A. 
The scale and sheet size of the sketch plan shall be as required in § 154-19A for preliminary plans. The sketch plan shall contain at least the following data, legibly drawn to scale:
(1) 
Name and address of the subdivider and the record owner.
(2) 
Name of the subdivision or land development, the date of the plan and plan status.
(3) 
Tract boundaries, accurately labeled and a statement of the total acreage of the tract.
(4) 
North point and graphic and written scales.
(5) 
The name of the person or firm responsible for the design of the subdivision or land development.
(6) 
The names of owners of adjoining properties and the names of adjoining subdivisions and land developments.
(7) 
A location map, drawn to a scale of one inch equals 800 feet, with sufficient information to enable the Township Planning Commission to locate the property being subdivided. This map shall also show all existing roads within or adjacent to the tract, proposed roads within the subdivision or land development and proposed roads within adjacent recorded subdivisions or land developments.
(8) 
Significant topographical and physical features (i.e., water bodies, quarries, floodplains, tree masses, railroad tracks, existing buildings, existing water supply and sewage disposal systems, etc.) on the tract.
(9) 
Proposed general street and lot layout. When apartments and/or townhouses are proposed, the general building, street, recreation and parking layout shall be shown. When commercial or industrial buildings are proposed, the general building, street, parking and loading layout shall be shown. Proposed street cartway and right-of-way widths shall be indicated.
(10) 
A statement telling what methods of water supply and sewage disposal will be used.
(11) 
A statement telling the proposed use of each lot, parcel and building indicated on the plan and approximate lot sizes.
(12) 
Soils types throughout the tract.
(13) 
Name of municipality subdivision is located in.
(14) 
Where a sketch plan shows the proposed subdivision of only a part of the subdivider's total property, the plan shall be accompanied by a plan of the proposed street system for the remainder of the property so that the street system in the submitted portion can be considered in relation to future connections with the unsubmitted portion. In the case of extremely large properties, the Township Planning Commission may delimit the area for which a prospective street system on adjacent property must be shown. The subdivider shall also include a statement indicating proposed future land use for the unsubmitted portion of his property.
(15) 
Contour lines at intervals of no more than 10 feet taken from U.S.G.S. maps, aerial survey or field survey with source of datum.
(16) 
Existing rights-of-way, easements and utilities on or adjacent to the tract.
(17) 
Zoning district lines within the property and zoning district designations and area, yard and height requirements applicable to the property.
B. 
In the case of a sketch plan for record, the following additional information shall be shown:
(1) 
A signed and notarized Certification of Ownership and Acknowledgment of Plan.
(2) 
Certificates for approval by the Township Planning Commission and Township Supervisors.
(3) 
The seal of the surveyor or engineer responsible for the plan.
(4) 
Precise bearings and distances for all parcels to be conveyed (which shall be field surveyed).
(5) 
Base flood elevations for the one-hundred-year storm.
(6) 
Building setback lines and all proposed structures.
(7) 
Existing street cartway and right-of-way lines and widths for streets within and adjacent to the tract.
(8) 
An erosion and sediment control plan, which shall be reviewed by the County Conservation District and approved by the Township Supervisors. The Township may permit, at its discretion, a statement that individual lot purchasers will be responsible for the preparation of erosion and sediment control plans prior to any earthmoving activities.
(9) 
If the subdivision proposes a new driveway intersection with a state route, a copy of the highway occupancy permit for such intersection. Any conditions listed in a permit shall be noted on the plan. In lieu of a permit for a driveway intersection, the Township Supervisors may permit the following note to be placed on the plan:
(a) 
A highway occupancy permit is required pursuant to Section 420 of the Act of June 1, 1945 (P.L. 1242, No. 428), known as the "State Highway Law,"[1] before a driveway access to a state highway is permitted. Access to the state highway shall only be as authorized by a highway occupancy permit.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 36 P.S. § 670-101 et seq.
(b) 
The approval of this subdivision/land development plan shall in no way imply that a state highway permit can be acquired or that this municipality will support, encourage or not oppose the granting of such a permit. It is possible that access to the property from a state highway will not be permitted by the commonwealth and the property therefore cannot be used for the purpose intended by any purchaser. Purchasers are accordingly warned and should govern themselves accordingly, acquiring state and local highway occupancy permits before purchasing any premises.
(10) 
The source of title to the land.
(11) 
A blank space measuring 3 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches shall be left, preferably adjacent to the Township certification, in which the appropriate stamp of the County Planning Commission may be applied.
(12) 
A blank space measuring three inches square shall be left along the lower edge of the sheet, in order that the Recorder of Deeds may acknowledge receipt and recording of the plan when it is presented.
C. 
In the case of a sketch plan for record, the following supplementary items shall be submitted:
[Added 1-2-2007 by Ord. No. 234-2007]
(1) 
All information necessary to determine compliance with the Township Zoning Ordinance, such as but not limited to:
(a) 
A historic resource impact study conducted pursuant to § 184-177.3 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances;
(b) 
A protected area analysis conducted pursuant to § 184-175 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances;
(c) 
An environmental assessment statement conducted pursuant to § 184-174 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances; and
(d) 
A delineation of steep slopes conducted pursuant to § 184-169 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances.
A. 
The preliminary plan shall be clearly and legibly drawn to a scale of one inch equals 50 feet with all dimensions shown in feet and hundredths of a foot, except that:
(1) 
If the avenge size of the proposed lots is one acre or larger, the plan may be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 100 feet.
(2) 
If the subdivision or land development contains more than 50 acres, the plan may be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 100 feet.
(3) 
If the subdivision proposes lots with an average frontage of less than 50 feet or in the case of a land development, the plan may be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 20 feet.
(4) 
If the subdivision contains more than 200 acres, the plan may be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 200 feet.
(5) 
The original drawing and all submitted prints thereof shall be made on a sheet size up to and including a sheet size of 36 inches by 48 inches.
B. 
If the preliminary plan requires more than one sheet, a key diagram showing the relative location of all the sheets shall be drawn on each sheet. In addition, a match line shall be drawn on each sheet and the subdivider shall indicate along each match line what sheet is adjoined at that match line. A plan index, listing the title of each plan included in the submission, shall be included on the plans intended for eventual recording.
C. 
The preliminary plan shall show:
(1) 
Name of the proposed subdivision or land development, the name of the Township and plan status.
(2) 
North point, graphic scale, written scale and date, including the month, day and year that the original drawing was completed and in the case of revised drawings, the month, day and year that the original drawing was revised and a description of each revision.
(3) 
Name and address of the record owner and the subdivider and the source of title to the tract.
(4) 
Name, address and seal of registered engineer or surveyor responsible for the plan.
(5) 
The names of any abutting subdivisions and land developments and the book and page numbers where any abutting subdivisions and land developments are recorded and the names of the owners of any adjacent unplatted land and the book and page numbers where any adjacent unplatted land is recorded.
(6) 
A location map for the purpose of locating the property being subdivided or developed, drawn at a scale of one inch equals 800 feet, showing the relation of the property, differentiated by tone or pattern, to adjoining property and to all roads, municipal boundaries, recorded subdivision and land development plans and recorded but unconstructed streets within 1,000 feet of the subdivision or land development. A scale, North point and the proposed street system within the subdivision or land development shall be shown.
(7) 
Total tract boundaries of the property being subdivided, showing bearings and distances and a statement of the total acreage of the property.
(8) 
Zoning district lines within the property and zoning district designations and area, yard and height requirements applicable to the property.
(9) 
Contour lines at vertical intervals of not more than two feet for land with average natural slope of 4% or less and at intervals of not more than five feet for land with average natural slope exceeding 4%.
(10) 
Location and elevation of the datum to which contour elevations refer. Datum used shall be a known, established bench mark where practical.
(11) 
All existing buildings, sewer lines, water lines, on-site sewage disposal and water supply, fire hydrants, utility lines, storm drainage facilities, bridges, railroad tracks and other significant man-made features within the proposed subdivision or land development and within 50 feet from the boundaries of the proposed subdivision or land development.
(12) 
All existing soils types, soils characteristics for detention and retention pond areas, natural drainage channels, water bodies and courses, tree masses, quarries, rock outcroppings, wetlands, significant specimen trees and other significant natural features within the proposed subdivision or land development.
(a) 
One-hundred-year floodplains, including delineation of floodway and flood fringe, established by study of FEMA, with base flood elevations for the one-hundred-year storm. For those watercourses for which studies have not been performed by FEMA, calculated one-hundred-year floodplains shall be established by the developer in accordance with Appendix IV of this chapter. When a subdivision or land development contains a floodplain, the elevation of roads, building sites, fills, flood and erosion protection facilities and public utilities included within the floodplain and within 100 feet of the floodplain shall be given. In the case of a proposed revision of a FEMA-mapped floodplain, approval of such revisions from FEMA shall be submitted.
(13) 
All existing streets and streets of record (recorded but not constructed) on or abutting the tract, including names, right-of-way widths, cartway (pavement) widths and approximate grades.
(14) 
All existing easements and rights-of-way and the purposes for which the easements or rights-of-way have been established.
(15) 
The full plan of proposed development including:
(a) 
For all proposed streets, their location, suggested name, right-of-way and cartway widths, a statement of any conditions governing their use and suggested type (i.e., collector). The designation of minor, collector and arterial streets is subject to the approval of the Township. Streets to be dedicated shall be indicated. For streets which will not be dedicated, the arrangements to be made for the ownership and maintenance of those streets shall be given.
(b) 
Location, width and purpose of all easements and rights-of-way, including letters of approval from the appropriate utility.
(c) 
Building setback lines along each street and lot line and the proposed placement of each apartment building, townhouse and nonresidential building, when proposed. For each apartment building the number of dwelling units shall be indicated.
(d) 
Lot lines, with approximate dimensions, lot numbers, a statement of the total number of lots and parcels and approximate lot areas.
(e) 
The location, size and intended use of all nonresidential lots and parcels.
(f) 
The location of all common parking areas and access drives to the parking areas, the size and number of parking stalls, width of aisles and access drives and tentative grades of parking areas and access drives. The location, number and dimensions of off-street loading areas shall also be indicated.
(g) 
Water mains, sanitary sewers, storm sewers and other drainage facilities with the size, material and grade of each and any proposed connections with existing facilities. Cross-sections shall be provided for all drainage swales.
(h) 
Location, size and expected use of all parks, playgrounds and recreation areas. Areas to be dedicated to the Township shall be noted. Areas to be reserved for public use, but not to be dedicated, shall be noted and any conditions governing such areas and the arrangements to be made for the administration and maintenance of these areas shall also be noted.
(i) 
Provisions for pedestrian and other nonvehicular circulation throughout the tract, when provided by means other than sidewalks.
(16) 
Location of soil percolation test holes when soil percolation tests are required by § 154-21.
D. 
The preliminary plan shall be accompanied by the following supplementary data as applicable:
(1) 
Typical street cross section drawing(s) of each proposed street, including construction details of streets, shoulders, curbs and sidewalks and cross slopes of streets, shoulders, sidewalks and planting strips.
(2) 
Profile drawings for existing and proposed site improvements, including but not limited to street center lines, sanitary sewers, storm drainage systems and other improvements requiring grade, elevation and profile documentation. Such profiles shall show existing and finished grades at one of the following sets of scales or any combination thereof. Station numbers; length of vertical curves; existing and proposed sanitary sewer mains and manholes with top and invert elevation data; existing and proposed storm sewer mains, inlets, manholes and culverts with top and invert elevation data; and existing and proposed water mains where they cross other utilities shall be indicated.
(a) 
One inch equals 10 feet horizontal and one inch equals one foot vertical; or
(b) 
One inch equals 20 feet horizontal and one inch equals two feet vertical; or
(c) 
One inch equals 40 feet horizontal and one inch equals four feet vertical; or
(d) 
One inch equals 50 feet horizontal and one inch equals five feet vertical.
(3) 
A plan for the surface drainage of the tract to be subdivided. Such plan shall include stormwater runoff calculations and shall show the proposed method of accommodating the anticipated runoff. Stormwater calculations shall be made and drainage facilities designed in accordance with the Township's Stormwater Management Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 149, Stormwater Management.
(4) 
Preliminary designs of any bridges or culverts. Such design shall meet all applicable requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
(5) 
In the case of land development plans, a landscaping plan showing the proposed type, size and location of trees, shrubs and other plantings, lighting plan and the location of refuse collection areas shall be shown. A table showing extent of compliance with the area, yard and height regulations of the Township Zoning Ordinance shall be provided.
(6) 
Where a preliminary plan shows the proposed subdivision of only a part of the subdivider's total property, the plan shall be accompanied by a plan of the proposed street system for the remainder of the property so that the street system in the submitted portion can be considered in relation to future connections with the unsubmitted portion. In the case of extremely large properties, the Township Planning Commission may delimit the area for which a prospective street system on adjacent property must be shown. The subdivider shall also include a statement indicating proposed future land use for the unsubmitted portion of his property.
(7) 
Where the subdivider proposes to locate a street or other improvement within a portion of a utility right-of-way, a letter from the appropriate utility company giving permission to locate within the right-of-way.
(8) 
A plan for the preservation of existing natural features on the site (see § 154-30) or a narrative statement indicating how such features will be preserved.
(9) 
A solid waste management plan must be shown on the plan as applicable, as per § 154-30 of this chapter.
(10) 
Sight distance calculations for vertical curves in streets.
(a) 
Horizontal curve radii of cartway and right-of-way lines at street intersections. The proposed cartway tie-in to existing street cartways shall be indicated.
(b) 
On the subdivision plan or a plan view drawing of streets, station numbers corresponding to the street profiles.
(c) 
Guide rail locations and construction detail.
(d) 
Clear sight triangles at street intersections.
(e) 
A typical treatment of the construction of driveways and the handling of storm drainage where driveways will intersect streets. The Township may require driveway culverts to be sized and such size noted on the plan.
(f) 
Proposed location and type of traffic control devices.
(11) 
Areas of 10% to 15% slope, 15% to 25% slope and areas of over 25% slope. A steep slope analysis shall be submitted when required by § 154-30 of this chapter.
(12) 
A traffic study when required by § 154-30 of this chapter.
(13) 
The applicant shall identify on-site properties, sites or structures listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pennsylvania Register of Historic Places and/or the Berks County Register of Historic Places. Applicant shall also identify such other properties and structures as may be of local historic significance by means of a field survey by the Berks County Conservancy, Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County or such other individual or organization of equivalent expertise. Properties or structures that are identifiable links to past ownership, such as markers or cemeteries, shall be identified. The applicant shall describe the ways in which the applicant intends to preserve, protect and maintain such historic properties or structures and other man-made resources.
(14) 
In the case of subdivision or land development plans proposed to be submitted in stages at final plan, a drawing delineating the proposed stages and indicating the order of submittal and schedule of submittal of the stages. Staging of sanitary sewer, water and storm drainage facilities and the location of any temporary street turnarounds shall also be indicated.
(15) 
Schematic architectural drawings of proposed townhouses, apartment buildings and commercial and industrial buildings, including building orientation.
(16) 
Proposed driveway locations and evidence that the standards for driveways established in § 154-26D can be met.
(17) 
Impact studies and analyses as required by § 154-30.
(18) 
A draft of any covenants proposed to run with the land.
(19) 
The location of all trees and/or woodlands to be removed or otherwise affected by this development along with the location of trees and/or woodlands to remain.
(20) 
Proposals for fire protection, which shall be reviewed by the Township Fire Marshal.
(21) 
The center line of all proposed driveways and roads intersecting existing roads within the Township shall be staked in the field at their proposed entrances onto the existing roads. The applicant shall indicate existing available sight distance and required sight distance based on PennDOT methodology on the preliminary subdivision or land development plan.
[Added 6-17-2003 by Ord. No. 204-2003]
(22) 
All information necessary to determine compliance with the Township Zoning Ordinance, such as but not limited to:
[Added 1-2-2007 by Ord. No. 234-2007]
(a) 
A historic resource impact study conducted pursuant to § 184-177.3 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances;
(b) 
A protected area analysis conducted pursuant to § 184-175 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances;
(c) 
An environmental assessment statement conducted pursuant to § 184-174 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances; and
(d) 
A delineation of steep slopes conducted pursuant to § 184-169 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances.
A. 
The final plan shall be clearly and legibly drawn to a scale of one inch equals 50 feet with dimensions shown in feet or hundredths of a foot, except that:
(1) 
If the average size of the proposed lots is one acre or larger, the plan may be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 100 feet.
(2) 
If the subdivision contains more than 50 acres, the plan may be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 100 feet.
(3) 
If the subdivision proposes lots with an average frontage of less than 50 feet or in the case of a land development, the plan may be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 20 feet.
(4) 
If the subdivision contains more than 200 acres, the plan may be drawn to a scale of one inch equals 200 feet.
(5) 
The original drawing and all submitted prints thereof shall be made on sheets either 18 inches by 24 inches, 24 inches by 36 inches or 36 inches by 48 inches.
B. 
If the final plan requires more than one sheet, a key diagram showing the relative location of all the sheets shall be drawn on each sheet. In addition, a match line shall be drawn on each sheet and the subdivider shall indicate along each match line what sheet is adjoined at that match line. A plan index, listing the title of each plan included in the submission, shall be included on the plans intended for eventual recording.
C. 
The final plan shall show:
(1) 
Name of proposed subdivision or land development, the Township and plan status.
(2) 
North point, graphic scale, written scale and date, including the month, day and year that the original drawing of the final plan was completed and, in the case of revised drawings, the month, day and year that the original drawing was revised and a description of each revision.
(3) 
Name of the record owner and subdivider and the source of title to the land being subdivided, as shown by the records of the County Recorder of Deeds.
(4) 
The name, address and seal of the registered professional engineer or surveyor responsible for the plan.
(5) 
The names of all abutting subdivisions and land developments, if any, with the book and page numbers where recorded and the names of the owners of all adjacent unplatted land, if any, and the book and page numbers where recorded.
(6) 
A location map for the purpose of locating the property being subdivided or developed, drawn at a scale of one inch equals 800 feet, showing the relation of the property, differentiated by tone or pattern, to adjoining property and to all roads, municipal boundaries, recorded subdivision and land development plans and recorded but unconstructed streets within 1,000 feet of the subdivision or land development. A scale, North point and the proposed street system within the subdivision or land development shall be shown.
(7) 
The total tract boundary lines of the area being subdivided with accurate distances to hundredths of a foot and bearings to 1/4 of a minute. These boundaries shall be balanced and closed with an error of closure not to exceed one foot in 10,000 feet; provided, however, that the boundary(s) adjoining additional unplatted land of the subdivider (for example, between separately submitted final plan sections) are not required to be based upon field survey and may be calculated. The proposed location and elevation (if the elevation is established) of all boundary line (perimeter) monuments shall be indicated, along with a statement of the total area of the property being subdivided. The Township Supervisors may require perimeter monuments to be set and elevations established prior to approval of the final plan. If monuments and lot markers have not been set prior to approval of the plan, the plan shall contain a note indicating when they will be set. The engineer or surveyor responsible for the plan shall certify as to the accuracy of the survey and the drawn plan in accordance with Appendix II. If the developer is going to retain a single parcel with an area in excess of 10 acres and that parcel will not be improved beyond its current level of improvement, that parcel may be considered residue and may be identified by deed plotting. If the retained parcel has an area of 10 acres or less, it shall be considered a lot within the subdivision and described to the accuracy requirements of this chapter.
(8) 
Zoning district lines within the property and zoning district designations and area, yard and height requirements applicable to the property.
(9) 
The location, name (and/or number) and right-of-way, cartway and ultimate right-of-way widths and lines of all roads within the subdivision or land development.
(a) 
Center-line radii of horizontal curves, intended ownership and a statement of any conditions governing the use of streets shall be indicated.
(b) 
Streets to be dedicated shall be indicated. For streets which will not be dedicated, the arrangements to be made for the ownership and maintenance of those streets shall be given.
(c) 
The applicant shall submit letters from the postmaster of the area and fire company and/or rescue company having jurisdiction in the area in which the subdivision or land development is located, stating that the proposed street names are acceptable.
(10) 
The following data for the cartway edges or curblines and right-of-way lines of all recorded (except those which are to be vacated) and proposed streets and for the right-of-way lines of all existing streets within or abutting the property to be subdivided: the length, in feet to the second decimal point, of all straight lines and any two functions of a chord of all curved lines and the delta angle (in degrees, minutes and seconds) of all curved lines.
(11) 
All lot lines shall be shown and shall be completely dimensioned in feet to the second decimal point, if straight, and if curved, with central angle in degrees, minutes and seconds and length of arc and radius. Bearings to 1/4 of a minute shall be shown for all lot lines. Each lot shall be balanced to an accuracy of one foot in 10,000 feet. For each lot, the total lot area in square feet or acres shall be stated.
(12) 
Lot numbers, numbered consecutively, and a statement of the total number of lots and parcels.
(13) 
Location, size and proposed use and design of all parks, playgrounds, landscaped areas, recreation areas, public buildings and other public uses. Areas to be dedicated to the Township shall be noted. Areas not be dedicated shall be noted, conditions governing such areas shall be listed and the arrangements to be made for the ownership, administration and maintenance of these areas shall be given, including applicable agreements and deed restrictions. A note indicating the Township is not responsible for construction or maintenance of any area, park improvement, plantings, street or alley not dedicated for public use shall be placed on the plan. Bearings and distances and areas shall be provided for existing public lands; property to be dedicated or reserved for public, semipublic or community use, including streets; and areas to which title is reserved by the landowner.
(14) 
Building setback lines along each street, lot line and utility line and the proposed placement of each apartment, townhouse and nonresidential building, when proposed. For each apartment building the number of dwelling units shall be indicated.
(15) 
Clear sight triangles as required by § 154-24.
(16) 
The location of all existing and proposed street monuments as required by § 154-32I.
(17) 
All easements and rights-of-way, their purpose and any limitations on such easements or rights-of-way. Rights-of-way shall be accurately shown and identified on the plan and easements shall either be shown or specifically described on the plan. Bearings and distances shall be provided for easements when not parallel to street or lot lines.
(18) 
Water mains, sanitary sewers and storm drainage facilities.
(a) 
Location, size and material of all water mains, with connections to existing facilities; fire hydrants: blowoffs; valves; storage tanks; water sources and other components of water supply systems.
(b) 
Location, size, material, pipe length, invert elevation and grade of all sanitary sewers, with connections to existing facilities; location and construction details of all manholes; design of pumping stations; force mains; sewage treatment plants, with type and degree of treatment proposed and size and capacity of treatment facilities; and other components of sewage disposal systems.
(c) 
Location, size, material, pipe length, invert elevation and grade of all storm drainage facilities, with connections to existing facilities; location, slope, velocity within and cross section for all drainage swales; the location and construction details of all manholes, inlets, endwalls, headwalls, culverts and junction boxes; the location and design of all detention facilities and other drainage facilities; the size, depth, length and width of riprap aprons, with design calculations.
(19) 
Provisions for pedestrian and other nonvehicular circulation throughout the tract, when provided by means other than sidewalks.
(20) 
The location of all common parking areas and access drives to the parking areas, the size and number of parking stalls, the width of aisles and access drives and proposed grades of parking areas and access drives. Location, number and dimensions of off-street loading areas shall be indicated.
(21) 
If the subdivision or land development proposes a new street or driveway intersection with a state legislative route, a copy of the highway occupancy permit.
(22) 
A certificate of ownership, acknowledgment of plan and offer of dedication shall be lettered on the plan, using the forms specified in Appendix I, and shall be signed by the owner(s) of the property and be notarized.
(23) 
Certificate for approval of the plan by the Township Supervisors and Township Planning Commission. (See Appendix III.)
(24) 
A blank space in which the appropriate stamp of the County Planning Commission may be applied.
(25) 
A blank space in order that the Recorder of Deeds may acknowledge receipt and recording of the plan when it is presented.
(26) 
One-hundred-year floodplains, including delineation of floodway and flood fringe, established by study of FEMA, with base flood elevations for the one-hundred-year storm. For those watercourses for which studies have not been performed by FEMA, calculated one-hundred-year floodplains shall be established by the developer in accordance with Appendix IV of this chapter.
(a) 
When a subdivision or land development contains a floodplain, the elevation of roads, building sites, fills, flood and erosion protection facilities and public utilities included within the floodplain and within 100 feet of the floodplain shall be given.
(b) 
In the case of a proposed revision of a FEMA-mapped floodplain, a letter of approval of such revision from FEMA.
(27) 
In the case of any residential subdivision of five lots or more, a note advising potential purchaser(s) of any lot(s) shown thereon to contact the local utility company regarding costs of underground utilities.
(28) 
Location and elevation of the datum to which elevations refer. Datum used shall be a known, established bench mark.
(29) 
Wetlands.
D. 
The final plan shall be accompanied by the following supplementary data, where applicable:
(1) 
Typical street cross section drawing(s) of each proposed street, including right-of-way and cartway widths, construction details of streets, shoulders, curbs and sidewalks and cross slopes of streets, shoulders, sidewalks and planting strips. The typical location, size and depth of any underground utilities shall be indicated.
(2) 
Profiles along the center line of all proposed streets within the tract. Such profiles shall show at least the following information, properly labeled:
(a) 
Existing (natural) profile along both cartway edges or at the top of both curbs.
(b) 
Proposed finished grade at the top of both curbs or along both cartway edges.
(c) 
The length of all vertical curves.
(d) 
Existing and proposed sanitary sewer mains and manholes, with top and invert elevation data.
(e) 
Existing and proposed storm sewer mains, inlets, manholes and culverts, with top and invert elevation data.
(f) 
Existing and proposed water mains when they cross other utilities.
(g) 
Station numbers.
(3) 
The profile sheets required by § 154-20D(2) shall be legibly drawn at one of the following sets of scales or any combination thereof:
(a) 
One inch equals 10 feet horizontal and one inch equals one foot vertical; or
(b) 
One inch equals 20 feet horizontal and one inch equals two feet vertical; or
(c) 
One inch equals 40 feet horizontal and one inch equals four feet vertical; or
(d) 
One inch equals 50 feet horizontal and one inch equals five feet vertical.
(4) 
All offers of dedication which shall require approval of the Township Solicitor.
(5) 
Such private deed restrictions or covenants as may be imposed upon the property as a condition to sale, together with a statement of any restrictions previously imposed which may affect the title to the land being subdivided.
(6) 
Whenever a subdivider proposes to establish a street which is not offered for dedication to public use, the Township may require the subdivider to submit and also to record with the plan, a copy of an agreement made with the Township on behalf of his heirs and assigns, which shall establish the conditions under which the street may later be offered for dedication.
(7) 
A plan for the surface drainage of the tract, including stormwater runoff calculations and the proposed method of accommodating the anticipated runoff.
(8) 
Designs of any bridges or culverts. Such designs shall meet all applicable requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Capacity/loading calculations shall be submitted.
(9) 
With a proposal to change or diminish the course, current or cross section of any stream or body of water or to construct or change any water obstruction. wetland or streambank, approval and a permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and/or Army Corps of Engineers when required or applicable.
(10) 
A plan for the preservation of existing natural features on the site (see § 154-30) or a narrative statement indicating how such features will be preserved.
(11) 
A solid waste management plan must be shown on the plan, if applicable, as per § 154-30 of this chapter.
(12) 
All information necessary to determine compliance with the Township Zoning Ordinance, such as but not limited to:
[Added 1-2-2007 by Ord. No. 234-2007]
(a) 
A historic resource impact study conducted pursuant to § 184-177.3 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances;
(b) 
A protected area analysis conducted pursuant to §  184-175 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances;
(c) 
An environmental assessment statement conducted pursuant to § 184-174 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances; and
(d) 
A delineation of steep slopes conducted pursuant to Section 184-169 of the Bern Township Code of Ordinances.
E. 
A landscape plan showing the number, location, size and species of all plant material that will be planted within the subdivision.
F. 
A lighting plan showing the type and height of fixtures, the brightness of fixtures and lighting levels throughout the site.
G. 
A final grading plan shall be submitted at the time of final plan submission.
H. 
An erosion and sediment control plan for the tract. The Planning Commission must be in written receipt, from the Berks County Conservation District, of the approval of the sediment and erosion control measures for the proposed subdivision. In the event the subdivision has not received the District's approval and the intent of the subdivision is to create only single-family detached lots along existing roads, the Township may permit developer to place the following notation on the plan:
"Any and all lots contained within this subdivision are NOT for development of any type until or unless the seller of the lot or purchaser of the lot has submitted and obtained sediment and erosion control measure approval from the Berks County Conservation District. Each individual lot must obtain this approval prior to earth moving activities."
I. 
Copies of Planning Modules for Land Development as mandated by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection shall accompany the final plan.
J. 
Provisions for fire protection, which shall be reviewed by the Township Fire Marshal.
K. 
Where the developer proposes to locate a street, driveway or other improvement within a portion of a utility right-of-way or to relocate an existing utility line, a letter from the appropriate utility company giving permission to locate within the right-of-way or relocate the existing line.
L. 
Schematic architectural drawings of proposed buildings, including building orientation.
M. 
Provisions for traffic control.
N. 
Lowest floor elevations for proposed buildings.
O. 
A table showing extent of compliance with the area, yard and height regulations of the Township Zoning Ordinance.
P. 
Horizontal curve radii of cartway and right-of-way lines at street intersections. The cartway tie-in to existing street cartways shall be indicated.
Q. 
Guide rail locations and construction detail.
R. 
A typical treatment of the construction of driveways and the handling of storm drainage where driveways will intersect streets. The Township may require driveway culverts to be sized and such size noted on the plan.
S. 
Copies of all approvals required for sanitary sewer and water systems shall be received prior to approval of the final plan, including confirmation that the appropriate agencies can and will serve the proposed development.
T. 
When the tract contains wetlands, a copy of all required permits or permit waivers from PADEP and/or Army Corps of Engineers.
A. 
Soil percolation tests shall be performed for all subdivisions in which buildings at the time of construction will not be connected to an operating public or community sanitary sewage disposal system.
B. 
Soil percolation tests shall be made in accordance with the procedures required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Township Sewage Enforcement Officer.
C. 
Soil percolation tests shall be performed at or near the site of proposed on-site sanitary sewage disposal facilities. At least one test shall be performed on each lot within the subdivision.
D. 
The results of the soil percolation tests shall be analyzed by the Township and the Township Sewage Enforcement Officer in conjunction with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the final plan lot layout shall be based on this analysis. If the analysis of the soil percolation tests results reveals that the soil is unsuitable for the intended use at the lot size(s) originally proposed, the Township may require that the lot size(s) be increased in accordance with the test results.
A. 
This section shall apply to any subdivision or land development for which a preliminary plan or a combined preliminary/final plan is submitted after the effective date of this amendment.
B. 
This section shall not apply to plans that the Township Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors determine only involve clearly minor adjustments or corrections to an approved preliminary plan or clearly minor adjustments or corrections to a preliminary plan that was before the Township for consideration at the date of the adoption of this amendment.
C. 
Limitations on use of fees.
(1) 
Any fees collected under this section shall be placed within an interest-bearing account and shall be accounted for separately from other Township funds.
(2) 
To ensure that the lands and facilities are accessible to the residents of the developments whose developers or subdividers paid fees towards their cost, the attached "Recreation Fee District Plan" designates the entire Township as a single Recreation Fee District. Any such fees collected under this section shall only be expended within the Recreation Fee District in accordance with the adopted Park and Recreation Plan which is designed to benefit the subdivision or land development that contributed the fees.
(3) 
Such fees shall only be used for the following: acquisition of public open space, acquisition of access to recreational facilities owned and operated by Berks County within Bern Township, development of public recreational facilities, landscaping of public open space and closely related engineering and design work.
D. 
Land dedication. Any subdivision or land development regulated under this section shall be required to dedicate the specified amount of common open space, unless the Board of Supervisors determines that such land in that location would not serve a valid public purpose, in which case recreation fees in lieu of land shall be required.
(1) 
Generally, it is the intent of this section that developments of five or fewer dwelling units that do not include land that is adjacent to existing publicly owned land shall be required to pay a recreation and open space fee in lieu of dedicating land.
(2) 
The land and fee requirements of this section shall be based upon the number of new dwelling units that would be permitted on the lots of a subdivision or land development after approval.
(3) 
Prime open space. For purposes of this section, the term "prime open space" shall mean land proposed to be dedicated as common open space that would meet all of the following standards:
(a) 
Less than 6% slope;
(b) 
Not a "wetland" under federal or state regulations;
(c) 
Be part of a contiguous tract of at least 2 acres (which may include existing adjacent common open space); and
(d) 
Not be within the "one-hundred-year floodplain" as defined by official floodplain maps of the Township.
(4) 
Amount of common open space. A subdivision or land development shall be required to dedicate the following amounts of common open space for each permitted new dwelling unit, unless the governing body determines that recreation fees in lieu of the open space would be more in the public interest.
Percentage of the Total Required Common Open Space That Would Meet the Definition of "Prime Open Space"
Minimum Required Common Open Space per Permitted Dwelling Unit
0% to 25%
1,500 square feet
25.1% to 75%
1,250 square feet
75.1% to 100%
1,000 square feet
E. 
Fees for residential development. If the Board of Supervisors determines that a land dedication within a proposed subdivision or land development would not be in the public interest, the applicant shall be required to pay fees in lieu of dedicating open space. This fee shall be $550 per permitted dwelling unit, unless these fees are revised by later resolution or official fee schedule of the governing body.
F. 
Decision on issue of land versus fees. The Board of Supervisors, after consultation with the Township Planning Commission and upon consideration of the recommendation of the Township Planning Consultant or Engineer, shall determine whether a land dedication or the payment fees shall be required. This determination should, but is not required to, be made at the time of sketch plan review. The Township should, at a minimum, consider the following in this decision:
(1) 
Whether the land in that location would serve valid public purpose.
(2) 
Whether there is potential to make a desirable addition to an existing recreation area.
(3) 
Whether the proposed land would meet the objectives and requirements of this section.
(4) 
Whether the area surrounding the proposed development has sufficient existing recreation and open space land and whether it is possible for pedestrians and bicyclists to reach those lands.
(5) 
Any recommendations that may be received from the Planning Commission, the Township Planning Consultant or Engineer, the local School Board or School District staff and the Township Parks and Recreation Board.
(6) 
Any relevant policies of the Township Recreation Board.
(7) 
The Official Park and Recreation Plan.
G. 
Land to be dedicated.
(1) 
Land required to be dedicated shall be suitable for its intended purpose, in the determination of the Board of Supervisors after consultation with the Township Planning Commission and upon consideration of the recommendation of the Township Planning Consultant or Engineer. The applicant shall state what improvements, if any, that he/she/it intends to make to the land to make it suitable for its intended purpose, such as grading, landscaping or development of trails. Such land shall be free of construction debris at the time of dedication.
(2) 
Required common open space shall be dedicated to the Township, unless the Board of Supervisors agrees to accept a dedication to any of the following: the Schuylkill Valley School District, Berks County, a homeowners' association or an environmental organization acceptable to the Board of Supervisors. In the case of a rental development, the Township may permit the common open space to be retained by the owner of the adjacent residential buildings.
(3) 
If required common open space is to be owned by a homeowners' association, the developer shall be required to establish such association in a form that requires all property owners within the development to contribute annually to the maintenance of the common open space. Any homeowners' association agreements regarding required common open space shall be subject to acceptance by the Board of Supervisors, based upon the review and recommendation of the Township Solicitor. The provisions of Section 703(f) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code[1] should serve as a model for such agreement.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
(4) 
Any required common open space dedication shall include deed restrictions to permanently prevent to development for buildings, except buildings for noncommercial recreation or to support maintenance of the land.
(5) 
Priority shall be given to dedication of land that would be suitable for a new community park in the south central portion of the Township, or would preserve woods, steep slopes or other important natural features of land along a creek, or that would add needed land onto existing public recreation lands.
(6) 
Land that is not suitable for active or passive recreation shall not be accepted as part of a required dedication, including areas within a stormwater detention basin that could not serve recreation purposes. Portions intended for active recreation shall be well-drained, of less than 6% average slope and not require filling in of a wetland for use.
(7) 
Common open space within a subdivision or land development shall be contiguous, except as may be specifically exempted by the Board of Supervisors, and shall have adequate access for maintenance and for pedestrians.
(8) 
Other ordinances. Any required land dedication under this section shall be in addition to any land dedication or improvement requirements of any other Township ordinance or resolution.
(9) 
Lands close to buildings. For the purposes of this section, no land shall be used to meet the minimum common open space requirements of this section if such land is within:
(a) 
Fifteen feet of a building; or
(b) 
Within 15 feet of a parking area of more than six parking spaces (other than areas specifically developed to serve the open space). This specifically includes but is not limited to open space surrounding buildings in a development of apartments or townhouses.
(10) 
Residual lands. If only a portion of a larger tract of land is currently proposed to be subdivided or the applicant owns one or more adjacent tracts that are not currently proposed to be subdivided, the applicant shall provide a sketch of a possible future land dedication on these adjacent lands in case they would be developed in the future.
(11) 
Coordination with future adjacent dedication. The Board of Supervisors may require that a required land dedication within a property currently being subdivided be placed along an edge of the property so that it may, in the future, be combined with an open space dedication on the edge of an adjoining property when that adjoining property is subdivided or developed.
H. 
Combination of land and fees. Upon mutual agreement of the Board of Supervisors and the applicant, the Township may accept a combination of common open space and fees in lieu of land to meet the requirements of this section for a residential subdivision or land development. This combination shall be based upon the common open space requirement applying for a certain number of dwelling units and the fee in lieu of land requirement applying for the remaining number of dwelling units.
I. 
Timing of fees. Fees required under this section shall be paid prior to the recording of the final plan, except as follows:
(1) 
If the required fee would be greater than $5,000 and the applicant and the Township mutually agree to provisions in a binding development agreement to require the payment of all applicable recreation fees prior to the issuance of any building permits within each clearly defined phase of the development, then the fees are not required to be paid prior to recording of the final plan but may instead be paid within the requirements of that development agreement.
(2) 
If the applicant agrees to pay such fees in installment, then all such fees shall not be considered to be paid for the purposes of any applicable time limitations for utilization under the Municipalities Planning Code[2] until all such fees are paid in full, including all installments and phases.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
J. 
Fee modification process.
(1) 
An applicant may seek modification to the required amount of a recreation fee under this section. In such case, the full burden of proof, based upon relevant data and qualified professional testimony, shall be upon the applicant to clearly prove to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors that the required fees under this section would be disproportionate compared to the current market value of the common open space that would otherwise be required to be dedicated.
(2) 
An applicant may also seek a modification of the requirements of this section by offering to construct substantial permanent recreation facilities within the proposed subdivision or land development or on adjacent public open space that the applicant clearly proves to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors will substantially meet the recreation needs of the residents, as applicable, of the development.