This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Londonderry Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance." This chapter shall be effective as of March 19, 1989.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
The purposes of this chapter are:
A. 
To provide for the harmonious, orderly, efficient, and integrated growth of the Township;
B. 
To assure that land to be developed shall be of such character that it can be used safely without danger to health or peril from fire, flood, erosion, excessive noise and smoke, or other menace;
C. 
To provide for drainage, water supply, sewage disposal, and other appropriate utility services;
D. 
To provide for the coordination of existing streets, parks, highways, and land use with proposed streets, parks, highways, and land use;
E. 
To provide for safe, convenient, and functional systems for vehicular traffic, on streets of such width, grade, and location as to accommodate prospective traffic as determined by existing and probable future land and building uses;
F. 
To provide for the arrangement of building lots, blocks, and streets so as to afford adequate light, view, and air, and to facilitate fire protection;
G. 
To assure that land will be developed with due regard to topography and geologic conditions, so that the natural beauty of the land and vegetation shall be protected and enhanced;
H. 
To provide for adequate open spaces for recreation, light, and air, and for adequate sites for schools, parks, playgrounds, and other community services, which shall be located so as to provide access to such facilities for residents of all neighborhoods;
I. 
To ensure coordination of subdivision and land development plans with Township, intermunicipal, county, and state improvement plans;
J. 
To eliminate or minimize adverse effects or damage to the environment and biosphere, and to encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment;
K. 
To protect the social and economic stability of the Township, and conserve the value of land and buildings in the Township;
L. 
To secure equitable handling of subdivision and land development plans by providing uniform procedures and standards for the observance of both subdividers and of Township officials; and
M. 
To provide for and promote the general health, safety, and welfare of the public.
This chapter has been prepared under the authority and is consistent with the terms and requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., Act 1988-170, as amended) and is in accordance with the police power authority granted to the Township through the Second Class Township Code.[1] It is intended to further the objectives of Article I, Section 27, of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and of the Londonderry Township Comprehensive Plan and Chapter 170, Zoning.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 65101 et seq.
The provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements to meet the above-stated purposes. Where the provisions of this chapter impose greater restrictions than those of any statute, other ordinance, or regulation, the provisions of this chapter shall prevail. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance, or regulation impose greater restrictions than those of this chapter, the provisions of such statute, ordinance, or regulation shall prevail. Wherever references are made to other statutes, ordinances, or publications, the reference shall include the latest reenactment, revision, or republication.
From and after the effective date of this chapter, any subdivision and/or land development shall be in conformity with this chapter and all standards and specifications adopted as part of this chapter. The Board of Supervisors shall have jurisdiction over and control of subdivision and land development within the Township limits. In order that the actions of the Board of Supervisors under this chapter may be correlated with all relevant data and procedures, the Board of Supervisors hereby designates the Township Planning Commission as the planning agency of the Board of Supervisors:
A. 
To which all applications relating to either preliminary or final approval of subdivision and land development plans shall initially be submitted;
B. 
With which applicants shall hold all preliminary consultations relating to the plans;
C. 
Which shall make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning the interpretation of and the granting of modifications to provisions and standards of this chapter and to perform such other functions as the applicable laws grant to such agency.