A. 
Compliance with applicable regulations.
(1) 
The design and improvements regulations of this article are the minimum requirements for the promotion of public health, safety and general welfare. In addition to these design and improvements regulations, all land developments must comply with the following:
(a) 
All applicable federal, state, county, and City regulations, including zoning, housing, building, and health codes;
(b) 
The comprehensive plan, public utilities plan, "vision zero" and "complete streets" policies, capital improvements program, bicycle plan, and other adopted city plans and policies;
(c) 
All applicable regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT); and
(d) 
Standards and regulations promulgated by the City Engineer, and other authorized City staff and pubic officials.
(2) 
Plan approval may be withheld if a development is not in conformity with applicable regulations or the purposes and policy established in § 350-1E and F.
B. 
Monuments. The developer must place permanent reference monuments in the development as required by this chapter and as approved by the City Engineer.
(1) 
Concrete monuments must be located on street right-of-way lines, at street intersections, angle points of curve and block corners. They must be spaced so as to be within sight of each other, the sight line being wholly contained within the streets limits. The City Surveyor may waive the use of a concrete monument and allow the substitution of iron pins or other suitable permanent survey markers when it is not feasible to install concrete monuments due to topography, soil conditions, or other physical features.
(2) 
Monuments must be located at the intersection of all lines in the internal and external boundaries (perimeters) of all property being developed.
(3) 
All monuments must be set flush with the ground and planted in such a manner that they will not be removed by frost.
(4) 
At least three permanent monuments must be identified on the final plan by state plane coordinates.
C. 
Character of the land. Land that the City determines is unsuitable for development due to flooding, improper drainage, steep slopes, rock formations, adverse earth formations, utility easements, or other features reasonably determined to be harmful to the safety, health, and general welfare of existing or future inhabitants of the development or its surrounding areas, may not be developed unless adequate measures are formulated by the developer to eliminate or mitigate the problems created by the unsuitable land conditions and such measures are approved by the Planning Commission.
D. 
Complete streets.
(1) 
General. Subdivisions and land developments must be planned and designed to accommodate and advance the City's vision zero and complete streets policies, which are intended to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries and ensure safety and convenience for all motorized and non-motorized travelers. The Planning Commission is expressly authorized to impose reasonable conditions to ensure compliance with these policies.
(2) 
Transit. Bus shelters, bus stops and other transit and paratransit improvements may be required as part of all streetscape and street designs based on consultations with the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, as further provided in § 350-10A.
(3) 
Connectivity. Safe and accessible on-site pedestrian routes must be provided to link buildings with public sidewalks and pedestrian routes on abutting parcels.
(4) 
Mobility. Bicycle facilities are required, as identified in the most recent citywide bicycle plan.
E. 
Remnants and land-locked parcels. All portions of a tract being subdivided must be included in lots, streets, public lands or other proposed uses so that remnants and land-locked areas are not created.
A. 
General site grading. All site grading must comply with § 355-10 of Chapter 355, Land Development Controls. Subdivisions and land developments must be designed and laid to avoid the necessity for excessive cut and fill.
B. 
Retaining walls.
(1) 
All retaining walls that will result in an exposed height of four feet or more or that will be subject to loading by vehicular traffic must be designed by a professional engineer experienced in the design of retaining walls.
(2) 
Conceptual designs must be included in the land development design drawings to ensure the walls will be dimensionally capable of being constructed within the limits of the development without impacting adjoining properties or right-of-way.
(3) 
Notations must be added to the land development plans indicating that detailed structural retaining wall design drawings will be submitted for review and be subject to approval by the City or the City's third-party reviewer during the review of building permit plans.
A. 
Lot arrangement. The lot arrangement must be such that there will be no foreseeable difficulties, for reasons of topography or other conditions in securing building permits to build on all lots in compliance with Chapter 660, Zoning, and health regulations and in providing access to buildings on such lots from approved streets.
B. 
Lot dimensions.
(1) 
Lot dimensions must comply with all applicable Chapter 660, Zoning, regulations.
(2) 
The Planning Commission is authorized to deny approval of irregularly shaped lots and lots that have excessive depth in relation to width.
(3) 
Lot lines must be at right angles to street lines (or radial to curving street lines) except when the Planning Commission determines that alternative designs would result in a better street or lot plan.
(4) 
When feasible, lot lines must follow municipal boundaries, with such boundaries preferably coinciding with rear property line. In all cases, buildings on lots must be wholly within a single municipality.
(5) 
The depth and width of lots intended for business, commercial, or industrial use must be adequate to provide for the off-street parking and loading facilities required for the type of use and development contemplated, as established in Chapter 660, Zoning.
C. 
Lot frontage and access to lots.
(1) 
Double or reverse frontage lots are discouraged and are allowed only when deemed appropriate by the City to provide separation of residential development from arterial streets or to overcome specific disadvantages of topography or lot configuration or orientation. When double-frontage lots are approved they are subject to the regulations of double-frontage lots regulations in § 660-18J(5) of Chapter 660, Zoning,.
(2) 
Lots that derive access exclusively from an arterial street are discouraged and are allowed only when the City determines that no other alternatives are feasible. When a driveway access from an arterial or collector street may be necessary for several adjoining lots, the Planning Commission may request that such lots be served by a combined access street in order to limit possible traffic hazards on such street. When possible, driveways must be designed and arranged so as to avoid requiring vehicles to back into traffic on arterial or collector streets.
(3) 
When land has been dedicated for a widening of existing streets, lots must begin at such new street line (right-of-way) and all setbacks must be measured from such line.
(4) 
All new lots must have frontage on a public street that connects to other public streets.
D. 
Lot grading. All lots must be graded toward the street beginning at the front wall of the structure. Openings to buildings may not be less than one foot above the curb elevation except when otherwise approved by the City due to topography or resource protection issues.
E. 
Protection devices. Developers are required to furnish and install protective devices such as, but not limited to, fences, guard rails, walls and street barricades whenever the Planning Commission or the City Engineer determines that a hazardous condition may exist. Such protective devices must be constructed to standards established by the City Engineer and shall be clearly identified (including required height and material) on the final plan. No certificate of occupancy may be issued until required protection devices are in place.
F. 
Off-street parking.
(1) 
All subdivisions and land developments involving new residential lots, other than those to be occupied by single-household detached houses, must be designed to provide for rear-yard parking.
(2) 
Exceptions may be granted in cases when the requirement would impose unnecessary hardship due to existing physical or topographical conditions or would conflict with efforts to implement low-impact development practices consistent with Chapter 538, Stormwater Management. The Planning Commission is authorized to decide on exceptions for major subdivisions. A committee composed of the City Engineer, the Traffic Control Superintendent and the Planning Director is authorized to decide on exceptions for minor subdivisions.
A. 
General requirements.
(1) 
Streets.
(a) 
The location and width of all streets must conform to City ordinances, block plans and plans of record.
(b) 
When unopened (stub-out) streets exist abutting a proposed land development or subdivision, the applicant must make application to the City to vacate the portion of the street that abuts their property unless an exception is granted by the City Engineer.
(2) 
Grading and improvements plan. Materials and construction standards for streets, curbs, gutters, storm and sanitary sewers and sidewalks must conform to City standards, and construction and installation of facilities must conform to City specifications and are subject to inspection by the City Engineer.
(3) 
Topography and arrangement.
(a) 
Streets must be logically related to topography so as to produce reasonable grades. All streets must be arranged so as to obtain as many building sites as possible at, or above, the grades of the streets. Grades of streets must conform as closely as possible to the original topography. A combination of steep grades and curves shall be avoided.
(b) 
The proposed street system must extend existing or recorded streets at the same width or wider as deemed necessary by the City, but in no case at less than the required minimum width.
(c) 
All thoroughfares must be properly related to special traffic generators such as industries, business districts, schools, churches, and shopping centers to population densities; and to the pattern of existing and proposed land uses.
(d) 
New half, or partial, streets are prohibited except when essential to reasonable development of a tract, and when, in addition, satisfactory assurance for dedication of the remaining part of the street is provided.
(e) 
Whenever a proposed development borders on existing half or partial street, the remaining portion of the street must be plotted within the proposed development.
(f) 
When a development abuts an existing street of improper width or alignment, the City may require the dedication of land within the subject development sufficient to widen the street or correct the alignment.
(g) 
When, in the opinion of the City Engineer, it is desirable to provide for street access to adjoining property, street stubs must be extended by dedication to the boundary of such property.
(h) 
In business or industrial developments, the streets and other accessways must be planned in connection with the grouping of buildings, location of rail facilities, and the provision of alleys, truck loading and maneuvering areas, and walks and parking areas so as to minimize conflict of movement between the various types of traffic, including pedestrian and bicycle.
(4) 
Blocks. In general, intersection streets determine block length. The size and pattern of blocks must be designed in compliance with the following:
(a) 
The length, width, and shape of blocks must be determined with due regard to the provision of adequate sites for buildings of the type proposed, existing patterns, zoning requirements, topography, and the requirements for safe and convenient vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation.
(b) 
When practicable, blocks along arterial and collector streets must be at least 1,000 feet in length. Blocks along other streets may not exceed 1,000 feet in length nor be less than 500 feet in length unless an exception is granted by the City Engineer. In approving exceptions, special consideration must be given to the requirements of satisfactory fire protection and whether the modification reduces impervious area or impacts to natural resources.
(c) 
Pedestrian crosswalks may be required to facilitate pedestrian circulation and give access to community facilities. Such crosswalks must conform to all applicable City standards.
(d) 
Blocks in commercial and industrial areas may vary from the elements or design detailed above if the City finds necessary for the protective use, including adequate provision for off-street parking and loading areas as well as for traffic circulation and parking for employees and customers.
(5) 
Street names. Street names may not duplicate or closely approximate, phonetically, the names of existing streets in the City, except that streets which are in obvious alignment with existing streets must generally bear the name of the existing street.
(6) 
Street regulatory signs. Street signs are to be placed within the development, the type and location of which are to be approved by the Traffic Control Superintendent.
(7) 
Street lights. Street lights must be provided in accordance with design and specification standards promulgated by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (P.P. & L.).
(8) 
Reserve strips. Reserve strips are not permitted adjacent to a proposed street in such a manner as to deny access from adjacent property to such street.
B. 
Design standards.
(1) 
General. In order to provide for streets of suitable location, width and improvement to accommodate prospective traffic and afford satisfactory access to police, firefighting, snow removal, sanitation, and road maintenance equipment, and to coordinate streets so as to compose a convenient system and avoid undue hardships to adjoining properties, the following design standards for roads apply except when such standards are waived at the discretion of the City Engineer.
(a) 
Street width and grade.
[1] 
Street right-of-way and cartway width must comply with the regulations of Table 132-1, and street grades, in general, may not exceed the standards established in Table 132-1, with due allowance for reasonable vertical curves.
[2] 
Additional right-of-way and cartway widths may be required by the City Engineer for the purposes of promoting the public safety and convenience or to provide parking in commercial and industrial developments.
[3] 
Streets at a grade of 10% may not exceed 300 feet in length.
[4] 
Minimum grade on any street may not be less than 1.0%.
Table 132-1. Street Widths and Grades
Classification
Min. Street Width
(ft.)
Travel Lanes
Max. Grade
(%)
Right-Of-Way Width
Cartway Width
No.
Width (ft.)
Arterial
80
48
4
12
5
Collector
60
36
2
10
10
Local
50
34
2
10
10
Service
33
24
2
12
10
Alley, public
24
16
2
10
10
Alley, private
16
16
2
8
10
Street
24
24
2
12
10
(b) 
Street alignment. The horizontal and vertical alignment on all streets shall be as follows:
[1] 
Horizontal curves. The minimum radius at the center line of the street and the super-elevation design when applicable for horizontal curves shall be as follows:
Table 132-2. Horizontal Curves
Classification
Superelevation
(mph)
Radius
(ft.)
Arterial
45
575
Collector
35
325
Local
—
250
[2] 
Vertical curves. At all changes in street grades when the algebraic difference exceeds 1% vertical curves must be provided to permit the following minimum sight distances:
Table 132-3. Vertical Curves
Classification
Distance
(ft.)
Arterial
600
Collector
300
Local
200
[3] 
Sight distance. The following minimum sight distances must be provided with respect to both horizontal and vertical curves:
Table 132-4. Sight Distance
Classification
Distance
(ft.)
Arterial
350
Collector
275
Local
200
(c) 
Street intersections. Intersections must be designed to meet the following:
[1] 
Streets must intersect at an angle of 90°, or as nearly as possible at right angles. The angle of intersection is measured at the intersection of intersecting street center lines.
[2] 
Intersections involving the junction of more than four streets are prohibited.
[3] 
Street curb intersections or roadway intersections must be rounded with curves having the minimum radius indicated in Table 132-5.
Table 132-5. Curb Radius
Intersecting Street
Min. Curb Radius
(ft.)
Arterial with Collector or Local
35
Collector with Local
12
Local with Local
8
Local/Service with Service
6
Table Note: The radii shown above may be increased to suit field conditions if deemed necessary by the City Engineer. Intersections occurring at angles other than 90 degrees must be rounded with a curb having a radius length approved by the City Engineer.
[4] 
Intersections with arterial or collector streets may be not less than 1,000 feet apart, measured from centerline to centerline along the centerline of the arterial or collector street. Local streets intersecting with collector or service streets must be at least 300 feet apart.
[5] 
Streets entering opposite sides of another street must be laid out either directly opposite each other or with a minimum offset of 150 feet between their centerlines.
[6] 
Intersections must be approached on all sides by a straight leveling area, the grade of which may not exceed 2% within 10 feet from the intersecting curblines or 5% within 50 feet from the intersection of street centerlines. Vertical curves must then be used to connect the intersecting grades.
[7] 
Clear sight triangles must be provided at all street intersections. Within such triangles, no vision obstructing object is permitted in excess of 30 inches in height above the elevation of the intersecting streets. Such triangles must be established for a distance of at least 75 feet from the point of intersection of the centerlines of intersecting streets except when a greater distance is required by PennDOT standards.
[8] 
The control of grades, curvature, and obstructions is required to ensure adequate sight distance for safe and efficient vehicular operations. Consideration for sufficient stopping, passing, and intersection sight distances is required. Design standards for the noted sight distance must be in accordance with PennDOT and/or AASHTO standards.
[9] 
Minimum required tangential distances between reverse curves are 500 feet for arterial streets, 350 feet for collector streets, and 100 feet for local streets. The tangent distance between the curve at a right angle intersection and a street curve must be at least 30 feet.
(d) 
Cul-de-sac streets. Dead-end streets must be designed and constructed to comply with the following:
[1] 
Dead-end streets are prohibited, unless designed as a cul-de-sac or other city-approved geometry designed for access exclusively to adjoining properties.
[2] 
Any street dead-ended for access to an adjoining tract or because of authorized stage development must provided with a temporary, all-weather turnaround, within the subdivision, and the use of such turnaround must be guaranteed to the public until such time as the street is extended.
[3] 
Streets designed and approved as permanent cul-de-sacs may not exceed 500 feet in length.
[4] 
The closed end of all permanent and temporary cul-de-sac streets must have a minimum radius to curb line of 48 feet, and the turnaround must be fully paved except that a center island consisting of low-growing vegetation or a stormwater BMP may be approved in residential areas where such island is designed to not interfere with fire protection. Adequate space for snow storage must be provided, as determined by the Department of Public Works.
[5] 
The centerline grade on a cul-de-sac street may not exceed 10%, and the grade of the diameter of the turnaround may not exceed 5%.
[6] 
Alternative turnaround designs may be approved by the City Engineer.
(e) 
Service streets. Except when other adequate provision is made for off-street loading and parking consistent with the use proposed, service streets are required in mixed-use and industrial zones, Such streets must have a minimum right-of-way width of 33 feet and a minimum paved width of 24 feet.
(f) 
Alleys. Alleys must be designed and constructed to comply with the following:
[1] 
Alleys in residential developments must have a minimum paved width of 16 feet.
[2] 
Dead-end alleys are prohibited. However, the City Engineer may grant exceptions when suitable turnaround provisions are provided.
[3] 
Alley intersections and sharp changes in alignment must be avoided. Corners must be rounded or cut back sufficiently to permit safe vehicular circulation.
C. 
Street construction. Streets must be constructed in accordance with standard details and dimensions of the City Engineering Department's Standards and Specifications.
(1) 
The roadbed subgrade must be prepared to the established roadbed subgrade elevation and compacted to not less than 95% of the ASTM D1557 Modified Proctor Maximum Dry Density.
(2) 
Subgrade drains must be placed along proposed roadways when directed by the City Engineer to drain wet/seepage areas.
(3) 
During roadway construction, the developer must provide maintenance and protection of traffic in compliance with PennDOT standards.
(4) 
Longitudinal road grades must be at least 1%.
D. 
Drainage. All streets must be designed to provide for the discharge of surface water away from their centerline. The slope of the crown on proposed streets must comply with all applicable City standards.
E. 
Street lights.
(1) 
When required, the owner must install, at their own expense, street lights providing a minimum illuminance level of 1.0 foot-candles (10.8 lux), in accordance with a plan prepared by the owner's engineer and approved by the Planning Commission.
(2) 
The design of light standards must be approved by the City Engineer before installation.
(3) 
Provisions must be made to energize street lights when 25% of the dwellings within a subdivision or land development are constructed. The owner is responsible for all utility costs involved in lighting the streets until such time that the streets are accepted by the City as public streets.
F. 
Crossovers. Crossovers must comply with the requirements outlined in the City's standard crossover details.
General. Curbs and sidewalks must be installed in accordance with the specifications of the City Bureau of Engineering and applicable City specifications and ordinances.
A. 
Streetscape sidewalks.
(1) 
Location and size. See § 350-13 for regulations governing the location and width of required public sidewalks in streetscapes.
(2) 
Width. Streetscape sidewalk width in all zones must be a minimum of five feet.
(3) 
Materials. Sidewalks must be composed of concrete, brick, or other masonry paver materials that comply with ADA standards.
(4) 
Ramps. ADA accessible ramps must be installed in accordance with City standard ADA ramp details at all existing and proposed intersections along the development boundaries. When ramps abut a state road, the developer must obtain all necessary PennDOT driveway and ADA ramp permits before acceptance and recording of the land development plan by the City.
(5) 
Vehicular crossings. Where public sidewalks cross driveways, parking areas, and loading areas, the following regulations apply:
(a) 
Sidewalk paving material must continue through the vehicular area and the crossing area must be clearly differentiated from the vehicular area.
(b) 
If the material of the pedestrian and vehicular area is similar, the pedestrian area must be differentiated through the use of elevation changes, speed bumps, another paving material, scoring, or other similar method.
(6) 
Accessibility. All sidewalks must comply with all local, state, and federal accessibility standards.
(7) 
Transit. Consultation with the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) is required for all subdivision and land development plans. Where feasible, the City is authorized to require that a subdivision or land development include provisions for mass transit or paratransit van access to the site. Requirements may include a sidewalk to reach a bus stop, a location for a bus stop, a shelter for a bus stop, or lighting for transit passengers. For businesses, employee and customer entrances should be placed within a reasonable walking distance from any bus stop, and should include a safe accessible pedestrian route from the pedestrian building entrance through any parking lot to access any bus stop, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Bus or paratransit stops adjacent to buildings should include a building overhang or awning to provide shade and protection from snow and rain for transit users.
If a trail identified in an adopted trails plan (e.g., Jordan Creek Greenway Plan, Auburn Cross Trails Master Plan, Lehigh Landing Trail Master Plan, D&L Trail Plan) is identified on property proposed for subdivision or land development approval, a trail easement must be provided for such trail and improvements for such trail must be addressed as part of any land development plan.
A. 
Intent. The parkland dedication regulations of this section are adopted under authority of Section 503(11) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1] The regulations are intended to:
(1) 
Ensure the provision of adequate parkland to meet the demand created by new and expanded residential, commercial, office and industrial subdivisions and land developments.
(2) 
Recognize and carry out the goals and objectives listed in the City's Comprehensive Plan and Park and Recreation Plan.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10503(11).
B. 
Effective date. The parkland dedication requirements of this section become effective on the date of adoption of the Allentown Park and Recreation Plan.
C. 
Applicability. The parkland dedication requirements of this section apply to all subdivision and land development plans except as stated in § 350-12D.
D. 
Exemptions and waivers.
(1) 
The parkland dedication requirements of this section do not apply to plans that:
(a) 
Involve only adjustments or corrections to an approved preliminary or final subdivision or land development plan with no increase in the number of dwelling units or nonresidential floor area; or
(b) 
Involve only uses classified in the civic and institutional use group, as specified in Article 5 of Chapter 660, Zoning.
(2) 
The Planning Commission is authorized to waive the parkland dedication requirements of this section for dwelling units that are restricted, for a minimum of 20 years, to occupancy by households earning no more than 80% of the area median income (AMI) as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
E. 
Dedication of land.
(1) 
Minimum parkland area for dedication. The minimum parkland area for eligible developments shall be 7,800 square feet of parkland.
(2) 
Suitability. In determining whether to require a land dedication or fee in lieu of land dedication, the authorized decision-making body for the subject land development or subdivision must consider at least the following factors:
(a) 
Whether the land in that location would serve a valid public purpose;
(b) 
Whether there is potential to make a desirable addition to an existing public or school district recreation area or to create a greenway along a waterway;
(c) 
Whether the proposed land would meet the objectives and requirements of this section and any relevant policies of the park and recreation plan;
(d) 
Whether the land has adequate access for maintenance and for pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency and service vehicles;
(e) 
Whether the land is suitable for active and passive recreation;
(f) 
Whether the land contains or connects to a trail identified in an adopted trails plan (e.g., Jordan Creek Greenway Plan, Auburn Cross Trails Master Plan, Lehigh Landing Trail Master Plan, D&L Trail Plan);
(g) 
Whether the area in the general vicinity of the development has existing, adequate parkland; and
(h) 
Any recommendations received from the City Council, Mayor, the City Engineer, the Planning Director, the Parks and Recreation Director, and the local School Board or School District staff.
(3) 
Maintenance. For the purposes of maintaining dedicated land, the following shall apply:
(a) 
A formal agreement or declaration must be created and properly recorded providing for the perpetual maintenance and the method of management of the dedicated land.
(b) 
Dedicated land may not be sold or transferred without the written approval of the Parks and Recreation Department and the Public Works Department.
(c) 
If land is to be owned by a conservation organization, a process must be established for the land to transfer to a different organization if the first organization is not able to fulfill its obligations.
(4) 
Easements/deed restrictions. Any required land dedication must include deed restrictions or conservation easements to permanently prevent development of the dedicated land for buildings, except buildings for approved types of noncommercial recreation or to support maintenance of the land. Such deed restrictions or conservation easements must be enforceable by the City. The City may also require that the restrictions or easements be enforceable by a suitable third party.
(5) 
Land dedication standards.
(a) 
Residential. Residential development is subject to a minimum land dedication requirement of 1,600 square feet per dwelling unit.
(b) 
Nonresidential. Nonresidential development with five or more full-time, on-site employees is subject to a minimum land dedication requirement based on the residential value above, plus 5% of each additional square foot of gross floor area above 50,000 square feet.
F. 
Fees in lieu of dedication.
(1) 
Fees. If the City authorizes a proposed subdivision or land development to pay fees-in-lieu of dedicating parkland, based on consideration of the suitablility criteria of § 350-12E, the following fees shall apply:
(a) 
Residential: $1,800 per dwelling unit.
(b) 
Nonresidential: $1,800 plus $0.25 for every square foot of gross floor area up to 100,000 square feet, then $0.10 for each square foot above 100,000 square feet.
(2) 
Limitations on use of fees. In accordance with Section 503(11) of the Municipalities Planning Code,[2] all fees received in lieu of land dedication may be used solely for acquiring, operating or maintaining park or recreational facilities reasonably accessible to the subject land development or subdivision.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10503(11).
(3) 
Timing of payment. The fee in lieu amount must be deposited by the applicant before recordation of the final plan.
A. 
Intent. To treat the space between the building and street curb (the streetscape plus the street yard) as a contiguous, cohesive landscape design that enhances the pedestrian experience along all corridors and streets throughout the City.
B. 
Applicability. The regulations of this § 350-13 apply to all buildings and sites in all zones, unless otherwise stated.
C. 
Definition. "Streetscape" is the pedestrian area abutting the back-of-curb of the street and including the parkway or street tree area and the continuous public sidewalk.
D. 
Minimum streetscape area. See § 660-18L of Chapter 660, Zoning, for streetscape areas less than nine feet in depth (face of curb to edge of right-of-way), where an easement is required to accommodate the full streetscape.
E. 
Streetscape design continuity. Streetscapes along corridors must be coordinated and designed for continuity.
(1) 
Existing City-installed streetscape. Where streetscape has been installed by the City within the last 15 years, the applicant may be required to replace or repair any existing streetscape improvements.
(2) 
Planned streetscapes. Where streetscape is planned for the area, adjacent developments, or the corridor, planned streetscapes must be consistent with and designed for continuity with such other streetscape plans.
(3) 
Streetscape design continuation. An approved streetscape design for the subject site may be utilized by the City for the extension of the design in the surrounding district or along adjacent corridors to provide continuity.
F. 
Alternative compliance.
(1) 
Timing. An alternative method for providing the required streetscape, such as a fee-in-lieu or temporary provision during street construction, may be approved provided pedestrian continuity is provided within no more than one year from completion of construction.
(2) 
Alternate design. Where existing buildings or utilities are located such that the full streetscape area cannot be accommodated, an alternate design may be approved based upon the existing and desired context of the area. The alternate design must include continuous sidewalk and must accommodate street trees where feasible.
G. 
Minimum streetscape requirements. For all building types and sites in all zones, the following minimum sidewalk and landscape is required on all street frontages except C streets. Refer to Chapter 660, Zoning, § 660-18K, for street type designations, Chapter 660, Article 2, for zones, and Chapter 660, Article 4, for building types.
(1) 
Sidewalk. A minimum five-foot public sidewalk is required in accordance with § 350-10A. The sidewalk must be located a minimum of four feet off the face of curb or edge of pavement to accommodate the street tree area.
(a) 
On-street parking. Where the abutting on-street parking will be heavily used, such as abutting N1 and N2 Zones, the sidewalk must extend to the face of curb.
(b) 
Downtown and storefront buildings. Where abutting MX Zones (storefront buildings) and MX-D and GX-D (downtown) Zones, the entire area from building facade to the face of curb, including both the public streetscape area and the private street yard on the lot, must be designed as a hardscape area with tree wells and/or planters. Sidewalk cafes may be incorporated into the streetscape area with approval of an encroachment permit.
(2) 
Street tree area. A minimum four-foot-wide street tree area, between the face of curb and the sidewalk, is required, unless the City determines the minimum streetscape area per § 660-18L of Chapter 660, Zoning, is not practicable.
(a) 
Planting areas. The street tree zone in non-storefront locations should be treated as a landscaped parkway or paved with tree wells. See § 660-74 of Chapter 660, Zoning, for planters, planting beds, and lawns.
(b) 
Street trees. Street trees per § 350-14 must be provided within the street tree zone, unless the City determines the minimum streetscape area is not practicable. In locations where the sidewalk extends to the face of curb, tree wells must be provided for street trees.
(3) 
Additional elements. Additional streetscape elements beyond those required in this section may be required by the City based on plans in place for the area.
H. 
Enhanced streetscape. The requirements of this section apply to development of new streets and to development on all lots with 200 feet or more of street frontage on existing streets.
(1) 
Minimum streetscape. Streetscape must meet any regulations defined in § 350-13G.
(2) 
Streetscape design. Enhanced streetscapes must be designed by a professional landscape architect or other approved landscape designer, unless otherwise approved by the City. The Planning Commission may waive this requirement in situations where the streetscape design is limited in scope or scale.
(3) 
Additional elements. The following additional elements are required for the full streetscape area:
(a) 
Pavement design. Paving materials and a pattern is required for each street. Pavement design must include all required minimum sidewalks, other hardscape defined by the minimum streetscape, and connections to on-site walkways per § 660-76 of Chapter 660, Zoning,. All materials proposed for the pavement design must be approved by the Department of Public Works or City Engineer.
(b) 
Street furnishings. For a full block development of MX or GX Zones, benches and/or seatwalls, planters, planter fences, tree grates, and trash receptacles must be specified and quantities and locations listed for each street. For each block face, a minimum of two benches and one trash receptacle is required.
(c) 
Landscape design. Ground plane vegetation per § 660-74 of Chapter 660, Zoning, must be designated for any landscape bed areas, planter areas, and open tree wells.
(d) 
Lighting. Both pedestrian and vehicular lighting must be specified and locations and quantities noted. All lighting must meet any requirements of the Department of Public Works.
I. 
Complete streets. Streetscape improvements must consider land use and context, pedestrian facilities, bicycle facilities and infrastructure, transit accommodations, traffic calming and vehicle flow, maintenance and long-term maintenance considerations. Any planned complete streets-related improvements must be accommodated in proposed land development plans.
A. 
Intent. To line all streets with a consistent and appropriate planting of trees and establishing tree canopy for environmental and aesthetic benefits.
B. 
Applicability. The regulations of this § 350-14 apply to all buildings and sites in all zones.
C. 
Shade Tree Commission. The Shade Tree Commission is authorized to determine whether street trees are to be planted inside or outside of the right-of-way and to modify the other street tree regulations of this chapter in order to best carry out the powers and duties of the Commission pursuant to § 597-2 of the Municipal Code.
D. 
Required street trees. Street trees must be installed as required and as a component of the streetscape area regulations in § 350-13 and per the City's tree ordinance, Chapter 597 of the Municipal Code.
E. 
Tree wells in downtown zones. For trees not installed in a planted parkway in any downtown zone (MX-D and GX-D), the tree well must meet the following requirements:
(1) 
Size. The tree well must meet the regulations for permeable area as established in § 660-71D of Chapter 660, Zoning,.
(2) 
Opening. The opening of such tree well must be covered with an expandable iron tree grate, flush with the sidewalk. The following may be used with approval of the City Engineer:
(a) 
The tree well opening may be fenced with an ornamental steel or iron fence 18 inches in height above sidewalk grade.
(b) 
The tree well opening may be rimmed with a continuous curbing approximately four inches wide and six inches above the height of the sidewalk.
(c) 
The tree well opening may be surrounded by a masonry seat wall, 18 inches in height above the sidewalk grade.
(d) 
Other durable, long-lasting protective fencing or materials appropriate given site conditions and approved by the City Engineer.
A. 
Intent. To enhance, provide, and protect visibility and access to the City's waterways and the Lehigh River waterfronts via sight lines to the water from nearby streets, continuous landscape buffers, and continuous public-access paths along waterfronts.
B. 
Applicability. This section applies to lots in all zones with waterway frontage and waterfronts, as those terms are defined in § 350-70.
C. 
Riparian edge.
(1) 
Ten-foot required edge. A minimum ten-foot-deep riparian edge must be provided along all waterways and waterfronts, measured from the ordinary high water mark, inland, perpendicular to the water's edge. Access paths may not be located in the riparian edge, except boardwalks and piers.
(2) 
Landscape. Any existing, established vegetation, may be maintained. See § 660-73 of Chapter 660, Zoning, for existing tree regulations. The riparian edge must be landscaped with native or naturalized shrubs, grasses, and other ground level vegetation per § 660-74 of Chapter 660, Zoning, and appropriate, acclimated, and conducive to being located at the water's edge.
D. 
Waterfront buffer. A waterfront buffer must be provided along waterfronts per the following, measured from the ordinary high water mark (see § 350-62 for definition), inland, perpendicular to the water's edge.
(1) 
Ten-foot buffer. A minimum ten-foot waterfront buffer is required along the following waterfronts: Lehigh Coal and Navigation Canal (D+L), Jordan Creek, Trout Creek, and Cedar Creek.
(2) 
Thirty-foot buffer. A minimum thirty-foot waterfront buffer must be provided along the Lehigh River.
(3) 
Riparian edge. The riparian edge, required per § 350-15C, may be located within the buffer area. Refer to Figure 2.250-A for illustration of these requirements.
(4) 
Landscape. The waterfront buffer must be landscaped with a minimum of one tree per 3,000 square feet of buffer area. Shrubs, grasses, and other ground level vegetation must be provided per § 660-74 of Chapter 660, Zoning,.
Figure 2.250-A. Waterfront Buffer
E. 
Waterfront access. Within the waterfront buffer, a minimum ten-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle access path must be provided, extending along the waterfront.
(1) 
Continuous. The path must be continuous, connecting to existing or planned paths on abutting properties.
(2) 
Location. On-grade pathways must be a located outside the minimum riparian edge.
(3) 
Path material. The path must be constructed of a material that will accommodate both pedestrians and bicycles, including concrete; asphalt; mechanically compacted crushed aggregate; or other fixed, solid, permanent materials approved by the City Engineer. Wood chips, gravel, and other loose materials are not allowed.
(4) 
Boardwalks and piers. Boardwalks and piers may be utilized for a portion of the access. When boardwalks or piers are utilized, the following applies:
(a) 
An alternate route must be provided for bicycle access. Secondary routes for bicycles through parking drives are acceptable, provided the paths are safe and separately painted or otherwise designated.
(b) 
Boardwalks and piers may be located in the required riparian edge, up to a maximum of 50% of the edge area.
(c) 
Bulkheads (retaining walls along the water's edge) existing prior to the effective date of this chapter (see § 350-1C) may be retained or rebuilt in their current location with no maximum length of edge area.
F. 
Upland connections. For properties with 300 linear feet or more of waterfront, a continuous ten-foot sidewalk or multi-use trail must connect an existing public street to the waterfront access.
(1) 
One upland connection must be provided for every 300 linear feet of waterfront on the site.
(2) 
The path must be constructed of a permanent material per § 350-15E(3).
(3) 
The number of vehicular crossings (streets or driveways) of the connection must be limited to the fewest number practicable.
G. 
Public access. When access is required per § 350-15E and F, the access area must either be gifted and conveyed to the City in fee simple or a public access easement established.
(1) 
Dedicated. The land area for both the waterfront access and connections through the property must be dedicated on the deed to the property.
(2) 
Access times. Public access must be provided during the week during regular business hours and on weekends between sunrise and sunset.
H. 
Views through the site. For every 300 linear feet of waterfront, one unobstructed sightline, open from the ground to the sky, minimum 20 feet in width, must be provided through the lot towards the water from a publicly accessible street. An upland connection may be used to meet this requirement, provided the sightline is maintained.
I. 
Other connections.
(1) 
Buildings. Building facades along the waterfront buffer must be treated as front facades per § 660-18J of Chapter 660, Zoning, with pedestrian connections from building entrances to the waterfront access path.
(2) 
Parking. Parking along the waterfront buffer must provide the frontage buffer per § 660-78 of Chapter 660, Zoning, between the waterfront and the parking lot.
A. 
Purposes. Storm drainage systems shall be provided in order to:
(1) 
Meet the requirements of Chapter 538, Stormwater Management.
(2) 
Permit unimpeded flow of natural watercourses as modified by stormwater control measures or open channels as provided for herein.
(3) 
Ensure adequate drainage of all low points along the line of streets.
(4) 
Intercept stormwater runoff along streets at intervals related to the extent and grade of the area drained.
(5) 
Provide positive drainage away from on-site sanitary sewage disposal systems.
(6) 
Take surface water away from the bottom of vertical grades, lead water from springs and avoid excessive use of cross gutters at street intersections and elsewhere.
(7) 
Provide that the peak runoff rate at all points of discharge from the site, when developed, will not exceed the peak runoff rate at each of those points prior to development for a one-, five-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty- and 100-year storm. In cases where a proposed land development cannot accommodate a detention facility, or if a detention facility is not feasible in the opinion of the City Engineer, the developer shall pay a prorated fee to the City for stormwater management in lieu of actual on-site detention.
(8) 
Encourage the voluntary installation of stormwater control measures, including rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, green roofs, and other green infrastructure in furtherance of the City's Stormwater Fee Credit Program.
B. 
General requirements.
(1) 
A site drainage plan for the proposed development tract shall be prepared which illustrates the following information:
(a) 
Mapping of the watershed area or areas including existing and proposed development is located.
(b) 
Calculations of runoff before and after development for all points of runoff concentration.
(c) 
Complete drainage systems for the development. All existing drainage features which are to be incorporated in the design shall be so identified. If the development is to occur in stages, a general drainage plan for the entire development shall be presented with the first stage and appropriate development stages for the drainage system shall be indicated.
(2) 
The existing points of natural drainage discharge onto adjacent property shall not be altered without the written approval of the affected landowners.
(3) 
No stormwater runoff or natural drainage shall be so diverted as to overload existing drainage systems, or create flooding or the need for additional drainage structures on other private properties or public lands, without approved provisions being made by the developer for properly handling such conditions.
(4) 
Storm drainage facilities shall be designed to convey through the land development the peak runoff that will ultimately occur from the watershed. The calculation of this runoff shall take into account the potential land use and development including runoff controls in effect in a tributary area.
(5) 
Where a development is traversed by a watercourse, there shall be provided a drainage easement conforming substantially with the line of such watercourse, and of such width as will be adequate to provide for unimpeded flow of storm runoff based on calculations made in conformance with standards promulgated in this chapter and to provide a freeboard allowance of 1/2 foot above the design surface water level. The terms of the easement shall prohibit excavation, the placing of fill or structures, and any alterations which may adversely affect the flow of stormwater within any portion of the easement. Also, periodic cutting of vegetation and maintenance in all portions of the easement shall be required.
(6) 
Drainage facilities that are located on state highway rights-of-way shall be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and a letter indicating such approval shall be directed to the City Engineer.
(7) 
All streets shall be so designed as to provide for the discharge of surface water away from their center line. The slope of the crown on proposed streets shall conform to City standards.
(8) 
Where it is deemed necessary in the opinion of the City Engineer to prevent increased runoff from a property to be developed, on-site stormwater control measures shall be provided. The design of such facilities shall be attached to the plan and submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval. Such facilities shall be owned, operated, and maintained by the owner.
(9) 
When it can be shown to the satisfaction of the City Engineer that, due to topographic conditions, natural drainage swales on the site cannot adequately provide for drainage, open channels may be constructed conforming substantially to the line and grade of such natural drainage swales. Capacities of open channels shall be calculated using the Manning equation or other acceptable engineering equation as approved by the City Engineer.
(10) 
Storm drainage facilities and appurtenances shall be so designed and provided as to minimize erosion in watercourse channels and at all points of discharge.
(11) 
Inlets shall be spaced to collect design flows from the catchment areas allowing 10% maximum bypass. In no instance shall inlet spacing be greater than 400 feet.
C. 
Stormwater control measures. The following design notes and provisions shall be adhered to on all stormwater plans:
(1) 
A letter from the Lehigh County Conservation District stating approval of the facility is to be received by the City, when required.
(2) 
A subsurface soils investigation is to be done, with special emphasis on identifying sinkholes.
(3) 
The depth of the water table in the area of the stormwater control measures shall be noted.
(4) 
All earth fill shall be free from brush, roots and other organic material.
(5) 
Minimum top width of embankment shall be eight feet.
(6) 
The bottom of the pond is to be sloped towards the outlet structure.
(7) 
Riprap is to be installed below all inflow and outflow pipes to minimize erosion.
(8) 
There is to be reinforcement steel in all concrete structures.
(9) 
A concrete cradle is to be provided for the outlet pipe.
(10) 
All construction joints are to be watertight.
(11) 
An impervious central core is to be constructed in the embankment to be made of a compacted clay material.
(12) 
The cutoff trench in the embankment is to be excavated to impervious subsoil or bedrock.
(13) 
The contractor shall maintain the detention basin to design dimensions throughout construction, unless pond is to be used as a siltation basin during development of the site. If the pond is to be used as a siltation basin, it shall be returned to design dimensions following the completion of construction.
(14) 
Maintenance of the stormwater control measures shall be made part of the land development agreement between the developer and the City.
(15) 
Detail and section shall be provided for the outlet risers on the stormwater control measures. Sectional view is also required for the spillway.
(16) 
Design calculations for the stormwater control measures shall be submitted to the City Engineer's office.
(17) 
The developer shall demonstrate that such stormwater control measures are designed, protected and located to assure that public safety is maximized and health problems are prevented. All protective devices shall be adequately screened either by landscaping or another alternative method acceptable to the City Engineer.
(18) 
Overflow shall be controlled to prevent property damage.
D. 
Calculations of runoff and design storm frequency.
(1) 
Storm drainage facilities required by this chapter shall be designed to provide protection from a ten- to 100-year storm as determined by the City Engineer. A ten-year design storm would be appropriate where a storm in excess of the design storm would have minor impact such as inconvenience to traffic on local streets. A 100-year design storm would be appropriate where a storm in excess of the design storm would cause damage to existing or future structures or their contents. Stormwater control measures shall be designed for a twenty-five- to 100-year storm as determined by the City Engineer to store all increased flows generated from development for storms of one-, five-, ten-, twenty-five-, fifty-, and 100-year frequency as determined by the City Engineer. Outlet structures shall address the staged release of predevelopment outflows for each storm aforementioned.
(2) 
Stormwater runoff from watersheds of 200 or less acres shall be calculated by rational method as described in Manual Number 37 of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
(3) 
Rainfall intensity duration frequency shall be used as developed by Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC).
(4) 
Stormwater runoff from watersheds of more than 200 acres shall be calculated using soil cover complex method developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service or other appropriate method acceptable to the City Engineer.
(5) 
Complete detailed drainage and stormwater control measure design calculations shall be submitted to the City Engineer, certified by a registered professional engineer.
(6) 
All storm drainage calculations shall use equations, coefficients and other engineering data contained in storm drainage runoff calculation standards of the City Engineer's office.
E. 
Improvement specifications for storm drainage systems.
(1) 
Storm drainage systems shall be installed in accordance with the design standards and requirements set forth in this § 350-16 and standard City specifications.
(2) 
In streets, inlets shall normally be located along the curbline and at the end of the curb radius points. For the purpose of inlet location at corners, the depth of flow shall be considered for each gutter. At intersections, the depth of flow across through streets shall not exceed one inch. The Manning Equation shall be used to calculate the capacities of gutters. Inlets shall be depressed two inches below the grade of the gutter or ground surface. Manholes may be substituted for inlets at locations where inlets are not required to handle surface runoff.
(3) 
Storm sewers shall be required to have a minimum diameter of 15 inches and shall be made of reinforced concrete unless otherwise noted by the City Engineer. Sewers shall be installed in sufficient slopes to provide a minimum velocity of three feet and a maximum of 15 feet per second. Where outlet velocities exceed five feet per second, approved energy dissipaters and/or outlet protection shall be designed and installed.
(4) 
Materials and construction requirements shall meet specifications and procedures acceptable to the City Engineer.
A. 
General requirements.
(1) 
The developer must install sanitary sewer facilities in a manner prescribed by City construction standards and specifications. All plans must be designed in accordance with the rules, regulations, and standards of the City Engineer, PA-DEP (Domestic Wastewater Facilities Manual), and other appropriate agencies. The developer is responsible for preparing all applications required for obtaining PA-DEP permits and for paying all required fees.
(2) 
The applicant proposing to build a pumping station or any other sewage conveyance or ultimate disposal facility must comply with the requirements of 25 Pa. Code § 71.72, Sewage management programs for sewage facilities and community onlot sewage systems.
(3) 
Each property must be provided with its own separate sanitary sewer lateral connected to a minimum eight-inch diameter public sewer main. When available, the developer must utilize existing sanitary wyes for new sanitary lateral tie-ins.
(4) 
Prior to final acceptance of any new public or private sanitary sewer line extension, service, or repair, lines must be adequately cleaned, inspected, and tested, per City specifications.
B. 
Individual disposal systems.
(1) 
If public sewer facilities are not available and individual disposal systems are proposed, minimum lot areas must comply with the requirements of Chapter 660, Zoning, and percolation tests and test holes must be made as directed by the Sewage Enforcement Officer. The individual disposal system, including the size of the septic tanks and size of the tile fields or other secondary treatment device, must also be approved by the Sewage Enforcement Officer.
(2) 
On-lot sewage disposal facilities must comply with the provisions of PA-DEP Chapters 71 and 73, Administration of Sewage Facilities Program, Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, No 537.A planning module for on-lot sewage disposal must be submitted to PA-DEP. The proposed facilities must be deemed satisfactory by the City Health Department and a permit for on-lot disposal system is required. A City Health Department "letter of suitability" for on-site disposal must be received by the City with the preliminary plan for each lot proposed. If the proposed subdivision or land development contains an existing on-site sewage disposal facility on the property to be further subdivided or a more intensive use of development is proposed, the developer must submit acknowledgment from the City Health Department indicating that the existing system is functioning properly. If the existing system is inadequate, a new system must be provided by the developer. Each new property that is created that requires an on-lot sewage disposal facility must have an on-lot system instruction manual provided to the new owners of the property.
C. 
Tapping fee. Each developed lot/property is subject to a sanitary sewer tapping fee (sanitary sewer system capacity fee) in accordance with City Ord. No. 14522. Note: Any increased change in density or usage on a given property will require an updated tapping fee.
A. 
General requirements.
(1) 
The developer must install a water distribution system that complies with city construction standards and specifications for materials and workmanship. The system must be designed to furnish an adequate supply of water to each lot with adequate main sizes and fire hydrant locations to meet the requirements of the Insurance Services Office and City standards for a protected area.
(2) 
A domestic water supply extension must be provided in accordance with the latest standards of AWWA, DEP Public Water Supply Manual, Part II (Chapter 8) and City construction standards and specifications for materials and workmanship. Prior to final acceptance of any new public or private water line extension, service, or repair (having a diameter or more than two inches and in excess or one full length of pipe) lines must be adequately flushed, hydrostatically tested and properly disinfected, per AWWA C-600 and C-651, respectively.
(3) 
Distribution systems and appurtenances must be designed and constructed to maintain normal operating pressures of not less than 25 psig nor more than 125 psig at the main, except during periods of peak seasonal loads, when the pressures at the time of hourly maximum demand may not be less than 20 psig nor more than 150 psig.
B. 
Fire hydrants and valves.
(1) 
In neighborhood zones, fire hydrants must be placed at each intersection, with intermediate hydrants required so that spacing between hydrants does not exceed 500 feet.
(2) 
When placing a private underground utility service or line within an adjoining public right-of-way, which exceeds the length of a standard lateral, the developer must obtain a license agreement or utility easement from the City. The developer must prepare and submit all necessary sketches and easement plats for the proposed line.
(3) 
Each developed lot/property must be provided with a water meter and backflow prevention device per the International Building Code (IBC). Water meters will be furnished and installed by the City.
C. 
Individual water supply systems. If public water facilities are not available and individual on-lot well systems are proposed, such wells must comply with recommended standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR).
D. 
Tapping fee. Each developed lot/property is subject to a water tapping fee (system capacity fee). Any increase in density or change of use requires an updated tapping fee.
A. 
General.
(1) 
Easements are required as indicated in this section, provided that the City Engineer is authorized to waive or modify the easement requirements of this section based on site-specific considerations.
(2) 
All required easements must be indicated on the land development plans. All required easements must be defined by type, bearings, distances, and calculated areas. All plan easements must be accompanied by a written legal description, to be signed by the property owner and the City and recorded in the Lehigh County Courthouse. All required easements must be monumented on one side at the beginning, end, and at all changes in direction.
(3) 
Nothing may be placed, planted, set or put within the area of the required easements, except lawns or suitable low ground cover, unless restricted by a special condition as noted on the recorded plan or deed (e.g., placement of a BMP, such as a filtration bed).
B. 
Utility easements.
(1) 
General utility easements must be provided for all public and private utility facilities, which are to be placed along internal property lines. Easements must be provided for all utility facilities, including but not limited to gas, electric power, telephone, and CATV cables as well as sewers, storm drains, and water mains. Public utility lines may not pass over or under existing or proposed buildings. An easement at least 20 feet in width must be provided along side or rear lot lines, labeled "General Utility Easements." The City Engineer is authorized to require additional width for easements to be occupied by multiple underground utilities. Easements must be centered on or adjacent to lot lines, when possible. Easements are not required along side or rear lot lines when abutting a public right-of-way, such as an alley.
(2) 
To minimize disturbance to cartway and sidewalk areas and to provide adequate clearance from street trees within a street right-of-way, utility easements may be provided in private property along the right-of-way line for the installation of private utilities, such as for underground TV cable, power, and phone.
C. 
Drainage easements. Drainage easement must be provided in accordance with Chapter 538, Stormwater Management.
D. 
Slope easements. Whenever a proposed development affects an existing street in such a way that present or future grading of such street's full right-of-way width will necessitate cuts and tills on adjoining property, a slope easement on such adjoining property is required.
E. 
Shared easements. When deemed necessary by the City Engineer, general utility and drainage easements may overlap. Depending on the type of drainage facility to occupy the shared easement, such as an underground BMP device, the City Engineer is authorized to require an increase in easement width to accommodate the intended utilities and drainage facilities.
F. 
Right-of-way utility easements. A license agreement or right-of-way utility easement must be obtained from the City when a private utility/lateral exceeds the normal placement of such lines, excluding the installation of the standard regulated utility lines within the adjoining public right-of-way. Upon receiving all necessary plats/sketches from the property owner, any required agreements must be in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.
G. 
Airport height restrictions. When a development is being proposed in the vicinity of an airport, any potential height restrictions must be explored with regards to applicable clear zone areas and noted on the appropriate plans.
Existing features that add value to residential developments or to the City as a whole, such as trees, watercourses, historic sites, and similar irreplaceable assets, must be preserved in the design of the development. The preliminary plan must show the number and location of existing trees, as required herein and must further indicate all those marked for retention, and the location of all proposed shade trees required along the street side of each lot as required by the Chapter 597, Trees, Article I, Shade Trees.
A. 
Applicability. Tree protection is required during construction for all trees eight inches in diameter or larger to be retained on the site and for all other trees required to be retained in accordance with § 660-73 of Chapter 660, Zoning,.
B. 
Required protections. During construction, all available precautions must be undertaken to prevent damage to existing trees.
(1) 
Protection fencing. Tree protection fencing and trunk protection must be performed on existing trees per ANSI guidelines.
(2) 
Prevention of injury. Protection must include prevention of injury to the trunk, branches, and root systems of existing trees to be retained on the site and any trees on adjacent sites with root systems extending onto the site.
(3) 
Regrading within dripline. No soil removal, trenching, or regrading must occur within the root system or beneath the dripline of any tree to be retained on the site without mitigation of the impact of the activity on the tree per a certified arborist's recommendation.
(4) 
Compaction of soil. No parking of vehicles or machinery, or storage of materials must occur within the dripline of any existing tree to be retained to avoid the compaction of soil around roots.
(5) 
Inspection. Before, during, and after the start of construction activity, the City may inspect the site and impose additional procedures to ensure the health of existing trees to be retained.
(6) 
Mitigation of damage. The City may assess mitigation of trees damaged during or as a result of construction activities. Mitigation may include replacement trees or fees paid into the City's Tree Planting Fund.
A. 
Wetland limits. Areas subject to flooding, containing wetland vegetation, mottled and/or hydric soils must be reviewed by a wetland specialist and the limits of wetlands indicated on the plans. The results of such review must include the following:
(1) 
A statement from the wetland specialist that the limits of wetlands indicated on the plans have been defined in accordance with current federal guidelines for wetland determination and a signature and date from the wetland specialist attesting to this fact.
(2) 
Areas subject to flooding with a potential of wetlands presence but lacking all the necessary federal requirements defining wetlands must be provided with a certification from a wetland scientist that no wetlands are present on the site.
B. 
Jurisdictional wetlands. A jurisdictional determination by the US Army Corps of Engineers must be obtained by the developer if required by the City Engineer.
C. 
Floodplains. Floodplain and floodway information must be identified on the land development plans. Such plans must indicate finished floor elevations and any emergency response procedures proposed by the property owner or homeowner's association.
D. 
Army Corps and PA-DEP permits. Encroachments into regulated areas including wetlands, floodplains, and waters of the commonwealth require all necessary regulatory permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
A. 
Warrants.
(1) 
Transportation impact study.
(a) 
A transportation impact study (TIS) is an analysis to determine the full impact of a proposed development on the transportation system.
(b) 
A TIS is required for a proposed development that meets any of the following criteria:
[1] 
During any one-hour time period of any day of the week, the development is expected to generate 100 or more vehicle trips entering the development or 100 or more vehicle trips exiting the development;
[2] 
For existing sites being redeveloped the site is expected to generate 100 or more additional trips entering or exiting the development during any one-hour time period of any day of the week; or
[3] 
In the opinion of the City Engineer, the development or redevelopment is likely to have significant impacts on traffic safety or traffic flow, even if the warrant criteria in Subsection A(1)(b)[1] or [2], above are not met.
(c) 
Transportation impact studies must be conducted under the supervision of a Pennsylvania registered professional engineer.
(2) 
Transportation impact assessment.
(a) 
A transportation impact assessment (TIA) is a limited evaluation to determine transportation impacts of a proposed development at specific intersections, driveways, or locations.
(b) 
A TIA is required for a proposed development that, in the opinion of the City Engineer, is likely to have moderate impacts on traffic safety or traffic flow at specific intersections, driveways, or locations.
(c) 
Transportation impact assessments must be conducted under the supervision of a Pennsylvania registered professional engineer.
(3) 
PennDOT. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) may require a traffic impact study (TIS) or transportation impact assessment (TIA) based on state guidelines and criteria involving state-owned roadways impacted by the proposal.
B. 
Scoping. Before conducting the TIS or TIA, the consultant must prepare trip generation estimates, provide design vehicle data and confer with the City Engineer to determine the scope of the study or assessment.
C. 
Study or assessment requirements. Traffic impact studies and traffic impact assessments must be prepared in accordance with the Institute of Transportation Engineer's (ITE) Traffic Engineering Handbook and ITE's Transportation Impact Analyses for Site Development and PENNDOT Publications 212 and 282 and include the following information, provided that the City Engineer is authorized to waive individual study requirements or supplement this list of required information based on surrounding transportation conditions or the specific characteristics of a development, or development site:
(1) 
Description of the proposed project in terms of land use type and magnitude.
(2) 
An inventory of existing conditions in the site environs (one-half to one-mile radius).
(3) 
Roadway network and traffic control.
(4) 
Existing traffic volumes in terms of peak hours and average daily traffic.
(5) 
Planned roadway improvements (by others).
(6) 
Intersection levels of service.
(7) 
Roadway levels of service (where appropriate).
(8) 
Other measures of roadway adequacy (i.e., lane widths, traffic signal warrants, vehicle delay studies, etc.).
(9) 
An analysis of existing traffic conditions, including:
(a) 
Intersection levels of service;
(b) 
Roadway levels of service (where appropriate); and
(c) 
Other measures of roadway adequacy (i.e., lane widths, traffic signal warrants, vehicle delay studies, etc.).
(10) 
Projected site-generated traffic volumes in terms of:
(a) 
Peak-hour (PHT) and average daily traffic (ADT);
(b) 
Approach/departure distribution including method of determination;
(c) 
Site traffic volumes on roadways; and
(d) 
Comparison of existing zoning to proposed site generation.
(11) 
An analysis of future traffic conditions including:
(a) 
Future design year (development fully completed) combined volumes (site traffic plus future roadway traffic);
(b) 
Intersection levels of service;
(c) 
Roadway levels of service (where appropriate); and
(d) 
Other measures of roadway adequacy (i.e., lane widths, traffic signals warrants, vehicle delay studies, etc.).
(12) 
A description of the recommended access plan and necessary improvements, including:
(a) 
Schematic plan of access and on-site circulation; and
(b) 
General description of off-site improvements required.
D. 
Third-party reviews. When the City determines that competent and expeditious review of a TIS or TIA requires review by a third-party consultant, the applicant is responsible for reasonable fees associated with such third-party consultants.
E. 
Responsibility for improvements.
(1) 
When the TIS or TIA indicates that the proposed development will result in traffic impacts necessitating improvements to existing streets and intersections the applicant may be required to install necessary improvements. Such needed improvements are limited to those attributable to the proposed development (rather than those that remedy deficiencies in existence before the new development) in order to:
(a) 
Assure adequate, safe and convenient access to each lot and structure and parking compound proposed as part of the development of the subject tract;
(b) 
Accommodate the traffic for the proposed development;
(c) 
Provide for an acceptable level of service and delay for the design year, or years for phased projects, with the development which is at least equivalent to the projected level of service and delay for the design year(s) without the proposed subdivision or development; and
(d) 
Preserve the existing convenience of access to or ability to exit from abutting lots that gain access from the existing street.
(2) 
If the City determines that some or all of the required improvements or some or all of any agreed upon off-site improvements are not feasible or appropriate at the present time, the applicant may be required to enter into agreement with the City and deposit financial security with the City until such time that the improvements are satisfactorily installed by the applicant and accepted by the City.
A. 
General. The Lehigh County Conservation District (LCCD) is the City-authorized agency to administer and issue permits for the NPDES Program. The LCCD's administration of the program does not prevent the City from requiring more stringent erosion and sedimentation controls and best management practices.
B. 
Requirements. Erosion and sedimentation control requirements must follow the principles outlined in Chapter 355, Land Development Controls. The City also requires developments to utilize the PA-DEP Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual.
No blasting is permitted in the City without approval of the City Engineer. All blasting operations are subject to compliance with the International Fire Code 2018, state/DEP regulations and NFPA 495. Any blasting must comply with the PA Code Title 25, Rules and Regulations for Storage, Handling and Use of Explosives. Permits must be obtained from the City of Allentown Fire Department's Fire Prevention Office before initiating any blasting operations.