Township of East Whiteland, PA Development and Design Standards

Where either water supply or sanitary sewage disposal is proposed to be provided by on-lot facilities, all applicable Township, Chester County and PADEP standards and those of other agencies having jurisdiction must be fully satisfied and either the Chester County Department of Health or PADEP, whichever has jurisdiction, must issue a permit authorizing and approving the design and installation of these facilities. All sewage facilities shall be in compliance with the Township's Act 537 plan, including approved revisions thereto.[1]

Editor's Note: "Act 537" refers to the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act; see 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.

Where no public water system is available to serve the proposed subdivision or land development prior to final plan approval, the Board shall require the developer to obtain from the governmental authority have jurisdiction (either PADEP or Chester County Department of Health) certifications of approval as to the quantity and adequacy of the water supply proposed to be utilized by the developer and approval of the type and construction methods and materials to be employed by the developer in the installation of the community on-lot disposal system. If a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission franchise approval is required, evidence of such approval shall be required prior to final plan approval or, in the alternative, if the developer demonstrates such approval cannot be secured by that time, then such approval shall be a condition of final plan approval and no building permits shall be issued until proof of the approval is filed with the Township.

Improvement specifications. Where not otherwise provided for or specified in this chapter, construction requirements for any improvements other than buildings shall be as specified under PADOT's Publication 408, the rules and regulations of PADEP, the Chester County Conservation District, or other governmental agencies, as applicable. Where the specifications included in this chapter differ from the foregoing, the more stringent specification shall apply unless waived by the Board upon recommendation of the Township Engineer.

Installation and inspection of improvements. The developer shall construct and install at his expense all streets, curbs, sidewalks, water mains, sanitary and storm sewers, streetlights, fire hydrants, street signs, shade trees, monuments and other required improvements, facilities and utilities specified in or required by this chapter. Construction and installation of all such improvements shall be subject to inspection by and approval of the Township Engineer and/or Codes Enforcement Officials periodically during the progress of the work.

Lots. In all proposed subdivisions or land developments each lot shall have the specified lot width at the street line and otherwise comply with all applicable requirements of Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland and shall abut a street, either existing or proposed as a part of the subdivision or land development which meets Township street specifications contained in this chapter.

Stormwater retention. In order to minimize the flood-enhancing potential resulting from land disturbance and impervious cover associated with the subdivision or development of land and to maximize the recharge of groundwater, wherever reasonably required by the Board based upon objective criteria incident to the condition of the land proposed for development, stormwater shall be retained on site and ultimately percolated into the ground rather than permitted to drain off.

Municipal exemption. To the extent feasible, the Township shall adhere to the requirements of this chapter; provided, however, that the Supervisors shall have the discretion at a public meeting of the Supervisors to waive any one or more of the provisions of this chapter as they apply to any building or lands owned by the Township or extension thereof, or to the use of any premises owned or operated by the Township that they deem appropriate in the public interest without the necessity of complying with or requiring adherence to the standards required by PAMPC Section 512.1.[2]

Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10512.1.

§ 175-28 General standards for public streets.

Location, A proposed street shall not be centered upon a boundary line of a tract to be subdivided or developed unless the owner of the adjoining property shall enter into joint or simultaneous application for the subdivision or land development of his land. Location of a proposed street abutting and parallel to a boundary line of a development tract is prohibited.

Interconnection of streets. Residential or local streets shall be laid out so as to discourage through traffic, but provisions for street connections into and from adjacent areas may be required by the Board where circulation patterns warrant such connection. No connection shall be permitted which does not comply with any of the objective standards and criteria relating to streets in this Article VI or when a traffic study demonstrates that such interconnection will create a hazardous condition.

Alignment relative to surrounding residential streets. Where a proposed subdivision or land development abuts an existing subdivision having a dedicated residential street dead-ending or terminated by a cul-de-sac at or near a common property line, the proposed subdivision or land development shall make provision for extension of such dedicated residential street within the proposed subdivision or land development.

Alignment relative to surrounding collector streets. A proposed subdivision or land development shall make provision by means of a collector street for continuation of the width, gradient, general alignment and direction of traffic flow of an existing collector street which dead-ends or terminates in a cul-de-sac at a common property line.

Relationship to the development site. Streets shall be designed and laid out in relation to the undisturbed topography of the development tract so as to reduce land disturbance, optimize safe and adequate access to each lot, avoid disturbance of slopes exceeding 15%, and to provide adequate sight distance at all points of intersecting streets as required by §§ 175-32 and 175-33 of this Article VI.

Future streets. If lots resulting from original subdivision or land development are of sufficient size to permit resubdivision or further development, or when a portion of the development tract is not currently proposed for subdivision or land development, adequate street rights-of-way allowing for future subdivision or land development shall be incorporated as part of the plan design and shall satisfy the minimum rights-of-way required for major, collector, minor, or single access streets, as applicable.

Traffic control and street signs. The developer shall provide standard PADOT approved traffic control signs for all streets within a subdivision or land development. The proposed street signs shall be provided in accordance with § 175-33 and the locations of such signs shall be shown on the final plan.

Relationship to existing or proposed collector streets. Where a subdivision or land development abuts or contains an existing or proposed collector or arterial street, the Board, to the extent permitted by law, may require dedication of additional right-of-way to meet the minimum right-of-way specified hereinafter. Additional right-of-way shall be required whenever the developer is required to install acceleration or deceleration lanes or similar improvements required to serve the development.

Grid-iron street pattern. A rigid "grid-iron" pattern of straight, parallel streets which disregards topography is prohibited in those instances where variation in alignment or sweeping curves with tangents is more compatible with topography. Tangents which are up to three times the length of connecting curves shall be required unless determined inappropriate by the Township Engineer based on the undisturbed condition of the development tract.

Relationship to Township street plan. Proposed streets shall be properly related to such street plans or,parts thereof as have been officially prepared and adopted by the Township and to such county and state road and highway plans as have been prepared, adopted and/or filed as prescribed by law.

Reverse frontage. Wherever a development abuts or contains an existing or proposed public street with a right-of-way of 33 feet or more, restrictions of access to the street by the provision for reverse-frontage lots shall be required.

Half or partial streets. New half or partial streets shall not be permitted, except where essential to facilitate the reasonable subdivision of a tract in conformance with the other requirements and standards of this chapter and where, in addition, satisfactory assurance for dedication of the remaining part of the street can be secured.

Incorporation of adjacent partial streets. Wherever a tract to be subdivided or developed borders on an existing half or partial street, the other part of the street shall be shown on the plan of development as being located within the development tract.

Dead-end streets. Dead-end streets shall be prohibited, except as stubs to permit future street extension into adjoining tracts or when such streets are designed as cul-de-sac streets.

Street access to state and Township streets and highways. Where a subdivision or land development abuts a state or Township street or highway to which the subdivision or land development is proposed to be connected by means of a street, the applicant shall be required to apply for a highway occupancy permit and to comply with the applicable provisions of §§ 175-31 through 175-34 of this chapter, and, in addition, shall secure from the Township Engineer a written recommendation of the suitability of such connection in terms of adequacy of access. The applicant shall demonstrate the suitability and adequacy of such access in terms of safety, clear sight distance, traffic volumes on the abutting street or highway, anticipated traffic volumes from the development, direction of turning movements to and from the development site, adequacy of traffic signalization, street alignment, and the need for acceleration and/or deceleration lanes or turning lanes on the existing street or highway. Where such access is proposed to a state street or highway, in addition to the issuance of a highway occupancy permit by PADOT, the applicant shall secure a highway occupancy permit from the Township at the time of final plan approval, the feasibility of which shall be demonstrated upon submission for review of the preliminary plan. Highway occupancy permits authorizing connection to state streets or highways shall be approved subject to the condition that if PADOT denies a highway occupancy permit for the proposed access, the conditional approval of such permit by the Township shall be deemed to have been denied and no such municipal permit shall be issued. If the Township denies a Township highway occupancy permit for the said access, the approval of PADOT highway occupancy permit shall be deemed to have been denied.

§ 175-29 Single access streets (cul-de-sac and loop).

[Amended 11-13-2019 by Ord. No. 320]

Single access streets shall not be approved wherever a through street connecting with other surrounding streets is feasible, unless such a connection is impractical or undesirable per the considerations outlined in § 175-29F.

Measurement of length. The length of a single access street shall be measured along the center line of the street beginning at the center line of the intersecting street and ending at the center of the cul-de-sac bulb or the point at which a loop street connects back to itself.

A single access street, permanently designed as such, shall not exceed 1,000 feet in length, unless an emergency access is provided. Any required emergency access or fire apparatus access road shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 90 of the Township Code (Fire Prevention).

An emergency access may also be required for a single access street that will not exceed 1,000 feet in length, whether permanently designed as such or as part of a phased development, if so required by the International Fire Code. Any required emergency access or fire apparatus access road shall be constructed in accordance with Chapter 90 of the Township Code (Fire Prevention).

Radius. Where permitted, a cul-de-sac shall be provided at the closed end with a paved turnaround having a minimum radius to the outer pavement edge or curb line of 50 feet with a minimum right-of-way radius of 60 feet.

Design and connection. The Board shall consider the existing or proposed uses of adjoining lands, topography, drainage and other relevant site characteristics affecting the design of a single access street or through street. Unless a through street or future extension of a single access street is impractical or undesirable based on the foregoing considerations, or is precluded by the Board, which they shall have the discretion to do, the right-of-way of a single access street shall extend to the property line of the development tract and a right-of-way for the same width as the street shall be carried to the property line in such a way as to permit future extension of the street into the adjoining tract. The future street extension shall be clearly identified with signage.

Drainage. Drainage of a single access street shall be directed towards the open end of the cul-de-sac or loop end of the street, subject to the other design criteria specified in this chapter. All stormwater management and street drainage shall be in accordance with Chapter 170 of the Township Code (Stormwater Management).

Design. The design of single access streets shall be designed to local or residential street standards, except that the centerline grade shall not exceed 8% and the grade of the diameter of the turnaround area shall not exceed 4%.

Temporary cul-de-sac. Where streets are temporarily terminated at a property line or phase line with a temporary vehicular turnaround, thus forming a cul-de-sac until such time as the street is extended, all regulations pertaining to single access streets shall apply, except that the temporary cartway turnaround need not be curbed unless so directed by the Township Engineer. At such a time that the temporary cul-de-sac has been extended and is no longer needed for the purposes of a turnaround, the additional pavement from its radius shall be removed and the ground restored to a vegetation condition.

§ 175-30 General street requirements.

[Amended 11-13-2019 by Ord. No. 320]

Streets in floodplains. Streets within a subdivision or land development located entirely or partially within a designated Flood Hazard District shall be prohibited unless the proposed street is intended to traverse the floodplain area as part of an approved stream crossing by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or an appropriate agency.

Obstructions. No fences, hedges, freestanding walls, plantings (except approved street trees), or other obstructions shall be located or remain within the right-of-way of a street.

Curbing is required for all new streets, regardless of roadway functional classification.

Streetlights. Poles and standards for streetlights with appropriate shielding and underground parkway cable service lines shall be furnished and installed by the developer, spaced not more than 500 feet apart and each providing with 0.2 footcandles of illumination. The Township Engineer shall direct the type and location of streetlights to be installed within the right-of-way areas.

Street trees. Deciduous street trees shall be planted by the developer within general alignment along the edge of the roadway, staggered along both sides, and spaced according to the type of tree. Street tree planting shall be required along all new or existing streets. Such trees must be properly balled and burlapped in accordance with accepted horticultural practice. This requirement is in addition to the landscaping requirements specified in § 175-41 and Chapter 200 of the Township Code (Zoning, Article XI regarding buffers) for the zoning district in which the property is located.

Size. Tree caliper at time of planting shall be no less than 2.5 inches (one foot above ground level) in both residential and nonresidential developments.

Approved street trees. The following tree varieties are approved for use within street rights-of-way:

Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry).

Diospyros virginiana (Common Persimmon).

Quercus imbricaria (Laurel or Shingle Oak).

Quercus phellos (Willow Oak).

Quercus rubra (Red Oak).

Tilia cordata (Liftieleaf Linden).

Ulmus parviflora (Chinese Elm).

(h)

Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova).

(i)

Acer rubrum (Red Maple).

(j)

Gleditsia tricanthos inermis shademaster (Shademaster Locust).

(k)

Prunus yedoenis (Yoshino Cherry).

(l)

Ginkgo biloba (Ginko, male only).

(m)

Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak).

(n)

Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple).

Screening. An effective buffer screen in compliance with § 175-41 and Chapter 200 of the Township Code (Zoning, Article XI regarding buffers) shall be required whenever a development abuts a different zoning use or zoning district. For example, where a residential development abuts a commercial or industrial use or district, or where a commercial or industrial development abuts a residential use or district.

Fire hydrants. Where a public water system is reasonably accessible or will serve a proposed development, the developer shall install fire hydrants in accordance with Chapter 90 of the Township Code (Fire Prevention). Unless otherwise dictated therein, fire hydrants shall be located within a 600-foot radius of any house or building within the subdivision or land development. Fire hydrants shall each provide the number of gallons of water per minute at the number of pounds per square inch pressure sufficient, in both cases, to meet the minimum fire flow requirements or standards of Chapter 90 of the Township Code (Fire Prevention).

Street names and signs. Street name signs shall be installed at the intersection of each street with another street, whether public or private, and shall at a minimum comply with the following specifications:

The sign shall be made of extruded aluminum, white in color, with four-inch reflectorized black letters, shall measure a minimum of 24 inches in length, and shall be equipped with vandal-proof mounting hardware.

The post on which the sign shall be mounted shall be galvanized steel, measuring 2.5 inches in outside diameter, and shall be a minimum of 10 feet in length.

The sign shall be installed two feet from the edge of the pavement or curb, measured from the edge of pavement or face of the curb to the nearest edge of the sign.

The sign shall be connected to the top of the post, and shall have an installed minimum height of seven feet measured from ground line to the bottom of the sign.

Street names shall be approved by the Board and duplication shall be avoided unless as a continuation of an existing street or projection of same. With respect to a cul-de-sac, the developer shall install at each street intersection nearest the bulb of the cul-de-sac a "dead end" or "no outlet" sign, unless a future extension is envisioned in accordance with § 175-29F.

Street dedication. The Board may require the dedication of new streets within any subdivision or land development as a condition to the approval of a subdivision or land development plan, however, the Board is not required to accept new subdivision or land development roadways which are offered for dedication.

Private streets. All private streets shall meet the appropriate East Whiteland Township public street design and construction standards based on street type as set forth in the applicable ordinances.

Addressing. All street names and street numbering shall be reviewed and approved by the Township in coordination with Chester County Emergency Services. Proposed street names shall be labeled on the plans and all street numbering shall be correlated to lot numbers in a table shown on the plans. All addressing information shall be contained on the final plan prior to recording.

§ 175-31 Street widths.

[Amended 11-13-2019 by Ord. No. 320]

Minimum widths. The minimum widths of street rights-of-way, travel lanes, shoulders, and parking lanes shall not be less than those widths of an existing street of which a new street is to be a continuation or the following designated minimum widths, whichever is greater. Where a development is proposed along an existing roadway, the applicant shall be required to improve the existing street to the minimum standards outlined in this chapter.

Street right-of-way. Minimum street right-of-way shall be based on the roadway functional classification as designated in the Township's Roadway Functional Classification Map[1] for existing public and private streets, or as designated by the Township Engineer for new streets not included therein, according to the following:

Street Type	Minimum Right-of-Way Width (feet)
Major arterial	120
Minor arterial	90
Major or minor collector	70
Distributor	60
Local or residential street (with on-street parking on both sides)	60
Local or residential street (without on-street parking)	50

Editor's Note: Said map is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Travel lanes. The minimum width of each travel lane shall be based on the roadway functional classification as designated in the Township's Roadway Functional Classification Map[2] for existing streets, or as designated by the Township Engineer for new streets not included therein. Travel lane widths are dependent on the design of curb and/or on-street parking adjacent to the travel lane, according to the following:

	Minimum Travel Lane Width (feet)
Street Type	Curb without On-Street Parking	Curb with On-Street Parking	No Curb
Major or minor arterial Major or minor collector distributor	14	11	11
Local	14	11	10
Residential streets With average daily traffic (ADT) between 1,000 and 2,000 vehicles/day	13	11	11
Residential streets With average daily traffic (ADT) between 400 and 1,000 vehicles/day	13	10	10
Residential streets With average daily traffic (ADT) less than 400 vehicles/day	13	9	9

Editor's Note: Said map is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Shoulders, on-street parking lane, on-road bicycle infrastructure. The minimum width of a shoulder or parking lane shall be based on the roadway functional classification as designated in the Township's Roadway Functional Classification Map[3] for existing streets, or as designated by the Township Engineer for new streets not included therein. Widths are dependent on the design of on-street parking and on-road bicycle infrastructure adjacent to the travel lane, according to the following:

For existing or proposed streets without a curb, either a shoulder, on-street parking lane, or on-road bicycle infrastructure shall be provided adjacent to the outside travel lanes.

Where on-street parking lanes are not provided, parking restriction signs shall be required and such restrictions shall be noted on the plan.

For existing or proposed streets with a curb, a shoulder is not necessary unless needed to accommodate stormwater drainage or if otherwise required by the Township Engineer for a demonstrable purpose. See § 175-41.2 of this chapter for requirements and provisions related to on-road bicycle infrastructure. The width of a shoulder, on-street parking lane, or on-road bicycle infrastructure shall be designed according to the following:

	Minimum Shoulder, On-Street Parking Lane, On-Road Bicycle Infrastructure Width (feet)
Street Type	Shoulder	On-Street Parking	On-Road Bicycle Infrastructure
Major arterial	8	Not permitted	See § 175-41.2
Minor arterial Major or minor collector	4	8
Distributor Local With average daily traffic (ADT) more than 2,000 vehicles/day	3	8
Distributor Local Residential streets With average daily traffic (ADT) less than 2,000 vehicles/day	2	8

Editor's Note: Said map is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Additional widths. Additional width for street rights-of-way, travel lanes, shoulders, and on-street parking lanes widths shall be required if determined necessary by the Township Engineer due to any of the following factors:

To promote public safety and convenience or to avoid an otherwise hazardous condition.

To meet PennDOT requirements for state-owned roadways.

To provide on-street parking or on-road bicycle infrastructure.

To provide off-road bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian infrastructure, or bus stop infrastructure.

To provide for acceptable turning movements and vehicular circulation.

To accommodate stormwater drainage facilities.

To accommodate special topographic conditions or circumstances which may result in cut-and-fill slopes extending beyond the standard right-of-way so as to assure safety and accessibility for maintenance, snow removal and similar needs.

Street construction. Construction of all streets and accessory installations thereto, including but not limited to curbs, shoulders, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian infrastructure, and storm drainage structures, shall conform to the minimum specifications of this chapter.

Exception to minimum widths. Short extensions (not exceeding 100 feet) of existing streets with lesser rights-of-way, travel lanes, shoulders, and/or parking lane widths than prescribed by Subsection A may be permitted at the sole discretion of the Board; provided, however, that no section of the new right-of-way shall be less than 50 feet in width.

Improving existing streets. Where a subdivision or land development abuts or contains an existing street with a right-of-way, travel lanes, shoulders, parking lanes, and/or alignment which are insufficient relative to the anticipated traffic demands of the development and/or does not otherwise comply with the provisions of this chapter, the Board shall require that the street be modified to comply with the applicable sections of the East Whiteland Township ordinances.

§ 175-32 Street design.

[Amended 11-13-2019 by Ord. No. 320]

Sight distance. The minimum sight distance, measured along an unobstructed line of sight within the paved area along all sections of the street surface, with the height of the driver and the object at 3.5 feet above the pavement surface, shall be provided in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials standards and not less than 200 feet for distributor, local, and residential streets.

Horizontal curves. Whenever street centerlines are deflected in excess of 5° for local streets, and one degree for all other streets, connection shall be made by horizontal curves. Horizontal curves shall have a minimum centerline radius and superelevation in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials standards and not less than 150 feet for local streets with a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

Tangents. Tangents with a maximum difference in bearing of 5º may intersect at the center line of intersections with cross streets; otherwise, such intersections shall not be permitted. Reverse curves on local streets, and horizontal curves on all other streets shall be separated by tangents of not less than 100 feet. Superelevation shall be provided as required by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials design criteria. Sweeping curves of comparatively long radius shall be required rather than tangents connecting curves leading in the same direction.

Preclusion. A combination of minimum radius horizontal curve and maximum grade is not permitted.

Vertical curves. Vertical curves shall be used in all changes in gradient of more than 1% and the length at such changes shall be 25 feet for each 1% change in grade or not less than that required for a 25 mile per hour design speed for all local and residential streets. All other streets shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials standards.

Street grades.

Centerline grades shall not be not less than 1% and shall not exceed the following:

Street Type	Maximum Grade of Centerline
Major or minor arterial	6%
Major collector	8%
Minor collector	9%
Distributor
Local
Residential streets	10%

Where the grade of any proposed or modified street at the approach to an existing or newly created intersection exceeds 2%, a leveling area shall be provided having a grade not greater than 2% for a distance of 60 feet. The length of the required leveling area shall be measured from the nearest edge of pavement or right-of-way line of the intersecting street, whichever is greater.

The grades between the curbline or edge of pavement and the street right-of-way line shall not exceed 2%.

Grades beyond the right-of-way line where cut or fill is necessary shall be at a maximum of three to one.

All streets shall be graded subject to the criteria of this chapter. All grades shall be shown on the profile and cross section plan submitted and approved with the final plan.

Roadway drainage. All roadway stormwater facilities shall be designed in accordance with PennDOT Publication 13M "Design Manual Part 2 - Highway Design" and PennDOT Publication 584 "Drainage Manual" and shall be consistent with Chapter 170 (Stormwater Management). This includes inlet spacing, pipe capacity, and all other roadway and roadside drainage requirements.

§ 175-33 Street intersections.

[Amended 11-13-2019 by Ord. No. 320]

Right angles. Streets shall be laid out to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles 90°. No street intersection shall be created with an angle of less than 75° or more than 105°. Right-of-way lines shall intersect at 90°, but in no case less than 75°, and shall be rounded by a tangential are having a minimum radius of 30 feet.

Multiple intersections prohibited. Multiple intersections involving the junction of more than two streets shall be prohibited. No waiver for this provision shall be granted unless acceptable proof is provided by the developer that natural land features, such as steep slopes, mature healthy trees, wetlands and similar features will be preserved and public safety will not be affected by allowance of the waiver.

Intersections. Intersections of streets, whether public or private, with major arterial and minor arterial traffic streets shall be located not less than 1,000 feet apart, measured from centerline to centerline.

Opposing streets. Streets entering from the opposite sides of another street shall either be directly across from each other or offset by at least 150 feet for major collector, minor collector, distributor, and local streets and 300 feet on major arterial and minor arterial streets, measured from center line to center line.

Corner radius. Minimum corner radii at street intersections shall be 30 feet for intersections involving distributor and local streets, 40 feet for all other intersections, or such greater radius as is suitable to the specific intersection as usually determined by truck turning movements, and as determined by the Township Engineer. Public street right-of-way lines shall be parallel to (concentric with) corner arcs at intersections. If the corner is curbed, then all curbs and ramps shall comply with minimum ADA requirements.

Grade. The intersection area and corresponding approach areas shall be designed with a level grade not to exceed 2% in any direction. Intersection approach areas shall be designed consistent with § 175-32F(2).

Street name signs. Street name signs shall be installed at all street intersections prior to the issuance of the first use and occupancy permit by the designated Township Building Official. The design and placement of such signs and the names of the streets shall be subject to the provisions of § 175-30H.

Sight distance at street and driveway intersections.

On any lot, no wall, fence or other obstruction shall be erected, allowed or maintained; and no hedge, tree, shrub or other growth shall be planted or exist which dangerously obscures the view of approaching traffic along streets, driveways, or at intersections.

On a corner lot, nothing shall be erected, placed, or allowed to grow which obscures the view within a clear sight triangle defined by the following:

Above the height of 2.5 feet and below the height of 12 feet measured from the centerline grades of the intersecting streets.

Within the area bounded by the centerline of intersecting streets and a line joining points on these centerlines 75 feet from an intersection of centerlines of such streets.

All driveway and street intersections shall be designed and maintained in such a manner that a clear view is obtained for vehicles entering and exiting the intersection, according to the following:

The measurement and calculation of required sight distances shall be in accordance with Pennsylvania Code Title 67, Chapter 441, Access to and Occupancy of Highways by Driveways and Local Roads.[1]

Editor's Note: See 67 Pa. Code § 441.1 et seq.

The PennDOT desirable sight distance requirements are typically based on the posted speed limit. However, where the speed of traffic may create a situation with unsafe sight distance, it may be necessary to verify the 85th percentile speed of traffic at the recommendation of the Township Engineer. If it is impossible to achieve the desirable sight distances, then the minimum safe stopping sight distance values may be used based on the 85th percentile speed of traffic, if necessary, and subject to review by the Township Engineer.

If recommended by the Township Engineer, a sight distance profile plan shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania to show at least the following for verification of adequate sight distance and all associated improvements: existing roadway profile (spot elevations at fifty-foot increments and twenty-five-foot increments along vertical curves), proposed roadway profile, all sight line profiles (six inches or more of sight line clearance above the finished grade), proposed site grading and temporary grading easements.

§ 175-34 Street construction.

[Amended 11-13-2019 by Ord. No. 320]

All materials entering into the construction of public and private streets and/or roads as hereinbefore defined and the method of construction and installation shall be in strict accordance with the requirements of PennDOT Publication 408 "Specifications," and PennDOT Bulletin 15 "Approved Construction Materials."

Drainage. All drainage and utility structures, including, but not limited to, manholes, inlets, pipes, water and electric lines, shall be installed prior to the final grading and paving of the cartway.

Grading. Grading shall be completed to the full width of the right-of-way. The grading of all banks beyond the road right-of-way shall be sloped not less than 1 1/2 horizontal to one vertical with top of slopes rounded.

Subgrade. The subgrade within the limits of the proposed cartway shall be shaped to conform to the line, grade and cross-section of the proposed cartway and shall be thoroughly compacted as per PennDOT Publication 408. Before placing the base course, the subgrade shall be dressed with one inch of fine aggregate.

Paving. All streets, public or private, shall be paved in accordance with this section, or as otherwise specified by the Township regulations, and when all required improvements have been properly installed.

Subgrade. Whenever possible, the subgrade shall be in cut or undisturbed subsoil. In no case shall the subgrade consist of filled or undisturbed topsoil or frozen soils. All deleterious material such as tree roots, leaves, branches, trash, stones exceeding six inches in diameter and miscellaneous construction debris shall be removed from the subgrade. Compaction shall be accomplished by a sheep's-foot, smooth-wheel or rubber-tired roller, as directed by the Township Engineer. The subgrade shall be compacted tight and dry and shall not be soft and spongy when check rolled. Compaction of the subgrade shall extend the full width of the cartway, including the width to be occupied by shoulders where applicable. The required road crown shall be built into the shaped subgrade. No unsuitable material is to be used in any portion of the roadway construction. Remove any subgrade that cannot be properly compacted and that is unsuitable material. Undercutting and/or subgrade stabilization may be required. The subgrade must be approved by a Township representative prior to placement of subbase. If directed by the Township Engineer, soil testing or review by a qualified third party geotechnical professional engineer with experience in road subgrade remediation shall be required.

Base course. The base course shall be constructed of:

Coarse material: The coarse material shall be No. 2A, or better stone, compacted to a depth of no less than six inches, meeting the requirements of PennDOT Publication 408, Section 703.2 and Table C.

Superpave asphalt mixture design: WMA base course, PG 64-22, 3.0 to 10.0 million ESALs, 25.0 mm mix, five-inch depth in accordance with PennDOT Publication 408, Section 409.

All streets shall be laid out and the base course installed subsequent to the commencement of construction of any structure, building or facility.

Binder course. A Superpave asphalt mixture design, WMA binder course, PG 64-22, 3.0 to 10.0 million ESALs, 25.0 mm mix, three-inch depth meeting the requirements of PennDOT Publication 408, Section 409, latest edition, shall be applied over the base course. In no case shall the binder course be applied over a frozen, saturated or excessively dirt-laden base course. The binder course shall be applied only when the temperature is at least 45° F. and rising.

Wearing course. After proper cleaning, repairing and preparation of the binder course as directed by the Township Engineer, a Superpave asphalt mixture design, WMA wearing course, PG 64-22, 3.0 to 10.0 million ESALs, 9.5 mm mix, one and five-tenths-inch depth, SRL-H shall be placed over the binder course. The wearing course shall be applied only when the temperature is at least 45° F. and rising.

The wearing course shall be applied with a paving machine of sufficient width to create only one center seam (e.g., a thirty-two-foot-wide cartway shall be paved with a minimum sixteen-foot-wide paver). The wearing course shall be compacted with an eight-to-ten ton vibratory roller.

After application of the wearing course, all curb, inlet, manhole, etc., joints shall be sealed with PG 64-22 joint seal, applied in neat lines with a minimum width of six inches in accordance with PennDOT Publication 408, Section 702.

All Township streets shall have a crown with a cross slope of 2%, sloping away from the centerline, unless otherwise directed by the Township Engineer.

§ 175-35 Curbs.

All materials entering into the construction of curbs and/or gutters and the method of construction and installation shall be in accordance with PADOT Publication 408, as amended. Cement concrete shall comply with PADOT Class AA cement concrete specifications and is the minimum required in the construction of both curbs and sidewalks in the Township.

Curb types. Vertical curbs shall be required on all streets. (See Appendix V.[1])

Editor's Note: Appendix V is included at the end of this chapter.

§ 175-36 Blocks.

General. The length, width and shape of blocks shall be determined consistently with the requirements of this § 175-36, with due regard to provision of adequate sites for buildings of the type proposed, minimum requirements established in Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland, undisturbed topography and sensitive land features of the development tract, and the requirements for safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian circulation, including the reduction of intersections with major/arterial streets and the provision for adequate access for ingress, egress and regress of emergency vehicles.

Length. Blocks shall have a maximum length of 1,200 feet and a minimum length of 600 feet. Wherever a block exceeds 800 feet, the plan shall incorporate design factors addressing fire protection and pedestrian access.

Blocks.

Blocks shall have a depth of two lots in width and, except for lots located at street intersections, no single lot shall have two street frontages with the exception of corner lots and reverse-frontage lots designed in compliance with this chapter and subject to the applicable requirements of Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland.

Blocks in commercial and industrial areas may vary from the elements of design detailed in Subsection C(1) above if required by the nature of the use. In all cases, however, adequate provision shall be made for off-street parking and loading areas as well as for traffic circulation and parking for employees and customers.

Crosswalks. In blocks over 1,000 feet in length, and when required for access to open space, a dedicated right-of-way with a minimum width of 15 feet and a paved width (if paved or required to be paved by the Board) of not less than six feet shall be provided for a crosswalk at or near the middle of such blocks.

§ 175-37 Stormwater drainage; erosion and sedimentation control.

Storm drainage required. A stormwater management system and all facilities and appurtenances thereto, in compliance with this chapter shall be designed, installed and constructed by the developer on the development tract when land disturbance of any kind, whether surface or subsurface, creates stormwater runoff other than as naturally exists on the undisturbed land. The facilities shall consist of a stormwater collection system, swales, basins and other appurtenant facilities.

General requirements for stormwater management plan. For all subdivisions and land development applications, a stormwater management plan and report shall be submitted for review and approval and shall consist of written material, calculations and a topographical plan drawn to the same scale as the preliminary and final plan. The requirements for inclusion of additional information shall be subject to the reasonable discretion of the Township Engineer based upon the discrete circumstances of each proposed development and development tract. The stormwater management plan shall include, but not necessarily be limited to the following:

A suitable map of the total watershed [a United States Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle map is sufficient].

Suitable maps and drawings showing all existing and proposed drainage facilities attributable to the proposed subdivision or land development.

A plan of the proposed stormwater drainage system attributable to the subdivision or land development.

The design computations for the stormwater drainage system, including storm drain pipes and inlets, runoff control measures and culverts and drainage channels. Calculations shall be provided to show the flow in the system, pipe size, allowable flow, actual flow and velocity.

A plan of the grading of the subject subdivision or land development.

A plan of the erosion and sedimentation procedures to be utilized.

Notation of ownership and responsibility for maintenance of stormwater management structures.

Design criteria. The criteria behind the design of stormwater management facilities shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Design flow rate for storm drain pipes and inlets. The stormwater drainage system shall be designed to carry a twenty-five-year peak flow rate and a fifty-year peak flow rate at the sump area. The design twenty-five-year peak flow rate into each inlet shall be indicated on the stormwater drainage plan. The twenty-five-year flow rate with five minute time of concentration shall be determined by the Rational Formula: "Q" (quantity) = "C" (coefficient) x "I" (intensity of rain fall) x "A" (area of drainage).

Overflow system. An overflow system shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Minimum grade, size and cover. All storm drain pipes shall be designated to maintain a minimum grade of 1/2%. All storm pipes shall have a minimum inside diameter of 18 inches. Storm sewers shall have a minimum cover of 18 inches.

Inlets. All inlets shall be precast concrete, PADOT type, and the grate sumped one inch. Inlets shall have a two-inch drop from inlet to outlet.

Runoff control. The rate and quantity of stormwater runoff from any proposed subdivision or land development shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Runoff control devices. The increased stormwater runoff which may result from subdivision and land development shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Detention basin vs. other available methods. Detention basin vs. other available methods shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Groundwater recharge. Groundwater recharge shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Infiltration design criteria. Infiltration design criteria shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Basin design criteria. Basin design criteria shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Basin construction criteria. Basin construction criteria shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Underground detention beds. Underground detention beds shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Erosion and sedimentation control.

The developer shall employ all necessary measures for control of erosion and sedimentation and shall meet as a minimum the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania codified in Chapter 102 of the Pennsylvania Code.

Standard 5. Significant loadings of nonpoint source pollutants shall not be discharged into either surface or groundwater. Significant is defined as resulting in an increase greater than 10% of existing background concentrations of all water quality parameters of consequence identified in federal and state criteria for this watershed. The developer shall comply in all respects with the requirements mandated by state and federal regulatory authorities such as to qualify the developer for the issuance of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the proposed subdivision or land development. In the implementation of this subsection, both structural and nonstructural (preventive) measures shall be implemented where necessary to reduce and prevent nonpoint source pollution.

Separate plans and permits. Separate plans and permits shall meet the postconstruction stormwater management criteria as outlined in Chapter 170.

[Amended 6-14-2006 by Ord. No. 182-2006]

Drainage easements. Where stormwater or surface water will be gathered within a subdivision or land development and discharged or drained in volume over lands within the boundaries of the subdivision or land development, the developer shall reserve easements over the lands affected. The easements shall be adequate for such discharge of drainage and for carrying off of such water and for the maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of same, including the rights of passage over it by vehicle, machinery, and other equipment for such purposes. The developer shall convey, at no cost, the easements to the Township upon demand.

Inspection. All stormwater drainage facilities shall be inspected and checked for adequacy of materials and installation by the Township Engineer or his designee.

Stop-work order. The Board shall have the right to order the cessation of all construction activities related to any approved subdivision or land development where stormwater runoff problems adversely affecting adjacent properties, streets, streams, ponds and similar amenities arise during the course of construction, even though an approved erosion and sedimentation control plan is being followed. This order shall be effective immediately upon its issuance and service upon the contractor performing the work or the developer and shall remain in effect until such time as the problem has been corrected or otherwise resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board.

§ 175-38 Lots and lot sizes.

Zoning compliance. Lot dimensions, area and bulk regulations and design standards shall meet the requirements of Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland.

Property lines. Property lines in all new subdivisions and land developments shall be substantially at right angles or radial to street lines. In no event shall existing lots be subdivided or portions of existing lots be subdivided and then combined to form new building lots where the resulting property lines of both the new lot so formed and the remaining lots from which they are formed do not strictly comply with this regulation.

Lot frontage. All lots shall front on a public street, designed, installed and constructed to Township specifications; provided that not more than two residential lots may have access to a public street by means of a private driveway when approved by the Board; provided, further, the Board may waive the requirement that all lots front on a public street where the applicant proposes a development plan containing not more than five contiguous nonresidential lots.

Minimum access for residential subdivisions. A residential subdivision or land development of more than 25 single-family dwellings, whether attached or detached, shall be accessed and served by two or more public or private streets constructed within and as a part of the development, both of which shall be connected to and provide vehicular access to and from an existing public street. Where the development abuts more than one existing public street, the Board shall require access to each such existing public street.

Double frontage lots. Double frontage lots shall be prohibited except where reasonably necessary in the discretion of the Township Engineer to prevent vehicular access to major traffic streets.

Township boundaries. Wherever feasible, lot lines shall follow Township boundaries rather than cross them in order to avoid jurisdictional problems.

Access and frontage. All lots shall have direct access to a public street and shall have at least 50 feet of frontage on such streets unless otherwise specified in Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland.

Abutting rail lines. On any lot abutting a railroad right-of-way, no residential dwelling shall be placed within 75 feet of the nearest rail of the track or, if there is no existing rail, within 50 feet of the center line of the right-of-way; nor shall such residential dwelling be placed within 50 feet of any portion of the railroad right-of-way line.

Minimum lot area. Every building lot shall have a minimum contiguous area as required in Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland for the zoning district in which the lot is located. Said minimum lot area shall not include environmentally sensitive land defined as any sedimentation control structure or water retention or detention basin which require an easement, floodplains or wetlands. Additional ground within the lot lines shall be provided to offset the environmentally sensitive land so that the entire minimum lot area, as specified, is usable by the property owner. For purposes of this subsection, ground slopes shall not be considered environmentally sensitive land.

Interior lots. Interior lots shall be permitted subject to the following minimum regulations:

No more than two contiguous interior lots shall be formed. Subject to the provisions of this Subsection J, the creation of such lots shall be minimized and limited to those circumstances dictated by the configuration of the development tract. The developer shall not be permitted to use interior lot design to avoid constructing an interior residential street.

Contiguous interior lots shall be separated along any street frontage by at least five noninterior lots.

No more than two lots in depth, i.e., one tier of interior lots, shall be created along a new or existing street.

A maximum total of one interior lot may be created from each parent lot that existed as a single and separate lot of record at the time of the adoption of this chapter.

The access strip to any such lot shall comply with the minimum lot width at the street right-of-way line for the entire depth of the access strip, as established for the use by the applicable zoning district regulations, and the access strip shall be entirely included within the title lines of the lot. The minimum lot area and other dimensional requirements for the lot shall be those of the applicable zoning district in which it is located and shall be met without consideration or inclusion of that portion of the lot located within the access strip.

The lot shall have a front lot line which shall be most nearly parallel to the street right-of-way line and shall extend along the full length of the rear lot line or lines of those contiguous lots abutting the street right-of-way line and shall extend across the access strip.

The building setback line mandated by the zoning district regulations shall be measured from the contiguous (street fronting) lot's rear property line rather than the adjacent right-of-way or street line. (See Figure 2.[1])

Editor's Note: Figure 2 is included at the end of this chapter.

§ 175-39 Alleys; driveways; easements; transmission lines.

[Amended 11-13-2019 by Ord. No. 320]

Alleys. Alleys may be permitted in residential developments along the rear of the property to provide an additional means of circulation and access.

Driveways. Driveways intersecting with street rights-of-way shall be subject to the following requirements:

Private driveways in residential developments shall be located at least 60 feet from the point of intersection of the nearest street right-of-way lines and at least 10 feet from a property line.

Private driveways in all other developments shall be located at least 100 feet from the point of intersection of the nearest street right-of-way lines and at least 20 feet from a property line.

Where driveways are used jointly by more than one property owner, they may straddle the property line. The appropriate easement restrictions shall be noted on the final plan, and cross easements for each lot shall be recorded.

Construction.

Grades and paving. In order to provide a safe and convenient means of access, grades on private driveways shall not exceed 4% for the first 20 feet from the curbline and for the balance shall not exceed 10%. Driveways shall be paved for their entire length.

Material. Residential driveways shall be constructed with the following pavement section: 1.5 inches of SAMD wearing course over four inches SAMD base course over six inches subbase No. 2A. Commercial driveways shall be constructed with the following pavement section: 1.5 inches of SAMD wearing course over 2.5 inches SAMD binder course over six inches SAMD base course over six inches subbase No. 2A.

Minimum radius. In order to provide safe and convenient ingress and egress, private residence driveway entrances shall be rounded at a minimum radius of five feet or shall have a flare constructed at the point of intersection with the cartway edge (curbline) that is equivalent to this radius. The corner radii for all other driveways shall be in accordance with § 175-33E.

Minimum width. The minimum width for private residence driveways shall be 10 feet, unless additional width is required to accommodate the traffic anticipated.

Minimum length. The minimum length for private residence driveways shall be 20 feet as measured from the roadway edge, if no sidewalk is present. If sidewalk is present, the driveway length shall be measured 20 feet from the nearest sidewalk edge.

Sight distance. Sight distance shall be provided in accordance with § 175-33.

§ 175-40 Community facilities and recreation areas.

Review procedures; reservation of land required.

Upon its review of a plan for subdivision or land development, the Board shall consider the open space and recreational needs of the additional residents or users that will result upon implementation of the subdivision or land development, discuss its findings and the further requirements of this section with the subdivider or land developer as it deems necessary in the furtherance of the public interest and the provisions of this section, and make such report thereon as it deems necessary for consideration by the Board in its review and processing of the development application.

Developers shall be required to provide or reserve areas for facilities normally required in residential neighborhoods, including open space, parks, playgrounds and play fields. Areas provided or reserved for such community facilities shall be adequate to provide for building sites, landscaping and off-street parking as appropriate to the types of facilities required or likely to develop in the future. Prior to the preparation of plans, developers shall review with the Planning Commission and the Park and Recreation Board the minimum standards for various community facilities applicable to the tract being subdivided.

Amount of land required to be set aside; fee in lieu of acreage.

In residential subdivisions or land developments which are proposed to contain, or by resubdivision could contain, 10 or more residential units, the developer shall be required to set aside, design and develop for park, open space and recreation use (hereinafter called "POR") of the residents within the development the amount of land determined by application of the following formula:

	Approved Dwelling Units Units Per Acre	POR Area For Each 10 Dwelling Units
	Less than 2	10,000 square feet
	Less than 5	12,000 square feet
	5 or more	16,000 square feet

In residential subdivisions proposed to contain less than 10 dwelling units or in those residential subdivisions where application of the requirements of Subsection A of this § 175-40 are impracticable in terms of the criteria and standards established in Subsection C of this section, the Board's general policy, upon concurrence of the developer, is to require a fee in lieu of the minimum acreage otherwise required by application of Subsection A of this section.

The Board may require the public dedication of land by the developer for POR, the payment of fees in lieu thereof or the private reservation of land for such purpose, or combination thereof, in accordance with the formally adopted East Whiteland Township Recreation Plan. In such instances, the required recreation areas and facilities shall be in accordance with the principles and standards otherwise provided for in this chapter or in Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland.

The amount of any fee in lieu of the dedication or reservation of land and provision of recreational facilities shall be fixed from time to time by the Board in a resolution designated for that purpose. All fees so collected shall, upon their receipt by the Township, be deposited in the Township's Park, Open Space and Recreation Reserve Fund, which shall be an interest-bearing account. Such fees shall be expended only for the acquisition of land or recreation facilities within the Township at such locations as shall be selected by the Board for the establishment, enlargement or improvement of community or neighborhood parks and recreational facilities accessible to the subdivision or land development for which such fees have been paid.

Funds from such accounts shall be expended for only and properly allocable portions of the costs incurred to acquire or construct the recreational land and facilities for which the fees were collected. Upon request of the developer who has paid such fees, the Township shall refund such fees, plus interest accumulated thereon from the date of payment, if the Township fails to utilize the fees so paid for such purposes within three years from the date on which such fees were paid, unless the developer specifically waives, in writing, the requirement that such fees be expended within such time or waives, in writing, that such fees be repaid.

Criteria. In designating areas for recreation within a subdivision or land development, the following criteria and standards shall be followed by the developer. All land designated for the foregoing purposes shall be:

Suitable and usable for both active and passive recreational uses to the extent deemed necessary by the Planning Commission and Board, without interfering with adjacent dwelling units, parking, driveways and roads. Active recreational uses include but are not necessarily limited to play fields, ball fields, tennis and racquetball courts, basketball courts, fitness trails, picnic areas, recreational buildings and similar facilities. The minimum area required for active recreational open space use, which shall be comprised of ground suitable for development and construction of such uses thereon, shall not be less than 50% of the total required recreation located as determined reasonably necessary by the Planning Commission and Board.

Comprised of no more than 30% environmentally sensitive lands, including floodplains, woodlands and surface waters restricted to passive use.

Comprised of areas not less than 100 feet in width, except when part of a trail system or pathway network.

Interconnected with common recreation areas on abutting parcels wherever possible, including provisions for pedestrian pathways for general public use to create a linked pathway system within the Township. The recreation shall be accessible to all dwelling units within the development, either by abutting the recreation or over easements expressly dedicated for that purpose, but must, nevertheless, be accessible by one or more public streets.

Provided with sufficient parking when determined reasonably necessary by the Planning Commission and Board for the residents' safe and convenient access to and utilization of the recreation, and with safe and convenient access by adjoining street frontage or other rights-of-way or easements capable of accommodating pedestrian, bicycle, maintenance and vehicle traffic, and containing customary and appropriate access improvements.

Free of all buildings and structures, except those related to recreation use.

Suitably landscaped, either by retaining existing natural cover and wooded areas and/or by a landscaping plan designed to enhance recreation areas by utilization of plantings which are consistent with the purposes of this section, which minimize maintenance costs and which comply with minimum applicable landscaping requirements of Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland.

(8)

Made subject to such declarations, restrictions, covenants, easements and requirements as specified in § 175-45 of this chapter.

Preservation of natural features. It shall be incumbent upon the developer to preserve and protect all natural features within open space and recreational areas, such as trees, watercourses, natural drainage areas, historic features and structures and similar community assets. The provisions of § 175-41C shall be observed. All other natural vegetation shall be retained and protected to the greatest extent possible and natural grade alterations shall be kept to a minimum.

§ 175-41 Buffers; community assets; trees.

Buffers. Where required by Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland to be provided, the buffer yard shall be a landscaped area free of structures, materials and vehicular parking. No driveways or streets shall be permitted in the buffer yard except at points of ingress or egress.

All buffer yards shall include a completely planted visual barrier or landscape screen. Such visual barrier shall be fully attainable within 18 months after planting.

Existing tree masses shall be retained unless removal of any trees therefrom is approved by the Board. A tree mass is a grouping of six or more trees growing in relatively close proximity to each other, two or more of which have a DBH of 12 inches or greater. When required by the Board, such trees shall be cleared of any undesirable flora (vines, etc.) under tree and shrub growth.

Where the existing tree masses do not fully screen the buffer area or where there are no existing tree masses, trees, both deciduous and coniferous shall be added to complete the visual barrier. If the visual barrier is not created within the required eighteen-month period following planting, additional trees shall be added by the developer within the eighteen-month period so as to complete the visual barrier.

The landscape screen shall be composed of both high level and low level plantings.

The high level screen shall consist of a combination of evergreen (coniferous) trees (initially not less than eight feet in height) and deciduous trees [initially with caliper of not less than 2 1/2 inches (measured one foot from ground level)]. Trees shall be planted in staggered rows. Coniferous trees shall be planted on ten-foot centers and deciduous trees shall be planted on eighteen-foot centers.

The low level screen shall consist of evergreen shrubs (initially not less than three feet in height). Shrubs shall be spaced in staggered rows and centered no more than five feet apart.

Plantings shall not be:

Disease prone: e.g., diplopia, anthracnose.

Insect prone: e.g., mountain ash, linden.

Short-lived: e.g., willow, silver maple, lombardi poplar.

In all buffer yards, the exterior width beyond the planting screen shall be planted with grass seed, sod or ground cover and shall be maintained and kept clean of all debris, rubbish, weeds and tall (no more than 12 inches) grass.

Planted areas shall be irrigated either by a permanent water system or by hose. Irrigation plans, including pipe size and length, layout and type of head, shall be approved by the Township.

The developer shall guarantee required plantings in the buffer yard for 18 months from the date of dedication or close out of the construction escrow account by posting financial security for 18 months in the amount of 15% of the actual cost of the installed plantings. In the event additional plantings are required to complete the buffer screening and the developer fails to plant the additional trees or other plantings within the required period provided for in Subsection A(1)(b) of this section, the Township shall have the right to expend such portion of the required maintenance security to complete the necessary plantings.

Care and maintenance of buffer yard, including plantings, shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner.

Community assets. The development plan shall incorporate design features which preserve and protect natural features, such as large trees, as controlled by Subsection C of this section, watercourses, historic features and structures, and similar community assets, even if the retention of such features results in a reduction of the number of lots or buildings otherwise permitted by the applicable zoning district regulations of Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland.

Existing trees. Developments shall be designed to preserve the maximum number of existing trees consistent with the reasonable development of the tract and in strict compliance with this section.

Neither portions of tree masses nor specimen trees shall be cleared unless absolutely necessary, and then only with the Board's approval. In no event shall any trees be cleared from any flood hazard area. Developer shall make all reasonable efforts to harmonize their plans in order to preserve these existing trees.

When effectuation of a proposed subdivision and/or land development necessitates the clearing of trees or portions of tree masses, developer shall be guided by the following criteria in selecting trees and ornamentals for retention or clearing:

Aesthetic values (autumn coloration, type of flowers and fruit, bark and crown characteristics, amount of die back present).

Susceptibility of tree to insect and disease attack and to air pollution.

Species longevity.

Wind firmness and characteristic of soil to hold trees.

Wildlife values (e.g., oak, hickory, pine, walnut, and dogwood have high food value).

Comfort to surroundings (e.g., hardwoods reduce summer temperatures to surrounding area more effectively than pines or cedars).

Existence of disease, rot, or other damage to the tree.

(h)

Protection of buildings (e.g., dead and large limbs hanging over buildings shall be removed).

(i)

The size of the tree at maturity.

Developer shall exercise care to protect trees which remain from damage during construction. The following procedures shall be adhered to in order to preserve the remaining trees and shall be noted on the plan. All remedial work shall be performed by qualified personnel.

Where existing ground levels are raised, drainage tile will be placed at the old soil level and open into a well built around the base of the tree. Such wells may be left open or can be filled with coarse stones or gravel. Tiles may be installed in a radiating pattern or laid in parallel lines. Where existing ground levels are to be lowered, a retaining wall must built around the tree.

Those trees which have been delineated on the plan and are within 25 feet of a proposed building excavation or other locations deemed appropriate by the Township Engineer shall be protected by installing and maintaining a fence to the drip line.

No boards or other material shall be nailed to trees during construction.

Heavy equipment operators shall avoid damaging existing tree trunks and roots. Feeder roots shall not be cut closer than 25 feet from tree trunks.

Tree trunks and exposed roots damaged during construction shall be protected from further damage by being treated immediately.

Tree limbs damaged during construction shall be properly pruned and treated immediately.

The operation of heavy equipment over root systems of such trees shall be minimized in order to prevent soil compaction. The use of geotextiles, mulch or straw is required to protect roots from compaction when machinery cannot avoid passing under trees, subject to the Conservancy Board's review and approval.

(h)

Damaged trees shall be fertilized to aid in their recovery.

(i)

Construction debris shall not be disposed of near or around the bases of such trees.

(j)

Trenching and root pruning shall not take place within the fenced area at the tree drip line.

(k)

Root pruning should not be done on more than one "side" of the root system in a given year. Delay additional pruning for at least two years following initial pruning. Optimum timing is autumn.

Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, no more than 20% of the trees on any wooded lot may be cut or removed. The remaining 80% shall be retained, unless a waiver is granted by the Board, subject to the following criteria:

The trees removed from a wooded lot cleared or developed shall be replaced on a tree-for-tree basis. Replanting shall be done in accordance with a plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect and approved by the Township.

All replacement trees shall be three-inch caliper minimum and the Township will select the type of tree to be used for replacement.

Plantings required pursuant to the buffer yard and landscaping requirements of this chapter may not be considered in calculating the replanting requirements of this section.

New trees.

All lots within a development that are vacant of trees shall have a minimum of one deciduous tree and one coniferous tree planted for each 5,000 square feet of lot area or part thereof. This requirement shall be in addition to any minimum tree planting requirement imposed by any provision of this chapter or Chapter 200, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of East Whiteland related to required street trees, screening and/or parking lot areas.

Trees required by this subsection shall have a minimum caliper of 1 1/2 inches measured one foot above ground level after planting and such trees shall be listed by type and species and shall be shown on the Conservation Plan.

Following is a list of species that are recommended for planting:

Deciduous canopy trees:

	Acer rubrum, saccaharum (Maple: Red, Sugar)
	Catalpa speciosa (Catalpa)
	Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash)
	Lax laricina (Tamarack)
	Liquidambar styracifera (Sweet-gum)
	Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree)
	Magnolia acuminata (Cucumber tree)
	Nyssa sylvatica (Sourgum or Tupelo)
	Populus deltoides (Poplar)
	Quercus coccinea, imbricaria, phellos, rubra (Oak: Scarlet, Laurel, Willow, Red)

Understory trees:

	Amelanchier species (Serviceberry or Shadbush)
	Asimina triloba (PawPaw)
	Betula lenta (Cherry or Sweet Birch)
	Betula nigra (River Birch)
	Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch)
	Ceitis occidentalis (Hackberry)
	Cercis canadensis (Redbud)
	Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe tree)
	Comus florida, altemifolis (Dogwood: Flowering, Pagoda)
	Crategus species (Hawthorns)
	Diospyros virginiana (Common Persimmon)
	Halesia carolina (Carolina Silverbell)
	Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay and other Magnolias)
	Malus species (Crabapple)
	Oxydendron arboreum (Sourwood)
	Sassafras albidum (Sassafras)
	Stewartia ovata f. grandiflora (Mountain Stewartia)
	Styrax obassia (Fragrant Snowbell)
	Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)
	Abies concolor (White or Concolor Fir)
	Tsunga canadensis (Canadian Hemlock)

§ 175-41.1 GVR Great Valley Revitalization Overlay District Design Guidelines.

[Added 11-9-2015 by Ord. No. 273-2015; 6-21-2021 by Ord. No. 338-2021]

The design guidelines for the GVR Great Valley Revitalization Overlay District shall be in accordance with the GVR Great Valley Revitalization Overlay District Design Guidelines set forth in Appendix VI.[1]

Editor's Note: Appendix VI is included as an attachment to this chapter.

§ 175-41.2 Sidewalks, paths, multi-use trails, and on-road bicycle infrastructure.

[Added 11-13-2019 by Ord. No. 320]

General requirements.

Sidewalks, verge areas, and curbs shall be installed along both sides of all existing and proposed public and private streets in accordance with the design standards set forth in this chapter as part of a proposed subdivision or land development.

Sidewalks, verge areas, and curbs shall be installed along common driveways and common parking areas in order to connect buildings, parking areas, common spaces, and pedestrian infrastructure along adjacent streets.

Sidewalks shall be installed to connect streets and/or driveways to the primary entrances of buildings.

Installation of sidewalks and curbs shall be in accordance with minimum construction standards in this chapter.

Paths, multi-use trails, shared lanes, striped shoulders, or bicycle lanes shall be installed or improved in accordance with the design standards set forth in this chapter whenever a subdivision or land development contains or abuts any bicycle infrastructure and/or pedestrian infrastructure shown on the East Whiteland Township Multimodal Transportation Map.[1] The improvements shall be designed to the specific site conditions and constraints of the property provided that:

The general alignment and connectivity of the proposed improvements are consistent with the facilities shown on the Multimodal Transportation Map.[2]

Editor's Note: Said map is included as an attachment to this chapter.

For improvements to existing pedestrian infrastructure, points at which a sidewalk, path, or multi-use trail enters and exits the tract shall remain unchanged.

Any proposed alteration will not diminish the design and function of the existing or proposed improvements.

Editor's Note: Said map is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Verge area.

A verge area shall be provided between the curb or edge of street and any off-road pedestrian infrastructure or bicycle infrastructure.

Verge areas between pedestrian infrastructure and/or bicycle infrastructure and the curb may contain street lights, trees, benches, trash cans, mailboxes, or newspaper boxes. No obstacle in the verge area may reduce the required width of any pedestrian infrastructure or bicycle infrastructure, nor shall any object obstruct access to bus stop infrastructure or prevent access to the front, side, or rear door for the purposes of loading and unloading.

Verge areas shall be maintained as a grass strip between the pedestrian infrastructure and curb. If grass is determined to be impractical by the Township Engineer, then brick pavers, landscaped vegetation, or similar surface may be used. If a grass strip is not utilized, a wider sidewalk may be necessary in place of a verge area to create a safe pedestrian environment.

Verge areas may be utilized for stormwater management in accordance with Chapter 170 of the Township Code (Stormwater Management).

Portions of verge areas may be converted to concrete in areas designated for curbside pick-up/drop-off or for loading pads associated with designated bus stops on fixed route public transit services.

Bicycle infrastructure. All bicycle infrastructure shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities - 4th Edition, 2012.

Barriers. A safety barrier may be required adjacent to a sidewalk, path, or multi-use trail to protect users from steep slopes or other hazards upon recommendation by the Township Engineer. For the purposes of this section, a steep slope shall be considered any surface with greater than 6:1 slope.

The Board of Supervisors may require, as a condition of final plan approval, the guarantee of public access and improvement of sidewalks, paths, and multi-use trails when the site is traversed by or abuts an existing sidewalk, path, or multi-use trail or when such infrastructure is proposed in an adopted open space or trail plan of Chester County, East Whiteland Township, or an adjacent municipality.

Sidewalks.

Minimum design standards.

Sidewalks shall be a minimum of five feet wide. However, wider sidewalks may be required if determined necessary by the Township Engineer for accessibility or pedestrian safety purposes.

Verge areas along a sidewalk shall be a minimum of four feet wide.

Minimum construction standards.

All sidewalks located at street intersections shall be designated and constructed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. If determined necessary by the Township Engineer for accessibility or pedestrian safety purposes, additional curb ramps may be required.

Sidewalks shall be constructed of concrete having a minimum twenty-eight-day strength of 3,500 psi.

The sidewalk shall be constructed on a minimum six-inch depth of AASHTO No. 57 (PennDOT 2B) coarse aggregate, and shall have a minimum width of five feet and a thickness of four inches, except at driveway crossings, where the sidewalk thickness shall be increased to six inches and reinforced with six-by-six-inch wire mesh.

Where a sidewalk abuts the curb, a building, a wall or other permanent structure, a remolded expansion joint 0.5 inch in thickness shall be placed between the curb and the sidewalk for the full length of such permanent structure.

Sidewalks shall be constructed in separate slabs 24 feet or 30 feet in length, except for closures, and the slab between expansion joints shall be divided into blocks five feet in length by scoring transversely.

All sidewalks shall receive a broom finish.

Crosswalks.

General provisions.

Crosswalks shall be clearly delineated at all intersections.

Minimum design standards.

The minimum width of crosswalks shall match the width of the largest contributing sidewalk, path, multi-use trail, or striped shoulder. However, in no case shall a crosswalk width be less than six feet.

Crosswalks shall be placed in a safe location approved by the Township Engineer or Traffic Engineer as near as possible to the intersection and on the opposite side of the stop bar for the associated approach.

Crosswalks and their transition to adjacent sidewalks, paths, or multi-use trails shall be designed to facilitate access and use by persons that are physically disabled. Crosswalks shall be designated and constructed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.

Countdown pedestrian signalization and pushbuttons shall be provided at intersections where traffic signals exist or are proposed, in accordance with East Whiteland Township's Technical Specifications for Traffic Control Signalization.

Optional design considerations. Traffic calming or other pedestrian safety measures may be required at crosswalk locations if determined to be necessary by the Township Engineer or Traffic Engineer. The design of such measures shall be approved by the Township Engineer or Traffic Engineer.

Minimum construction standards.

Crosswalks shall be delineated by two parallel six-inch-wide white lines. For locations where greater pedestrian activity exists or is anticipated, a continental crosswalk, delineated by twenty-four-inch wide perpendicular lines, shall be required.

Reflective thermoplastic pavement markings shall be utilized for all marked crosswalks where sidewalks, paths, or multi-use trails intersect with roads.

Paths.

General provisions.

When existing developed parcels adjacent to a proposed subdivision or land development allow for dedicated access through a defined area for the purpose of connecting to an existing or proposed public use path, a connection shall be constructed and continued through a dedicated access way through the proposed subdivision or development.

All paths shall be constructed before occupancy of residences and other buildings adjoining the accessible path.

All paths shall provide adequate access for use by the general public.

All shall be protected by a permanent access easement on the properties on which they are located. The width of the protected area in which the path is located shall be a minimum of five feet on either side of the path. The Township Solicitor shall draft any necessary easement agreements.

No paths shall be designed with the intent to accommodate motorized vehicles except for emergency or maintenance access.

The path should be laid out in such a manner that facility users are visible to other facility users and vehicles on intersecting roads. Sharp curves and excessive grade change should also be avoided.

Minimum design standards. The minimum width for accessible paths shall be six feet.

If necessary due to the connectivity or anticipated use of the infrastructure, wider paths or multi-use trails shall be constructed.

Verge areas along a path shall be a minimum of four feet wide.

Minimum construction standards. All paths shall be bituminous pavement and constructed in accordance with the following standards:

Superpave asphalt mixture design, WMA wearing course, PG 64-22, less than 0.3 million ESALS, 9.5 mm mix, one-half-inch depth, SRL-L.

Superpave asphalt mixture design, WMA base course, PG 64-22, less than 0.3 million ESALS, 25 mm mix, three-inch depth.

Four inches of PennDOT 2A stone.

Where the edge of the paths is above surrounding grade, bituminous pavement shall be feathered.

Multi-use trails.

General provisions.

When existing developed parcels adjacent to a proposed subdivision or land development allow for dedicated access through a defined area for the purpose of connecting to an existing or proposed public use multi-use trail, a connection shall be constructed and continued through a dedicated access way through the proposed development.

All multi-use trails shall be constructed before occupancy of residences and other buildings adjoining the multi-use trail.

When multi-use trails are intended for public use, they shall be protected by a permanent access easement on the properties on which they are located. The width of the protected area in which the shared use path or accessible trail is located shall be a minimum of 20 feet. The Township Solicitor shall draft any necessary easement agreements. The land area permanently designated for multi-use trails for public use may be credited toward any open space requirement as described in the Township Code of Ordinances.

Multi-use trails shall have adequate access for use by all the general public.

Landscaping, fencing, or other barriers shall be used to delineate the route of the multi-use trail and screen surrounding properties from users.

No multi-use trail shall be designed with the intent to accommodate motorized vehicles except for emergency or maintenance access.

The multi-use trail should be laid out in such a manner that facility users are visible to other facility users and vehicles on intersecting roads. Sharp curves and excessive grade change should also be avoided.

Minimum design standards.

Width.

Minimum width for multi-use trails shall be eight feet. If such trails are intended to, or otherwise capable of, providing regional connections to other multi-use trails, then the minimum width for such multi-use trails shall be 10 feet to 12 feet.

A two-foot-wide shoulder area shall be provided on each side of the multi-use trail. The shoulder area for the multi-use trail may be grass, crushed stone, or bituminous pavement, but must be level and kept clear of vertical elements or obstructions.

Verge areas between a curb or street edge and a multi-use trail shall be a minimum of five feet.

Minimum construction standards.

All multi-use trails shall be bituminous pavement and constructed in accordance with the following standards.

Superpave asphalt mixture design, WMA wearing course, PG 64-22, less than 0.3 million ESALS, 9.5 mm mix, one-half-inch depth, SRL-L.

Superpave asphalt mixture design, WMA base course, PG 64-22, less than 0.3 million ESALS, 25 mm mix, three-inch depth.

Four inches of PennDOT 2A stone.

[4]

Where the edge of the multi-use trail is above surrounding grade, bituminous pavement shall be feathered.

Bicycle lane.

Minimum design standards.

Width.

The minimum width of a bicycle lane shall be five feet. In cases where on-street parking is present, the minimum width of a bicycle lane shall be six feet.

Optional design considerations.

Green-colored bituminous pavement in bicycle lanes may be required in situations where increased visibility is needed, as determined by the Township Engineer or Traffic Engineer. The green-colored pavement may be installed for the entire length of the bicycle lane or for only a portion (or portions) of the bicycle lane.

Minimum construction standards.

The edge of the travel lane adjacent to a bicycle lane shall be striped by a six-inch reflective thermoplastic solid white line.

A dashed white line may be used to carry bicycle lanes through intersections, turning lanes, and across driveways.

When a parking lane is present, the outside edge of the bicycle lane shall be striped with a four-inch-wide solid white line.

Bicycle lane symbol and arrow markings (MUTCD 9C-3) shall be used to define the bike lane and designate that portion of the street for preferential use by bicyclists. Bicycle lane symbol and arrow markings shall be placed within a bicycle lane at the beginning of each block. Bicycle lane symbols and arrow markings shall be placed within a bicycle lane approximately every 500 feet.

Bicycle lane symbols or arrow markings shall not be placed within an intersection, turning lane, driveway access, or any such location that the symbol or arrow would be within a motor vehicle tread path.

Bike lane signs (MUTCD R3-17) shall be installed at the beginning of every block adjacent to the bicycle lane. Additional signs may be spaced evenly on blocks that are longer than 1,000 linear feet.

The installation of green pavement shall follow PennDOT Construction Specifications, Publication 408, Section 962 and MUTCD guidelines. Before installation, the surface must be clean and free from all loose material, dirt, grease, and oil. The daytime chromaticity coordinates for the color used for green-colored pavement shall be as follows:

	X	Y
1	0.230	0.754
2	0.266	0.500
3	0.367	0.5000
4	0.444	0.555

The daytime luminance factor (Y) shall be at least 7, but no more than 35.

The nighttime chromaticity coordinates for the color used for green colored pavement shall be as follows:

	X	Y
1	0.230	0.754
2	0.336	0.540
3	0.450	0.500
4	0.479	0.520

Shared lane.

Minimum design standards.

Shared lane marker symbols (MUTCD 9C-9) shall be placed within street travel lanes as follows:

On streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or slower, shared lane marker symbols shall be placed in the center of the travel lane.

On streets with a speed limit higher than 25 mph:

[a]

Shared lane marker symbols shall be placed a minimum of 11 feet from the curb face.

[b]

On streets with on-street parking lanes, shared lane marker symbols shall be placed within the travel lane three feet from the inside edge of the parking lane.

[c]

Shared lane marker symbols shall not be placed on roads where the speed limit is higher than 35 mph.

Minimum construction standards.

Shared lane marker symbols (MUTCD 9C-9) shall be applied to the street via high-visibility reflective white thermoplastic.

Shared lane marker symbols (MUTCD 9C-9) shall be placed at the beginning and end of each block.

Shared lane marker symbols (MUTCD 9C-9) shall be placed evenly at a maximum distance of 500 feet.

"Bicycle May Use Full Lane" signs (MUTCD R4-11) may be posted.

Striped shoulders with buffers.

Minimum design standards.

Width.

The minimum width of a striped shoulder shall be five feet.

The minimum width of a striped buffer shall be two feet.

If directed by the Township Engineer or Traffic Engineer due to safety or accessibility concerns, a wider striped shoulder or buffer area shall be provided.

Optional design considerations.

If directed by the Township Engineer or Traffic Engineer due to safety or accessibility concerns, the following optional design treatments shall be required:

[a]

Bicycle route and or other wayfinding signage.

[b]

Green-colored bituminous pavement to increase visibility.

Minimum construction standards.

Paved shoulders shall be delineated from the travel lane by a high-visibility, reflective, solid, white line measuring a minimum of six inches in width.

The buffer shall consist of two parallel white lines each measuring four inches in width. The buffer area may contain optional crosshatch markings.

If present, bicycle route guide sign (MUTCD D11-1c) shall be placed alongside the street, unobstructed from motor vehicle operators' view.

Designated school bus and fixed route bus boarding and alighting areas.

General provisions.

In the case of a residential subdivision or land development, the plan shall provide for adequate school bus stop facilities, including bus shelters and safe gathering areas for students. Upon request of the Township, such facilities shall be reviewed by the Great Valley School District.

When a proposed subdivision or land development abuts an existing designated stop along fixed route public transit service, a level loading pad shall be installed in coordination with SEPTA or the appropriate transit provider.

When a proposed subdivision or land development is located within 500 of an existing designated stop along fixed route public transit service, SEPTA or the appropriate transit provider shall be notified.

A level loading pad shall be provided at a minimum where the front doors of a fixed route bus service open to receive and discharge passengers at a designated bus stop. A second loading pad located at the rear door of the bus may be required.

The level loading pad must be connected via an ADA accessible route to adjacent pedestrian infrastructure, such as a sidewalk, path, or multi-use trail.

The location and design of the loading pad shall be coordinated with SEPTA or the appropriate transit provider and approved by the Township Engineer or Traffic Engineer.

Boarding and alighting areas for fixed route bus stops shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Section 810 of the United States Department of Transportation's ADA Standards for Transportation Facilities, 2006 and SEPTA Bus Stop Design Guidelines, 2012.

Minimum design standards.

Dimensions.

The minimum clear width of five feet shall be provided for the loading pad, measured parallel to the roadway.

The minimum clear length of eight feet shall be provided for the loading pad, measured perpendicular to the curb or roadway edge.

If directed by the Township Engineer or Traffic Engineer due to safety or accessibility concerns, a wider loading pad or separate bus waiting area shall be provided.

Slope.

Parallel to the roadway, the slope of the loading pad shall be the same as the roadway, to the maximum extent practicable. Perpendicular to the roadway, the slope of the loading pad shall not be steeper than 1:48.

Minimum construction standards.