I have been asked by elected officials to create a pre-waiver provision for our subdivision ordinance. In other words a process whereby an applicant would not have to spend money with a surveyor to see what provisions of the subdivsion ordinance could be waived. We already have waiver provisions following an application, but nothing like this. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on this matter
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Subdivsion waivers
- Thread starter William
- Start date
I've seen subdivision codes that allow developers to request waivers with a preliminary application, but I don't think I've seen a pre-app process.
How would a board determine if a waiver is warranted without seeing at least a conceptual design of the subdivision?
How would a board determine if a waiver is warranted without seeing at least a conceptual design of the subdivision?
Jeff
Cyburbian
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The PA Municipalities Planning Code does not allow you to require a sketch plan.
Additionally, I would be very skeptical of requiring a set of plans (even if only a sketch) for something that may not be approved. You are putting a potentially unnecessary expense on an applicant.
Plus, I can see it now....applicants requesting a waiver of the requirements to provide a sketch plan illustrating a requested waiver.
Additionally, I would be very skeptical of requiring a set of plans (even if only a sketch) for something that may not be approved. You are putting a potentially unnecessary expense on an applicant.
Plus, I can see it now....applicants requesting a waiver of the requirements to provide a sketch plan illustrating a requested waiver.
I am specifically not calling this a sketch plan to avoid any confusion. I have stated that this provision does not start the 90 day review clock. The supposed intent is for a person off the street to be able to secure some type of waiver from certain portions of the regulations prior to securing the services of a surveyor or spending money. Consequently, I am asking for some type of drawing to scale of what is being proposed, but it does not have to be done by a surveyor. I have also proposed that the "pre-application waiver" if approved by the planning commission be valid for only 90 days. I have also suggested this be applicable only to minor subdivisions (under 7 lots). We already provide normal waiver provisions for applicants after they have filed their plans and applciation.