Applications for SUBDIVISION or LAND DEVELOPMENT shall be classified based upon the following criteria and definitions, and shall be processed according to the provisions contained within this Section.
A. MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS - A SUBDIVISION that includes one or more of the following characteristics:
1. Multiple phasing of the plan.
2. Containing PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, including one or more of the following: STREETS, storm water detention and storm water retention facilities and public utilities.
3. Containing more than four (4) lots.
B. MINOR SUBDIVISIONS: A SUBDIVISION not including any of the characteristics included in the MAJOR SUBDIVISION category. In general, a MINOR SUBDIVISION involves the adjustment of LOT LINES for existing LOTS and/or the creation of new LOTS that are already serviced by a public STREET and public utilities,
(1) Any of the following activities:
(a) The improvement of one (1) lot or two (2) or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
[1] A group of two (2) or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or tenure; or
[2] The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two (2) or more existing or prospective occupants by means of or for the purpose of STREETS, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
(b) A SUBDIVISION of land.
(2) The following shall not be considered a LAND DEVELOPMENT:
(a) The conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling into not more than three (3) residential units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium;
(b) The addition of an accessory building to a residential or farm use, on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal building; or
(c) The addition or conversion of buildings or rides within the confines or an enterprise which would be considered an amusement park. This exclusion shall not apply to a newly acquired parcel to be used for operating an amusement park until the initial plans for the expanded area have been approved by the township.
D. Preliminary and final approval. The APPLICANT shall be required to submit a PRELIMINARY plan application for all projects categorized as MAJOR SUBDIVISION or a LAND DEVELOPMENTS unless the APPLICANT elects to combine the preliminary and final approval procedures for one approval process by meeting submission requirements for both Based upon the review of this submission, the PLANNING COMMISSION may recommend final approval, provided that the application meets all the prescribed requirements of this Section for granting of such approval.
E. Fast Track Approval Process – Certain SUBDIVISION and LAND DEVELOPMENT applications, see Sections 174-202.E.1 and 2, are eligible for a fast-track approval process.
Said applications shall bypass the PLANNING COMMISSION and go directly to the BOARD for approval.
1. The following SUBDIVISIONS are eligible for fast-track approval:
(a) A lot (lots) consolidation (reverse SUBDIVISION).
(b) A SUBDIVISION involving a lot line change between two existing lots that will result in only two lots, where all lots lie within the same zoning district, where the resulting lots conform to ZONING ORDINANCE requirements in terms of minimum lot size and setbacks, and where the size of no lot increases or decreases by more than the minimum lot size of the respective zoning district in which it is situated.
(c) The final SUBDIVISION of dwelling unit lots, whether condominium or townhouse construction, the finalization of which relies on as-built surveys and results in no material change. Each newly formed lot must conform to the bulk and area requirements of the zoning district in which it is situated.
2. The following LAND DEVELOPMENTS are eligible for fast-track approval:
(a) An addition that is one thousand (1,000) square feet for less that or equal to ten (10) percent of the principal structure shown on the most recent site plan approved by the BOARD, whichever is less.
(b) Expansion of a parking lot that is ten (10) percent or less than the parking approved through the last LAND DEVELOPMENT approved by the BOARD, where no change is proposed in terms of site access and circulation.
(c) Revisions to the landscaping or site plan approved by the BOARD.
3. No application is eligible for fast-track approval if it is involved in a conditional use, does not meet the requirements of the ZONING ORDINANCE or requires a variance from the TOWNSHIP Zoning Hearing Board.
4. When filing the application, the APPLICANT must specify that the APPLICANT is filing for a fast-track approval.
5. The TOWNSHIP PLANNING DIRECTOR shall make the ultimate determination regarding whether an application is eligible for fast-track approval. If it is determined that an application is not eligible for fast-track approval, it will be forwarded to the PLANNING COMMISSION for consideration in accordance with the otherwise applicable requirements of this Chapter.
6. Application and Filing Requirements
(a) All application and filing requirements of in Sections 174-204 and 174-205 are applicable.
