation rates to be used for this calculation shall be obtained from the Trip Generation Rates Table found in the latest edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual. These development-generated traffic volumes shall be provided for the inbound and outbound traffic movements as estimated, and the reference source(s) and methodology followed shall be documented. All turning movements shall be calculated. These generated volumes shall be distributed to the study area and assigned to the existing roadways and intersections throughout the area.
[2] 
Documentation of all assumptions used in the distribution and assignment phase shall be provided. Traffic volumes shall be assigned to individual access points. Pedestrian volumes shall also be calculated, if applicable. If school crossings are to be used, pedestrian volumes shall be assigned to each crossing. Any characteristics of the site that will cause particular trip generation problems shall be noted.
(e) 
Conclusions and recommended improvements. Levels of service for all roadways and intersections shall be listed. All roadways and/or intersections showing a level of service below D for signalized intersections and below E for nonsignalized intersections shall be considered deficient, and specific recommendations for the elimination of these problems be listed. This listing of recommended improvements shall include, but not be limited to, the following elements: internal circulation design, site access location and design, external roadway and intersection design and improvements, traffic signal installation and operation, including signal timing, and transit design improvements. All physical roadway improvements shall be shown on the preliminary plan. Existing and/or future public transportation service shall also be addressed. A listing of all actions to be undertaken to increase present public transportation usage and improve service, if applicable, shall be included. An analysis based on the guidelines contained in studies by the Cumberland County Planning Commission and the Tri-County Planning Commission (Carlisle Area Transportation Study) shall be undertaken to indicate whether or not future public transportation service should be provided to the development. The listing of recommended improvements for both roadway and transit shall include, for each improvement, the party responsible for the improvement, the cost and funding of the improvement, and the completion date for the improvement.
(3) 
Modified study. Whenever a study is required solely because of the findings of the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors as provided in Subsection B(3) above, or if the Board of Supervisors shall conclude that certain of the required information, analyses or conclusions are unnecessary for an identification of the traffic problems or finding solutions therefor, the Board of Supervisors shall delineate the scope and contents of the study so as to include only those matters it deems appropriate to aid in the identification and solutions of the problems envisaged.
A. 
General arrangements. Streets, roadways, alleys, driveways, and private drives form the circulation system. The circulation system shall be designed to:
(1) 
Permit the safe, efficient and orderly movement of vehicles.
(2) 
Provide, when possible, two directions of vehicular access by means of a street or access drive to and within a development.
(3) 
Meet the needs for the present and future population.
(4) 
Provide a simple and logical pattern.
(5) 
Respect the natural features and topography.
(6) 
Present an attractive streetscape.
B. 
Access onto state and Township roadways shall be controlled in a manner which is intended for the safe operation of vehicles on and along public streets and highway facilities. The functional classification and speed limit of a roadway will determine the location, number, and spacing between access points allowed onto the roadway.
C. 
Unless otherwise indicated herein, proposed location and spacing of new access drives/driveways accessing roadways must comply with standards set forth in the Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Transportation, Chapter 441, Access to and Occupancy of Highways by Driveways and Local Roads, with respect to safe and desirable sight and stopping sight distances.