Back to Top

A.     The provisions of these regulations in their interpretation and application shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare.

B.      These regulations are not intended to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any other Ordinance rule or regulation statute or provision of law.  Where any of the provisions of these regulations impose restrictions different than any other Ordinance, the more restrictive or higher standards shall govern. 

C.      If any part or provision of these regulations is judged invalid by any Court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall be confined in application to the part or provision upon which the judgment has been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of these Regulations or the application thereof to other persons or circumstances.  The Township Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it would have enacted the remainder of these regulations even without such part or provision or application.

Back to Top

A.     The Township Board of Supervisors shall have the power to authorize waivers and modifications of these regulations.

B.   Applications for such waivers and modifications shall be submitted in writing by the subdivider or agent at the time the subdivision or land development plan is filed, except in cases where a waiver or modification is proved necessary at a later date by construction conditions.  The application shall state fully the grounds upon which it is based and all the facts relied upon by the agent, subdivider or developer.

C.      The Township Board of Supervisors may, by resolution, authorize a waiver or modification of these regulations when, in its opinion, undue hardship will result from strict compliance therewith, subject, however, to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and the following:

(1)      Waiver or modification applications shall, in those instances where either the applicant so requests, or the Township determines a waiver or modification could have an impact on adjoining properties, be subjected to a public hearing pursuant to public notice.  The person applying for a waiver or modification shall in such cases pay to the Township, in advance, such sum as provided for by resolution of the Township Board of Supervisors setting forth fees.

(2)      Any resolution of the Township Board of Supervisors authorizing a waiver or modification of these regulations shall state in it the reasons on which the Board of Supervisors bases its finding that unreasonable hardship will result from strict compliance with these regulations.

D.     In authorizing a waiver or modification, the Township Board of Supervisors may attach conditions and require such guarantee or bond as it may deem necessary to assure compliance with the objectives of these regulations.  Modifications may be granted where the following conditions occur;

(1)      There is no reasonable possibility, because of unique physical circumstances, of developing the property in strict conformity with the provisions of these regulations.

(2)     The above hardship would be unique and not shared by other properties in the immediate vicinity.

(3)     The waiver would not change the character of the area and would preserve the purpose and intent of these regulations. 

Back to Top

In any case when the Township Board of Supervisors disapproves a subdivision plan, any person aggrieved thereby may appeal the decision pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

Back to Top

Any person, partnership, or corporation who or which violates the provisions of this Ordinance shall be subject to the full range of enforcement and preventative remedies provided to the Township under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.  This shall include, but not be limited to, payment of a judgment of not more than $500 plus all court costs and reasonable municipal attorney fees.  Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.  The description by metes and bounds, or the lack thereof, in an instrument of transfer or other documents used in the process of selling or transferring shall not exempt the seller or transferor of rights to develop land from such penalties or from the remedies therein provided.  The Township Board of Supervisors may also initiate and maintain civil action:

A.     To obtain a writ of injunction against the subdivider who attempts the improper sale, lease, or conveyance of land.

B.      To set aside and invalidate any conveyance of land made prior to recording of any subdivision.  

Nothing herein shall prevent the Township from taking such other action as may be necessary to prevent or remedy any violation or to restrain it from following the requirements of the aforementioned Code.

Back to Top

The Supervisors may, after public hearing, amend these regulations pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.  These regulations shall also be considered amended whenever any provision of the aforementioned Code is itself amended to require or authorize actions different from those specified herein. 

Back to Top

The approval of a subdivision and/or land development plat, or of any improvement installed, shall not constitute a representation, guarantee, or warranty of any nature by the municipality or any official, employee, or appointee thereof, of the safety of any land, improvement, property or use from any cause whatsoever, and shall create no liability upon, or a cause of action against the municipality or such official, employee or appointee for any damage that may result pursuant thereto.

Back to Top

BE IT ENACTED into law this  21st   day of   October , 2003 to be effective five (5) days following.

Back to Top

As used in these Regulations, words in the singular include the plural and those in the plural include the singular. The words "shall" and "will" for the purpose of these Regulations are defined as mandatory. For the purpose of these Regulations, the following terms shall be considered interchangeable:

A.     The words Ordinance and regulation(s).

B.      The terms Township and Dingman Township

C.      The terms subdivider and developer. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following definitions shall, for the purpose of these Regulations, have the meaning herein indicated. Any pertinent word or term not a part of this listing shall be construed to have its legal definition.

Back to Top

The following is a list of specific terms, found elsewhere in the Ordinance, along with definitions of their intended meaning: 

A.              Single-Family:  A building arranged, designed and intended, for and occupied exclusively by, one family.     

B.   Two-Family: A building arranged, designed and intended for and occupied by two families living   independently.     

C.   Multi-family: A building arranged, designed and intended for and occupied by three (3) or more families living independently and having no cooking or sanitary facilities in common with any other dwelling unit; including apartment houses, apartment hotels, flats and garden apartments. 

A.     The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:        

(1) a group of two 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 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. Excepted are the following activities; (1) conversions of single-family dwellings into two-family dwellings and (2) buildings accessory and subordinate to existing principal buildings on the same lot.

A.    Lot Area - The area of land contained within the limits of the property lines bounding that lot, excluding any area within a highway right-of-way.          

B.    Lot Width, Average - The average of the widths of a lot at the building setback line and the rear lot line. 

The Township shall also, at the time of official receipt of the Preliminary Plan, forward a copy to the Pike County Planning Commission for a review and report together with a fee sufficient to cover the costs of the review, which fee shall be paid by the applicant.  Checks shall be made payable to the Pike County Planning Commission.  A copy shall also be provided to the Pike County Conservation District or other involved agencies as may be required by the Township (e.g. Fire Department).  All such referrals shall be made directly by the Township.         

The review agencies (other than the Pike County Planning Commission) shall, no later than forty-five (45) days following the filing date, make its recommendation for approval or disapproval and submit a report to the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors shall make its decision regarding the Preliminary Plan within thirty (30) days of its receipt of the reports and communicate that decision in writing to the applicant within fifteen (15) days, (90 days total from the filing date) setting forth any reasons for disapproval, should that be the decision.         

The Board shall, either prior to or concurrently with subdivision approval, make its decision with respect to the Planning Module for Land Development to revise or supplement its Official Plan and, if approval is granted, said revision or supplement will promptly be forwarded to DEP. Preliminary approval shall require as a prerequisite, or be conditional upon, DEP acceptance (approval) of the proposed revision.  Any conditional approval shall be considered null and void in the absence of such DEP acceptance (approval) unless the Board of Supervisors has determined the legal limit of time for DEP action has expired giving the applicant a deemed approval.  A conditional approval shall expire, in any event, after six (6) months unless some form of DEP approval has been obtained.         

After receiving approval of a Preliminary Plan, (or when conditions are removed), the subdivider shall install or guarantee installation of the improvements required by this Ordinance and commence the preparation of Final Plans.  In the absence of actual installation of improvements, the subdivider may otherwise guarantee them according to the requirements of § 100-18.

E.      Final Plan Procedures.   Following the installation and inspection of improvements or preparation of satisfactory guarantees for their installation and maintenance, the subdivider may submit Final Plans to the Township.  Final Plans shall be processed in the same manner as Preliminary Plans.  They may, however, be submitted in stages.  No Preliminary Plan (or portions of such Plan) shall remain valid for development of Final Plans after a period of five years from Preliminary Approval if any of the applicable standards of this Ordinance have been modified and no extension of approval has been granted. Moreover, no Final Plans shall be accepted for any subdivision or land development for which DEP has not prior approved or concurrently approved the necessary revision to the Official Wastewater Facilities Plan.

Following approval of the Final Plan by the Board of Supervisors, the subdivider shall, within ninety (90) days, officially record the Final Plan in the Office of the Pike County Recorder of Deeds and also submit proof of recording to the Township within thirty (30) days thereafter. Failure to do so will render the plan void and the subdivider shall resubmit the Plan for approval including any fees required.

Sketch Plans for Land Developments and Subdivisions should be to scale using approximate dimensions and of sufficient size to show the entire tract on one sheet, and should show or include the following:

A.     The location of that portion which is to be subdivided in relation to the entire tract.

B.      All existing structures, rock outcroppings, stone fields, wooded areas, wetlands, rivers, streams and lakes within the portion to be subdivided.

C.      The name of the owner and of all adjoining property owners as disclosed by the most recent deed or tax records.

D.     All streets or roads, streams, water, sewage and gas and power lines within 500 feet of the subdivision.

E.      The tentative layout of the remainder of the tract owned by the subdivider.

F.      North Point, graphic scale, date and name/address of subdivider and landowner.

G.      A location map with sufficient information to enable the locating of the property.

H.     The proposed use of the property.

Back to Top

Preliminary Plans for subdivisions shall be prepared by Registered Professional Land Surveyors, and Preliminary Plans for land developments shall be prepared by a Professional Engineers, Registered Landscape Architects, or other professionals as provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the term "Preliminary Plan" indicated in the title block on all sheets and original seals and signatures appearing on each sheet connected with the submission.  They shall be clearly and legibly drawn at a scale compatible with Pike County tax maps.  Maps shall be not less than 11" X 17" nor more than 24" X 36" in size and should, when possible, show the entire tract to be divided.  Supplemental detail maps that will not be recorded may be at any scale and as large as 36" x 42". The Plans and accompanying supplementary data shall contain the following information:

A.     Proposed name of the subdivision. This name, to be provided in a "Preliminary Plan" title block shall not duplicate in spelling or pronunciation any recorded subdivision within Pike County.  The name and address of the present landowner as well as subdivider (if different) shall also be provided.

B.      Location by municipality and County (to be placed in the title block).  The plan shall also include current deed book references, tax map numbers for affected parcels and a 1" = 2000' location map taken from the applicable U.S.G.S. map(s).  It should encompass all parcels within 4,000 feet of the subdivision or land development.

C.      The map shall include a title block with the name of the municipality and County and name of the existing owner of record.  The North Point, graphic scale, preparation date and all revision dates shall also be indicated.  A signature approval block shall be provided along with a blank area beneath sufficient in size to record any conditions of approval as shall be specified by the Township.

D.   Boundaries of total tract with accurate bearings and distances and the total tract area in square feet (or acres).

E.      Locations, names and widths of rights-of-way of all streets, widths of utility rights-of-way and other easements, parks and public grounds and permanent buildings and other significant physical features in, or adjacent to, the subdivision which will have an effect on the design, and all common open space easements.

F.    Approximate locations of existing and proposed sewage systems (including on-site systems), sanitary sewer lines, public water mains, storm sewers, electric power and transmission lines, gas lines, and all other items above or below ground with size, direction of flow and pressure details as may be appropriate or required by the Township Engineer.

G.      Names of current owners of abutting properties (including those across the street)  with deed book references, and lines showing where they intersect.

H.     Existing contours at intervals of at least every twenty (20) feet.  The Township reserves the right to request greater detail when the scope or nature of the development demands the same.  Contours at intervals of two (2) feet shall be required wherever improvements are planned to be installed.

I.       Proposed layout and lengths of streets, alleys and other public rights-of-way, including widths and proposed names which shall not duplicate existing names by spelling or pronunciation. The street proposals shall be accompanied by a submission of plans as required by  § 100-30 hereof, including profiles, cross-sections, and preliminary designs for bridges and culverts.

J.       The proposed layout, numbering (in consecutive order) and approximate dimensions and area of lots (in square feet or acres) along with the types of dwellings proposed on each lot and remaining acreage.  Development phasing plans and schedules, if any, shall also be provided.

K.     Parcels to be dedicated to the public, or reserved for their use, or to be reserved by covenant for residents.  These shall be marked as such.

L.      The applicable Zoning District and building setback lines.  Where lots are located on a curve, or side lines are not parallel, the width at the building line shall also be shown.

M.     All drainage easements, marked as such.

N.    Approximate final grades in areas of cut or fill.

O.     Proposed uses for all lots shall be indicated.

P.      Proposed covenants and restrictions along with any other documents associated with the formation of a Property Owners Association (POA), if any.  Such documents shall, at a minimum, require that all property owners be members and pay dues assessed thereby.  They shall also address the responsibilities of lot purchasers for management of common property.

Q.     Evidence of water supply. In cases where no public water supply is planned as part of the subdivision, the subdivider shall supply acceptable evidence of the availability of other potable water source and designate proposed sites for individual on-site wells. This evidence may be in the form of logs from test wells, logs from existing wells or other documentation or explanation, based on geology or hydrology, acceptable to the Board of Supervisors.

R.      A letter from each electric, telephone, cable television or other utility company servicing the area indicating that the utility company is aware of the subdivision and identifying the conditions are which such utility will provide service to the proposed subdivision, unless exempted from PUC or municipal franchise requirements to do so.  The plan shall also include the PA One Call number, the One Call telephone number, the date the One Call number was assigned and other information required by Pennsylvania law (73 P.S. § 179).

S.      Erosion and sedimentation plan prepared in consultation with the Pike County Conservation District (where required) with evidence of that agency's approval also provided.

T.      Storm water management plan prepared in compliance with Section 100-29 of this Ordinance.

U.     Seven (7) copies of the Planning Module for Land Development (or evidence of previous approved of such Module), along with all information required to approve as a revision or supplement to the Official Plan and comply with the Township Sewage Facilities Ordinance.  Soil types and boundaries shall be mapped.  Each Planning Module shall be accompanied by maps over and above any other maps required.

V.    Copies of permit applications submitted to either Dingman Township or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, as the case may be, for street encroachment or highway occupancy.  The Township, however, may waive this requirement where no immediate plans exist to improve the property, provided that any lot where a permit requirement is waived must contain at least 50 acres, and a notice has been placed on the plat that such permits are required.  Notwithstanding any exceptions granted, such permits shall be obtained prior to starting construction or guaranteeing any road construction required.  When a subdivision is also a lot improvement and no new access is required for either, or any, resulting lots then the requirement for a HOP may be waived.

W.     Floodplain and wetland boundaries from official maps of the same generated by the Federal government, if applicable, and evidence of compliance with Township, Commonwealth and Federal requirements pertaining to such areas.  The Township Planning Commission may also require, or the applicant may submit, more detailed wetland delineation studies for purposes of identifying the boundaries of such areas where Federal mapping is of insufficient detail.  Such studies shall be certified by an approved wetlands delineator.  Any plans that include wetlands mapping shall include the following language:  

"The delineation of wetlands on the plan is not approved or certified by Dingman Township.  Any delineation is subject to approval by the appropriate Commonwealth and Federal agencies."

X.      Other prominent natural or man-made features such as stone walls and ledges.

Y.     All existing watercourses, streams, ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.  A fifty (50) feet easement shall be established around each body of water of one (1) acre or more in size to limit new building for other than docks and other water-related structures.  Such easement shall also be depicted.

Z.      Any other information the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors may require to determine compliance with this Ordinance. 

Back to Top

A.     After approval of the Preliminary Plan, the subdivider, in a manner consistent with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, shall provide for the installation of the required improvements (those physical additions and changes necessary to provide usable and desirable lots). Before requesting Final Plan approval the subdivider must:

(1)       Install all the improvements approved on the Preliminary Plan and required in Article IV at the standards required, or

(2)     File with the Secretary of the Township a performance guarantee to insure installation and construction of all required improvements at the standards required. Such guarantee shall meet with the approval of the Township Solicitor as to form and procedure.          The subdivider shall meet with the Township Engineer to develop a schedule, so that at the time each required improvement is to be installed and, upon its completion, adequate inspections can be made. 

B.      This Section is designed to be consistent with Section 509 through Section 511 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and the Township hereby incorporates all authorities and requirements contained therein as part of this Ordinance.

(1)      Posting - The performance guarantee must be approved by the Board with the advice of the Township Solicitor  and Engineer, and must:

(a) Be a corporate surety bond, certified check, or other security, provided the same is satisfactory to the Board and consistent with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

(b) Be payable to Dingman Township.

(c) Be in an amount sufficient to complete the required improvements in compliance with these and other Township regulations plus expected cost increases as provided in the Municipalities Planning Code.

(d) In the case of cash or its equivalent, be held in an escrow fund in the name of the municipality.

(e) Specify a satisfactory completion date for required improvements, which shall not be more than one (1) year from the date of the Final Approval.  Provisions may also be made, pursuant to the aforementioned Code, for completion of improvements in phases or over a longer period, in cases of large developments.

(2)       Return - When the required improvements have been completed and approved for conformity with these and other Township regulations by the Township Engineer or other qualified individual designated by the Township and accepted by the Township Board of Supervisors, the guarantee shall be released and returned pursuant to Section 510 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. When any of the required improvements have been completed and approved or materials for the same have been secured on-site, a portion of the security commensurate with the cost of these improvements as confirmed by the Township Engineer, may be released and returned.

(3)      Default - In the event of default, the obligor and surety shall be liable thereon to the Township for the cost of the required improvements or parts thereof not installed.  If proceeds of such bond, or other security are insufficient to pay the cost of installing or making repairs or corrections to all the required improvements covered by said security, the governing body of the municipality may, at its option, install part of such improvements in all or part of the subdivision or land development and may institute appropriate legal or equitable action to recover the moneys necessary to complete the remainder of the improvements.  All of the proceeds, whether resulting from the security or from any legal or equitable action brought against the developer, or both, shall be used solely for the installation of the required improvements covered by such security, and not for any other municipal purpose.

C.      Prior to the certification of any required improvements or release of any guarantee, the subdivider shall pay all inspection and related costs (for professional consultant services, meetings, advertisements and expenses) associated with the improvements or guarantees.  These costs will be assessed as a special fee apart from the regular fees provided for in Section 100-20 of these Regulations.  Said payment shall be made to the Township.  In the event that payment in full has not breen received by the Township of all fees within fifteen (15) days after the invoice for same has been mailed or issued, the Township may, in its discretion, withhold the release of the guarantee and provide no reason for such action other than the nonpayment of the appropriate fees unless the subdivider has filed notice pursuant to the MPC that it disputes the consultant’s fees.

D.     Where required improvements are being dedicated to the Township, the subdivider shall comply with the applicable requirements of any other Township Ordinances governing dedication of such required improvements.  Such dedications shall be limited to those required improvements that the Township Board of Supervisors is willing and able to accept.  The subdivider shall also submit a maintenance bond or other approved performance guarantee to guarantee maintenance and repair of those required improvements for eighteen months from the date of dedication. The maintenance bond shall generally be a maximum of 15% of the costs of required improvements, subject to approval of the Board of Supervisors.

Back to Top

Back to Top

At the time an Application for subdivision approval is filed, a fee shall be paid to the Township by the subdivider; such fee to be determined from a schedule of fees as adopted by the Board of Supervisors by resolution.  The Township shall also be empowered to charge an applicant for expenses incurred by either the Planning Board and/or Board of Supervisors for professional fees as a result of professional work required on behalf of said Boards, as the result of the filing of an application seeking approval by either Boards.

These fees shall include, but will not be limited to legal, engineering and consultant fees.  The professionals employed at the request of either Boards will submit a written voucher for work performed on an hourly basis, which fees have been approved by the Board of Supervisors.  Payment of fees by the applicant shall be a prerequisite for approval of the application, but shall be paid regardless of whether approval is granted or denied.

The applicant shall be invoiced for all fees promptly by the Township.  In the event that payment in full has not been received by the Township of all fees within fifteen (15) days after the invoice for same has been mailed or issued, the Township may, in its discretion, deny the pending application and provide no reason for the denial other than the nonpayment of the appropriate fees unless the subdivider has filed notice pursuant to the MPC that it disputes the consultant’s fees.

The application, amended as may be required to bring it into compliance under the ordinance, may be resubmitted to the Board of Supervisors within thirty (30) days after denial, and upon remittance of said fees.  At expiration of the thirty (30) day limitation, the application will then be considered a new application, and subject to regulations as set forth herein.  Any new application will not be accepted for filing by any Township Board prior to payment of all fees incurred for the application at the current or any prior stage.

Back to Top

The Township Board of Supervisors, the Township Planning Commission and other designated Township officials with responsibilities for administration of this Ordinance, shall, upon request, be granted reasonable right of entry to any property, that is the subject of an application made hereunder, for purposes of gathering information to determine compliance with these provisions.  Refusal to provide for such right of entry shall be cause to deny any application.

Back to Top

Back to Top

§ 100-25.1  Fees in Lieu of Recreation Facilities

Where a public water supply is available within 1,000 feet of a proposed subdivision or land development of twenty (20) lots or more, the Township Board of Supervisors may require the subdivider to construct a system of water mains, tied to such system and provide a connection for each lot. Regardless of this requirement, all subdivisions and land developments shall be served with an adequate water supply and meet requirements of the Dingman Township Fire Protection Ordnance.  Plans and specifications for offsite water systems (extension of an existing system or a proposed new facility) shall be prepared by a Professional Engineer and conform to accepted engineering practices and the requirements of the Dingman Township Fire Protection Ordnance.  The system shall, where necessary, include fire hydrants and water storage meeting the specifications of the Association of Fire Underwriters, the applicable Fire Department and the Dingman Township Fire Protection Ordnance.  Suitable agreements shall also be established for the ownership and maintenance of such distribution system. 

The applicant must demonstrate ability to provide a minimum of 150 gallons of water per capita per day (GPCD) and/or 400 gallons per day (GPD) for each residential dwelling unit to be serviced. Service to industrial or commercial establishments shall meet standards established by the American Water Works Association or insurance industry underwriting standards. 

New central or community water supply wells shall be sited, drilled, and tested under the direct supervision of a Registered Professional Engineer or a professional groundwater geologist.  Tests shall include analyses of impacts on neighboring wells.  Wells shall be so located that no potential pollution sources can exist within a 100 foot radius. The well shall also be generally centered on a reserved parcel of at least one (1) acre in size with no other improvements unrelated to the well permitted. 

Where individual water wells are proposed, the application shall indicate the proposed locations of all proposed well sites to ensure that isolation distance requirements can be met.

Back to Top

When a public sewage disposal system is located within 1,000 feet of a proposed subdivision or land development of twenty (20) lots or more, the Township Board of Supervisors may require the subdivider to provide a system of collection lines to connect to said system. Regardless of this requirement, all subdivision and land developments shall be provided with an adequate sewage disposal system(s). 

All lots shall contain suitable areas for on-lot sewage disposal systems or be served by an approved central or community sewage disposal system. Plans and specifications, including a Planning Module for Land Development complete with all appropriate components as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (to revise or supplement the Township Official Plan), shall be submitted with all preliminary subdivision or land development plans (or final plans where Preliminary Plans are waived). Following preliminary plan approval, the Township will submit copies of the module and necessary documentation to the Commonwealth for review. Commonwealth approval of the module and the Township's revision or supplement to its Official Plan shall be required prior to final approval. 

Where connection to an central or community sewage system is not required, on-site systems shall be provided in accordance with criteria set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The Township Sewage Enforcement Officer's site and soils evaluation by the test pit method and favorable report is required prior to preliminary plan approval. The Sewage Enforcement Officer shall determine the number and location of test pits and soil percolation tests necessary to determine the general suitability of soils throughout the subdivision or land development for on-lot subsurface sewage disposal. 

Sanitary sewers shall be designed and constructed in strict accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection standards and Township standards.  Sanitary sewers shall not be used to carry storm water. 

Where individual on-site sewage disposal systems are proposed, the application shall indicate the proposed locations of all proposed system sites to ensure that isolation distance requirements can be met.

Back to Top

In the event that any developer shall intend to make land changes by grading, filling, excavating or the removal or destruction of the natural topsoil or vegetative covering thereon in accordance with a subdivision or land development plan submitted to the Township, the same shall only be approved and accomplished after the developer has submitted plans for erosion and sedimentation control measures to the Pike County Conservation District for review and approval and otherwise complied with Commonwealth regulations respecting such plans.   A copy of this plan shall be provided to the Township along with evidence of its approval.

Back to Top

A      Storm Water Management Plan meeting the requirements of the Township's Watershed Stormwater Management Ordinance(s), where applicable, shall be provided for all subdivisions and land developments.  Such plan shall also be submitted to the Township Engineer and the Pike Conservation District for review and comment on appropriate measures for meeting complying with the Pennsylvania Storm Water Management Law and associated Federal and State requirements.  Where the Township's Watershed Stormwater Management Ordinance is not applicable a similar plan meeting the following standards shall be submitted.  Such a plan shall comply with Chapter 102 of Pennsylvania DEP Regulations. Such a plan shall also be prepared in consultation with the Pike County Conservation District.  Stormwater drainage facilities shall be designed to accommodate storms of a 10 year frequency unless a more stringent standard shall be required by the Township. The general performance standard shall be that the amount of uncontrolled stormwater leaving the site along any property line after development shall not exceed that estimated for the site prior to development. In instances where stormwater facilities are impractical for engineering reasons the Township may modify this standard as it applies to a particular project but shall provide for the maximum practical reduction in flow which can be achieved under the circumstances. The developer shall provide full information, prepared by a registered engineer, regarding the predevelopment stormwater flows and estimates at the time of application.

The following additional requirements shall apply:

(1)       Lots shall be laid out and graded to prevent cross-lot drainage away from proposed building areas. Natural drainage courses shall be maintained.

(2)     The existing points of natural drainage discharge onto adjacent property shall not be altered, nor shall the rate of water runoff be increased because of development, without the written approval of all affected land owners.

(3)     No storm water runoff or natural drainage water shall be so diverted as to overload existing drainage systems, or create flooding or the need for additional drainage structures on other private properties or public lands, without complete approval of provisions being made by the developer for properly handling such conditions.  Stormwater calculations and design shall be prepared by a Professional Engineer.

(4)       Storm drainage facilities should be designed to handle the anticipated peak discharge from the property being subdivided.

(5)       Where a subdivision is traversed by a water course, drainage way, channel, or stream, there shall be provided a drainage easement conforming substantially with the line of such water course, drainage way, channel or stream, and of such width as will be adequate to preserve the unimpeded flow of natural drainage, or for the purpose of widening, deepening, relocating, improving or protecting such drainage facilities. Any changes in the existing drainage way shall be subject to the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Water and Power Resources Board, Division of Dams and Encroachments.

(6)       Drainage structures that are located on State highway rights-of-way shall be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and a letter from that office indicating such approval shall be directed to the Township prior to final plan approval.

(7)     All streets shall be so designed as to provide for the discharge of surface water from their rights-of-way. The slope of the crown on proposed streets shall be consistent with street requirements that follow.

(8)     All proposed surface drainage structures shall be indicated on the preliminary plan.

(9)      Drainage plans shall include all appropriate designs, details and dimensions necessary to clearly explain proposed construction materials and elevations.

(10)      Whenever storm drains are required by the Township, such storm sewer systems shall be separate from any sanitary sewer system. Storm drains or storm sewer facilities may be required in any development situation where the Township Supervisors determine that surface drainage facilities are inadequate to prevent excessive erosion and lot or road maintenance problems.

(11)      Drainage systems shall be designed in accordance with such design standards as may be promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, using hydraulic computations to show effects of the flow of water. The general standard shall be that the amount of stormwater leaving the site along any property line after development shall not exceed predevelopment stormwater flows for that area. In no case shall any pipe system of less than 15" in diameter be used underneath a street or driveway. All dams, lakes, ponds or stream encroachments shall be designed in accordance with the design standards of DEP.

(12)   All drainage systems and structures shall be subject to the approval of the Township Engineer, Township Supervisors or any such other qualified person as may be appointed for this purpose by the Township Supervisors.

B.   Easements shall also be provided for all stormwater drainage ditches or sewers and water courses.  All easements shall be shown on the final plan and the Township or its agents (to include the Planning Commission or other official representatives) shall have the right enforce the easements relative to water supply and sewage disposal in the event the developer and/or lot owner's association fail or are unable to enforce them.  They shall further have free access to all developments and lots at all times for the purpose of inspection and enforcement.

Back to Top

A.     The arrangement, character, extent, width, grade and location of all streets shall conform to the provisions found herein. Every subdivision shall have access to a public right-of-way.

B.      Design and Arrangement.

(1)     In general, all streets shall be continuous and in alignment with existing streets and shall compose a convenient system to insure circulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, with the exception that minor streets shall be laid out including the use of loop streets and cul-de-sacs, so that their use by through traffic will be discouraged.

(2)       Where a subdivision abuts or contains an existing or proposed major street, marginal access streets may be required, in order to protect residential areas from heavy traffic and also to provide separation between local and through traffic.

(3)       Streets shall be logically related to the topography so as to produce usable lots and reasonable grades as required by this and other Township Ordinances.

(4)      New half or partial streets will not be permitted. Wherever a tract to be subdivided borders an existing half or partial street, the remaining portion of the street shall be platted within such tract.

(5)       Dead-end streets shall be prohibited, except as stubs to permit future street extension into adjoining tracts, or when designed as cul-de-sacs.  Temporary cul-de-sacs shall be provided in the case of the former.  Also, see § 100-24.E hereof.

(6)       Where adjoining areas are not subdivided, the arrangement of streets in new subdivisions shall make provision for the extension of streets.

(7)       Streets shall be laid out to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles; in any event, no street shall intersect another at less than sixty (60) degrees. Intersections of more than two streets shall be avoided. Where this proves impossible, such intersections shall be designed with care for safety, and suitable curbs, barriers, signs and other devices as may be required. Streets entering opposite sides of another street shall be laid out directly opposite one another or offset a minimum of one hundred -twenty-five feet (125').

(8)       Street and driveway intersections with major streets shall not be so numerous, nor so close to each other, as to impede the flow of traffic.

(9)       Clear sight triangles shall be provided at all street intersections. Within such triangles, no structure or vision-obstructing object other than utility poles, street lights, street signs, or traffic signs shall be permitted which obscures vision above the height of thirty-six (36) inches and below ten (10) feet measured from the centerline grade of intersecting streets. Such triangles shall be established from a distance of seventy-five (75) feet from the point of intersection of the centerlines.

(10)      Whenever, in connection with a subdivision, the principal access (whether public or private) to such subdivision, by virtue of bridge weight limits of less than twenty (20) tons or other comparable limitations, would restrict access to the property by emergency vehicles or school buses, the subdivider shall be required to upgrade the bridge to accommodate a weight limit of at least twenty (20) tons.

C.      Alleys may be permitted in residential areas under special circumstances, but in no case shall an alley provide the only means of access to a lot. Alleys are required on the rear of all commercial and industrial lots, if no other provisions are made for adequate service access or for parking. 

D.     Street Grades

(1)       Profiles: No street grade shall be less than 1/2 percent or exceed the following, with due allowances for reasonable vertical curves:    

                     Streets shall have a grade not to exceed three (3) percent for a distance within fifty (50) feet of the street right-of-way line of any intersecting street.

(2)      Cross Section: The gradients of streets shall be not less than 0.5%. On streets where curbs, gutters, and sidewalks are not required, there shall be a shoulder, as provided herein.

(3)       Minimum Sight Distance (measured from a vehicle ten (10) feet back of the pavement edge) for intersections connected with new street construction, driveways and accesses to new land developments: 

Posted Speed or Classification by Township (if none posted)	Sight Distance to Left	Sight Distance to Right
55 mph (Major Streets)	845 feet	875 feet
45 mph (Major Streets)	635 feet	570 feet
35 mph (Collector Streets)	440 feet	350 feet
25 mph (Minor Streets )	250 feet	195 feet

E.      Street and Alley Width

(2)     The pavement shall be constructed in accordance with the following specifications:

(a) All stumps, roots and vegetation shall be removed form the entire graded portion of the road.

(b) Materials shall be suitable to form a firm, unyielding surface.

(c) All rocks exceeding six (6) inches in maximum dimension shall be broken off or removed so that no part of any rock is less than six (6) inches from the finished surface.

(d) All streets shall be well drained and the minimum size pipe shall be fifteen (15) inches.

(e) Subgrade shall be thoroughly compacted by at least a ten (10) ton roller, or equal.

(f) All streets shall be constructed of a uniform minimum of twelve (12) inches of compacted Pennsylvania Department of Transportation approved gradation 2-A material, which material shall be installed for the width of the travelway.  Material not meeting these specifications may be approved by the Township Roadmaster and Township Engineer on a case by case basis where circumstances indicate small amounts of traffic will be involved or site conditions warrant use of different material.  Shoulders shall be also be constructed to a compacted depth of six (6) inches of the same material as the base.

(g) All Major Streets and all Collector Streets within subdivisions or subdivision combinations of fifty (50) lots or more shall be surfaced with bituminous material meeting specifications set forth in Dingman Township's Road Dedication Ordinance.

(h) Roads intended for public dedication shall comply with Dingman Township's Road Dedication Ordinance.

I.       Shoulders and Embankments.

(1)      Street shoulders shall be constructed with materials approved by the Township Engineer and consistent with the requirements herein. The entire shoulder area shall be uniformly and thoroughly compacted by rolling and must be level with the top of the road paving, or as directed by the Township Engineer.

(2)      Embankments at the sides of streets and cross-sections of drainage ditches shall not exceed a maximum slope of two (2) feet horizontally to one (1) foot vertically in a cut or fill section. In special cases, the Township Engineer may require more rigid standards.

J.       Curbs and Gutters.

(1)       Curbs shall be required for public safety purposes In the case of commercial developments and other instances where intensive uses exist or are anticipated along a major or collector street.

(2)       Where curbs exist on abutting properties, their extension will ordinarily be required throughout the proposed subdivision.

(3)       Curbs shall not be constructed where pavements are less than 20 feet in width, the public street is not paved or the lot fronts on a private street. Where curbs are not required, adequate gutters shall be graded and protected by seeding, or appropriate surfacing.

(4)       Curbs may be of the wall type or may be combined with gutters built of concrete. Curbs, combined curbs and gutters, and graded gutters shall be constructed in accordance with standard engineering practice.

K.     Walls, Slopes and Traffic Guards.

(1)      Where the grade of the street is above or below the grade of the adjacent land, walls or slopes shall be constructed in a manner satisfactory to the Township, and shall be sufficient to support the street or the adjacent land, as the case may be.

(2)       Where the adjoining embankment has a slope exceeding three (3) feet horizontally to one (1) foot vertically and the grade of the street is two (2) feet or more above the grade of the adjacent land, guards shall be built to protect travel, if required by the Township Engineer. 

L.      All streets, including cul-de-sacs and alleys, shall be constructed as shown on the Preliminary Plan approved by the Supervisors and in conformity with the street requirements contained herein.  Where such Ordinance does not provide a clear standard, the Township may rely upon the standards promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for local streets.  These standards may also be modified wherever necessary to preserve shade, address aesthetic concerns or otherwise avoid unnecessary earth disturbance, provided the construction standards applicable to the road base are not modified and the full right-of-way is obtained as required.

M.     Four-way street name signs of a design approved by the Board of Supervisors shall be installed at each street intersection by the subdivider at his own expense. Streets that are extensions of, or obviously in alignment with, existing streets shall bear the name of existing streets.  Street names shall not be repeated within the Township and shall be subject to Township approval.

N.     Street lighting is the responsibility of the applicant to provide, and the lot owners to maintain and operate. The Township Engineer will determine when and if street lighting is necessary, evaluating need on the basis of safety considerations and commonly accepted standards of lighting.  Whether or not street lights are initially installed, the developer shall be responsible for providing utility easements for future street lighting installation, upon consultation with the public service utility company involved.

O.     The subdivider shall preserve existing shade trees along any proposed street right-of-way unless their removal is clearly required for safety of construction and use.

P.   Requirement for Road Occupancy and Other Permits.

(1)     No driveway, street or drainage facility or structure shall be constructed or altered within a state right-of-way, and no drainage facility of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shall be altered or connected onto without first obtaining a permit from Penn DOT.

(2)     No driveway, local road or drainage facility or structure shall be constructed or altered within a township right-of-way, and no drainage facility of Dingman Township shall be altered or connected onto without first obtaining a permit from the Dingman Township Supervisors.

Q.    Shared driveways may be used to access a maximum of two (2) single-family dwellings or lots.  Accesses to multi-family dwelling projects shall not be considered driveways but, rather, be subject to the requirements herein pertaining to streets.   The following standards shall apply to shared driveways:

G.      Erection and Placement of Manufactured/Mobile Homes.

(1)      Manufactured/mobile homes shall be separated from each other, and from other buildings and structures, by at least thirty (30) feet.

(2)     An enclosure of similar design and material to the manufactured/mobile home itself shall be erected around the entire base of each manufactured/mobile home. Enclosures shall be placed within one year of occupancy of the manufactured/mobile home.

H.     Park Street System.

(1)     A safe and convenient vehicular access shall be provided from abutting public streets or roads.

(2)     The entrance road connecting the park with a public street or highway shall have a pavement width of no less than twenty-four (24) feet and a right-of-way of no less than fifty (50) feet, and no parking shall be allowed on either side of the street. All manufactured/mobile home lots shall be served by the entrance road or internal streets connected thereto, and none shall be served directly from the public street or highway.

(3)       Surfaced roadways shall be of adequate width to accommodate anticipated traffic. The minimum pavement width shall be eighteen (18) feet. Dead-end (cul-de-sac) streets shall be provided with a paved turnaround having an outside diameter of no less than seventy (70) feet and shall not exceed 1,200 feet in length.  All streets shall have a right-of-way of no less than fifty (50) feet.  Rumble strips or other pavement warnings may be required at intersections.

(4)     All parks shall be furnished with lighting units so spaced, and equipped with luminaries placed at such mounting heights, as will provide adequate levels of illumination for the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles at night.

(5)     All park streets shall adhere to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation "Guidelines for Design of Local Roads and Streets."  For purposes of evaluation under these guidelines, park streets shall be considered local access urban highways.

(6)       There shall generally be at least two points of ingress and/or egress in each manufactured/mobile home park but no more than two accesses to a manufactured/mobile home park from any one public right-of-way (emergency accesses excepted), and all driveways to individual units along a public right-of-way shall front on an interior or marginal access street.  Accesses shall be separated by at least 150 feet where they intersect with a public street.

I.       Walks.

(1)      General Requirements - All parks containing ten (10) or more manufactured/mobile homes shall be provided with safe, convenient, all-weather surfaced pedestrian walkways between individual manufactured/mobile homes, the park streets, and all community facilities provided for park residents.

(2)       Common Walk System - A common walk system shall be provided and maintained between locations where pedestrian traffic is concentrated. Such common walks shall have a minimum width of three and one-half feet.

(3)       Individual Walks - All manufactured/mobile home stands shall be connected to common walks, to paved streets, or to paved driveways or parking spaces connecting to a paved street. Such individual walks shall have a minimum width of two feet.

J.    Manufactured/Mobile Home Site.      The area of the manufactured/mobile home site shall be improved to provide a permanent foundation for the placement and tie down of the manufactured/mobile home, thereby securing the structure against uplift, sliding, rotation and overturning.  Manufactured/mobile homes shall not be considered placed on a permanent foundation unless wheels have been removed and the home is resting on concrete piers to the frost level, a foundation of poured concrete, block construction or a concrete slab.

(1)     The manufactured/mobile home site shall not heave, shift or settle unevenly under the weight of the manufactured/mobile home, due to frost action, inadequate drainage, vibration or other forces acting on the superstructure.

(2)     The manufactured/mobile home site shall be provided with anchors and tie downs, such as cast-in-place concrete "deadmen", eyelets embedded in concrete foundations or runways, screw augers, arrowhead anchors, or other devices securing the stability of the manufactured/mobile home.

(3)       Anchors and tie downs shall be placed at least at each corner of the manufactured/mobile home site, and each shall be able to sustain a minimum tensile strength of 2,800 pounds.

K.    Manufactured/Mobile Home Lot Size and Density.

(1)     All manufactured/mobile home lots shall be served with an offsite sewage disposal system and an offsite water supply, shall have a minimum lot area of 10,000 square feet and shall be not less than 75 feet wide at the setback line.  Density within the park as a whole shall not exceed one manufactured/mobile home per 21,780 sq. ft. (0.50 acre) and no less than 50% of the park shall be dedicated to permanent open space.  No less than half of this open space shall be usable for active recreational activities and not include wetlands, floodplains, slopes over 15% in grade or other undevelopable area.

(2)     All square feet areas and density calculations shall be measured or taken exclusive of any rights-of-way. For the purpose of administration, public rights-of-way shall mean all easements or other rights-of-way that are open for free and easy use by other lot occupants and/or the general public.

(3)     All lots intended to be conveyed individually to manufactured/mobile home occupants shall meet minimum lot area standards applicable to other single-family homes in recognition of the lesser degree of control inherent in parks managed by multiple owners as opposed to a single operator.L.      Water Supply.         An adequate offsite supply of water shall be provided for manufactured/mobile homes, service buildings, and other accessory facilities, as required by this Ordinance. The water supply shall be capable of supplying a minimum of 400 gallons per day per manufactured/mobile home, and the water distribution system shall be designed and maintained so as to provide a pressure of not less than 35 pounds per square inch under normal operating conditions, at service buildings and other locations requiring potable water supply. There must also be an adequate reserve supply of water at adequate pressure to meet fire fighting needs as estimated by the fire company serving the area. Any other applicable requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection with respect to water supply shall also be met.  Fire hydrants may be required at the discretion of the Township Board of Supervisors.

M.     Sewage Disposal.         An adequate and safe sewerage system shall be provided in all parks for conveying and disposing of sewage from manufactured/mobile homes, service buildings, and other accessory facilities. Such system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and local sewage regulations.

N.     Required Off-Street Parking.         Off-street parking areas shall be provided in all manufactured/mobile home parks for the use of park occupants and guests.  No less than 2 vehicular parking spaces of at least 200 square feet each in size shall be provided for each manufactured/mobile home lot.  Common parking areas shall not be located further than 300 feet from the manufactured/mobile home lots they are intended to serve.  Any common parking areas shall be all-weather surfaced.

O.     Utilities.

(1)      Electrical Distribution:  All manufactured/mobile home parks shall have an underground electrical/telephone distribution system which shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the local electric power company's specification regulating such systems.  All connections from the meter box to the trailer shall be installed by a qualified electrician and each trailer shall have its own meter box.

(2)       Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems. Liquefied petroleum gas systems, when provided in manufactured/mobile home parks, shall be provided with safety devices to relieve excessive pressures with discharges terminating at a safe location. Systems shall have at least one accessible means for shutting-off gas located outside the manufactured/mobile home, and which shall be maintained in effective operating condition.  All LPG piping outside of the manufactured/mobile home shall be well supported and protected against mechanical injury.  Undiluted liquefied petroleum gas shall not be conveyed through piping equipment and systems in manufactured/mobile homes.  Vessels of more than 12 and less than 60 U.S. gallons gross capacity shall be secured to prevent accidental overturning.  No LPG vessel shall be stored or located inside or beneath any storage cabinet, carport, manufactured/mobile home or any other structure.

(3)      Fuel Oil Supply Systems.  All fuel oil supply systems, when provided in manufactured/mobile home parks, shall be installed and maintained in conformity with the following regulations:

(a)  All piping from outside fuel storage tanks or cylinders to manufactured/mobile homes shall be securely fastened in place.

(b) All fuel oil supply systems shall have shutoff valves located within five (5) inches of storage tanks.

(c)  All fuel storage tanks or cylinders shall be securely placed and shall not be located closer than five (5) feet from any manufactured/mobile home parking area or exit.

(d) Storage tanks located in areas subject to traffic shall be protected against physical damage.

Back to Top

§ 100-32. Application to Existing Parks

A.    Extensions or enlargements of existing manufactured/mobile home parks by addition of land areas or increase in the number of available lots shall fully comply with the provisions of this Article, except to the extent which they would be modified by restrictive covenants approved by the Township for an existing contiguous portion of the park. 

B.      No new or replacement manufactured/mobile home in an existing park shall be erected any closer than 20 feet to another home site, structure or property line;  and on one side of the home there shall be maintained a completely open, unobstructed yard of 10 feet in width for a fire lane.  No decks, parking areas, service buildings or other structures shall be erected in said yard.  All replacement manufactured/mobile homes shall comply with the skirting and anchoring requirements applying to manufactured/mobile homes in new parks.

Article VI - Recreational Land Developments

A.     A campground subdivision or development shall have a gross area of at least five (5) contiguous acres of land in single ownership or under unified control.

B.      All campgrounds shall provide and maintain a vegetative screening strip of planted or natural growth, along all boundary lines of adjoining R-1 District properties.  Such screening shall be at a depth of not less than twenty (20) feet, to effectively screen the area to a minimum of six (6) feet in height within a reasonable time period (one year of application approval).  A planting plan specifying types, size and location of existing and proposed plant material shall be required and approved by the Board of Supervisors.

C.   Recreational land development lots or camping sites in nontransient recreational land developments shall comply with the lot requirements found in § 100-24 hereof.  Transient recreational land development lots or camping sites shall be a minimum of fifty (50) feet wide and seventy-five (75) feet deep and may be clustered. Gross density, however, shall not exceed a total of five (5) sites per acre in such instance (eight [8] per acre if tent/primitive type camping only).  Frontages on cul-de-sacs may be varied.         Individual recreational land development lots or camping sites shall be separated from service building structures and other occupied buildings and structures by a minimum distance of fifty (50) feet.  Also, notwithstanding the requirements of Section B above, no recreational vehicle or tent platform shall be located closer than twenty-five (25) feet to the street right-of-way; closer than twenty-five (25) feet to any other recreational vehicle or tent platform; or one-hundred (100) feet to any adjacent property line. 

D.     At least two off-street parking spaces of one-hundred-eighty (180) square feet each shall be provided for each site. At least one such off-street parking space shall be provided on each lot as required.

E.      Street Requirements.

(1)      Nontransient recreational land developments. The street design standards contained in Article IV of this Ordinance shall apply to streets within nontransient recreational land developments.

(2)      Transient recreational land developments. Transient recreational land development streets shall be not less than fifty (50) feet in right-of-way width, and shall be cleared, graded and constructed as required by the Township Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the Township Engineer, based upon the size of the development, site conditions and type of development proposed (i.e. primitive tent camping or RV camping).

F.      No individual on-site sewage or water supply shall be permitted, and all community systems for the common use of campsite occupants shall fully comply, as evidenced by approved plans, with the standards imposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Dingman Township.  All systems shall be designed for 100% occupancy.

G.      The following additional regulations shall apply to all recreational land developments.

(1)       Appurtenances.  No permanent external appurtenances, such as carports, cabanas, gazebos, patios or similar structures, shall be attached to any recreational vehicle parked in a recreational land development or constructed independent of the recreational vehicle on any campsite.  The removal of wheels or placement of the unit on a foundation in such a park is also prohibited.

(2)       Location.  A recreational land development shall be so located that no entrance or exit from a park shall discharge traffic into a densely populated residential area exceeding one dwelling unit per two acres, nor require movement of traffic from the park through such an area to obtain access to a public highway.  A minimum of 150 feet of frontage on a State or Township highway shall be required.

(3)      Common Use Areas - A minimum of 10% of the gross site area of the recreational land development shall be set aside and developed as common use areas for open and enclosed recreational facilities. No recreational vehicle site, required buffer strip, street right-of-way, driveway, access, storage area or utility site shall be counted as meeting this requirement.

(4)      Entrances and Exits - Entrances and exits to recreational land developments shall be designed for safe and convenient movement of traffic into and out of the park, and to minimize marginal friction with free movement of traffic on adjacent streets. All traffic into or out of the park shall be through such entrances and exits.   Streets shall be laid out to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles; in any event, no street shall intersect another at less than sixty (60) degrees.  The radii of curbs and pavements at intersections shall be such as to facilitate easy turning movement for vehicles with trailer attached. No intersection of an entrance and/or exit with a State or Township highway shall be located where less than 500 feet of sight distance exists in either direction along the State or Township highway, nor shall such intersection be located within 150 feet of any other intersection.

(5)       Parking Areas - In connection with the use of any recreational land development, no parking, loading or maneuvering incidental to parking or loading shall be permitted on any public street, sidewalk, required buffer, right-of-way or any public grounds; or any private grounds not part of the recreational land development, unless the owner has given written permission for such use. Each recreational land development operator shall provide off-street parking, loading and maneuvering space located and sealed so that the prohibitions above may be observed, and shall be responsible for violations of these requirements.

(6)       Occupancy - Campsites shall be used only for camping purposes.  No improvement or any manufactured/mobile home designed for permanent occupancy shall be erected or placed on any campsite. All recreational vehicles in the development shall be maintained in a transportable condition at all times. Any action toward removal of wheels or hitch or to attach the recreational vehicle to the ground for stabilizing purposes is hereby prohibited.  Moreover, no campsite shall be occupied by the same party for more than 6 consecutive months, and no campsite shall be the primary and principal residence of the owner or any other occupant; each campsite to be used and occupied (excepting occasional guests) for camping and recreational purposes only by a single household. The Township may require any owner to remove a recreational vehicle from the campground for a period of 7 days, unless such owner can establish a prior removal for a comparable period within the immediately preceding 6 months. These requirements shall be attached to each campsite sale or membership in nontransient recreational land developments by restrictive covenant.

(7)       Records - The management of every recreational land development shall be responsible for maintaining accurate records concerning the occupancy of all campsites. The term "management" shall include associations of property owners when such are responsible for maintenance and operation of common facilities. The Township Board of Supervisors and/or its designated agents shall have access to, and the right to inspect, records for evidence of permanent residency or lack thereof. The Township Board of Supervisors and/or their designated agents shall, in addition, have the authority, when any provision of this Article is violated, to prohibit the occupancy of any and all campsites in a recreational development until the owners and/or management provide evidence of compliance with these provisions.

(9)      Fences - All property lines within the development shall be kept free and open; and no fences, except as may be required by screening sections or may exist naturally, ledges or walls, shall be permitted thereon. This shall not, however, preclude the erection of fences around the perimeter of the development.

(10)      Nuisances - No noxious or offensive activities or nuisances shall be permitted on any campsite or lot.  The management plan shall provide for limiting significant noise generating activities to specified periods of time that allowing for sleeping by neighboring residents.

(11)      Animals - No animals shall be kept or maintained on any campsite or lot, except domesticated pets such as dogs and cats. Pets shall be kept confined so as not to become a nuisance.

(12)      Garbage and Refuse Disposal - No person shall burn trash, garbage or other like refuse on any campsite. All such refuse shall be placed and kept in airtight receptacles for the same. No owner shall permit the accumulation of litter or refuse or junk vehicles on a campsite or lot.  All vehicles and recreational vehicles shall be operable and licensed at all times by a state agency.

(13)      Camping Accessories - Notwithstanding any provisions herein contained to the contrary, picnic tables, benches, storage sheds, fire boxes or fireplaces, and similar items of personal property, may be placed on a campsite. All personal property on a campsite shall be maintained in good condition so as not to become unsightly.

(14)      Ditches and Swales - Each owner shall keep drainage ditches and swales located on his campsite free and unobstructed and in good repair, and shall provide for the installation of such culverts upon his campsite as may be reasonably required for proper drainage. He shall also prevent erosion on his campsite or lot.

(15)      Drilling and Mining - No drilling, refining, quarrying or mining operation of any kind shall be permitted, nor shall drilling for water or digging of water wells be permitted on any individual campsite or lot.

(16)      Vehicle Parking - No recreation vehicle shall be parked on any street or roadway within the development.

(17)   Fire Rims - Each campsite fireplace shall be provided with a fire rim of concrete construction at least eight (8) inches in height to contain the fire and fully comply with the Dingman Township Fire Protection Ordinance.

(18)      Water Supply - Potable water drinking fountains shall be provided within three-hundred (300) feet of each campsite and fire fighting needs shall also be addressed  in the case of recreational land developments accommodating recreational vehicles by providing an emergency water source approved by the local fire department and in accordance with the Dingman Township Fire Protection Ordinance.

The operational standards contained in this section shall be incorporated in restrictive covenants attached to the deeds for lots in nontransient recreational developments and shall be made part of a management plan for any transient recreational developments, which covenants and/or plan shall be approved by the Township Board of Supervisors in its review of preliminary and final plans for the recreational development.  A management plan shall be required for all recreational land developments and restrictive covenants incorporating the standards of this section shall be required of all nontransient recreational developments. This shall be in addition to the submission requirements contained in Article III of this Ordinance.  A plan or set of covenants which does not adequately provide for conformance with this Section shall not be approved and, in the case of the latter, shall provide for the establishment of a bona fide property owners association.  The plan and/or covenants shall also provide the Township with the option (but not the obligation) of being a party to their enforcement and include a right for the Township to periodically inspect the development for continued compliance with the plan and/or covenants.

Back to Top

The regulations of this Article VI shall apply to any extensions of existing recreational subdivisions and land developments, including increases in the number of lots or available spaces, even though no addition to total land area is involved.  However, nothing herein shall apply to existing facilities.

Back to Top

A.     General Procedure.  Multi-family dwelling projects shall be considered subdivisions and land developments subject to the jurisdiction of this ordinance.  This shall apply to all subdivisions of property in connection with the development, regardless of whether or not these are connected with building development, and approvals required shall be requested and acted upon concurrently as one subdivision.  Application for preliminary approval of multi-family dwelling projects, accordingly, will be made to Dingman Township in the manner provided under Article III hereof.  The developer shall also submit the following additional information:

(1)     An application for multi-family dwelling approval on a form to be supplied by the Township or, in the absence of such form, by a letter or brief from the developer or the developer's representative indicating how the development will meet the general site requirements of this ordinance and otherwise comply with the intent of this section, describing the organization and management of the project.

(2)     A proposed lot plan showing the approximate (generally within five feet) location of all buildings and improvements including parking areas, planting strips (if any), signs, storm drainage facilities, water supply and distribution system, sewage treatment and collection systems and the specific areas provided as open space in connection with the requirements of this Ordinance.  Building layouts, floor plans and profiles shall also be provided indicating building dimensions, numbers, and sizes of units, common ownership or use areas (apart from the open space referenced below), lighting and such other information as shall be required to determine compliance with the design standards contained herein and any other building standards which may be applicable in Dingman Township.  Setbacks from property lines, improvements and other buildings shall also be indicated.

(3)     A schedule or plan, and proposed agreement(s) either with the Township or a property owners' association for the purpose of dedicating, in perpetuity, the exclusive use and/or ownership of the recreation area and open space required by this Ordinance to the prospective dwelling owners or occupants.  Such agreement may be incorporated in the applicant's proposed covenants and restrictions, but shall in any event, provide to the satisfaction of the Township that maintenance and use of the property, regardless of ownership, be restricted to either:  (1) activities intended for the sole benefit of the occupants of the particular project proposed, or (2) permanent open space as hereinafter provided.

(4)      Letters from fire protection and other emergency service providers indicating their knowledge of the proposed land development, the extent of their capacity to provide service and any limitations that may apply with respect to such service.

B.   Processing Schedule.  The application package shall be processed on a schedule identical with requirements for review and approval of other Preliminary Plans under the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance including providing the Pike County Planning Commission with an opportunity to review copies of the entire package. 

C.    Planning Commission Action.  The Township Planning Commission, before recommending action to Board of Supervisors, may also hold a public hearing pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.  The Dingman Township Planning Commission shall then report its findings together with a recommendation for approval, conditional approval or disapproval.

D.   Board of Supervisors Action.  The Board of Supervisors shall act on the Preliminary Plan and "Planning Module for Land Development" concurrently, making the Preliminary Plan approval, if one shall be given, subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  The plan approval shall be null and void absent such DEP approval unless the Board of Supervisors shall have determined the legal limit of time for DEP action has passed.  No building permit shall be issued to the applicant, however, until all conditions attached to the approval of any Preliminary Plan, including DEP approval of the "Planning Module" shall have been satisfied and nothing herein shall be construed as permitting the issuance of a building permit prior to Preliminary approval.  This requirement notwithstanding, the building permit application shall be made with the Preliminary Plan and shall, if granted, be valid for a period equal to that for Preliminary Plan approval.  If the Preliminary Plan shall be rejected no building permit shall be granted.

E.   Installation of Improvements.  Following Preliminary Plan approval, the developer shall provide for the installation of required or proposed improvements including, but not limited to; landscaping, streets, parking areas, storm drainage facilities, recreational facilities and lighting.  Building improvements shall similarly be completed or guaranteed prior to the applicant's request for Final Approval.  No right of occupancy shall, however, exist until such time as Final Plan approval shall have been granted in accordance with the procedures and informational requirements of this ordinance, and buildings have been completed and inspected by the Building Permit Officer.  Complete as built building plans shall also be submitted as part of the Final Plan application.

F.      Recording Requirement. No person shall sell, transfer, lease or agree or enter into an agreement to sell or lease any land and/or building or interests in the individual dwelling units to be created, or erect any building thereon except in accord with the provisions of this Section, unless Final Plan approval has been granted and the Final Plan has been recorded in the Office of the Pike County Recorder of Deeds.

H.   Recreation Areas and Open Spaces.  All areas of a multi-family development not conveyed to individual owners; and not occupied by buildings and required or proposed improvements shall remain as permanent open space or be dedicated to recreation area to be used for the sole benefit and enjoyment of the residents of the particular units being proposed.  Such open space shall be not less than 50% of the land development, be part of the same parcel and contiguous and be subject to the following regulations:

J.       Water and Sewage Facilities.  All multi-family developments shall be served with community on-lot or central sewage facilities and water supplies as defined herein.

K.     Non-Residential Uses.  Non-residential uses in a multi-family development shall be limited to clubhouses (including snack shops), recreational facilities and minor home occupations.

L.   Conversions of Existing Structures.  Conversions of motels, hotels or other existing structures to multi-family dwelling use regardless of whether such conversions involve structural alterations, shall be considered subdivisions and land developments and be subject to this ordinance.  If the proposed project does involve structural alterations, the Preliminary Plan shall include a certification of a registered architect or engineer to the effect that the existing building is structurally sound and that the proposed conversion will not impair structural soundness.

M.   Maintenance of Common Facilities.  Maintenance of a multi-family dwelling project shall be vested (1) an association or other legal entity organized prior to the offering of the first unit for occupancy, or (2) a manager, who may be the developer, or a person designated by the developer before the developer offers a unit for occupancy, or (3) the owners or occupants of units themselves if the total number of owners or occupants within the development is not more than five (5).  If the developer shall opt to manage the project or designate a manager, the preliminary application shall include financial statements, a description of previous management experiences and other data sufficient for the Township to ascertain the financial responsibility of the manager.        

The association or manager, as the case may be, shall be responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of the common areas of the development including buildings and, if applicable, the furniture, fixtures and equipment within the units.  The project instruments shall specify the expenses which the maintenance organization may incur and collect from purchasers as a maintenance fee and secure maintenance of the project as well as enforcement of applicable covenants and restrictions in perpetuity.  The Township may require that a Certified Public Accountant review such financial data for purposes of determining that proposed fees are, in fact, adequate to secure maintenance on a continuing basis.

The developer shall, in filing a Preliminary Plan, provide a narrative description of how responsibility for maintenance and care of the units, common areas and other amenities will be assured and a pro forma operating budget for the maintenance organization including a breakdown of the common expense to be borne by the maintenance organization and a separation of long-term maintenance costs from ongoing routine maintenance costs.  There shall also be provided a narrative description of how the developer proposes to assure maintenance and care of the units and common facilities during any sales program, based on which the Township may require additional temporary facilities to accommodate service demands.  Copies of all applicable instruments shall be provided, for purposes of determining that long-term arrangements for maintenance of common facilities have, in fact, been made by the developer and/or with the occupants.        

Any developer who proposes to construct multi-family dwellings for transient use under the terms of this ordinance and who proposes to convey the common elements of said multi-family dwelling project to an association of purchasers of units therein shall submit a maintenance bond or other performance guarantee acceptable to the Township Solicitor ensuring long-term maintenance and repair of said common elements.  Such maintenance bond or other guarantee shall;

(1)     Be for a period of not less than fifteen (15) years from the date of the final approval of said multi-family dwelling-transient use by the Township;

(2)     Be in an amount equal to the amount collected or to be collected for long-term maintenance (as indicated in the budget referenced above) by the developer or other responsible parties from each purchaser during the first year after sales to such purchases begin, multiplied by the total number of expected purchasers.        

If the development shall be subject to the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act or other applicable Commonwealth statutes governing the sale of real property used for multi-family occupancy, the developer shall certify as to his or her compliance with said statutes.  To the extent the provisions of such statutes conflict with this subsection such certifications shall suffice as to conformance with these requirements.  If a developer is not subject to the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act he or she shall present an Attorney's opinion to this effect. 

Back to Top

Developments of single-family homes where the dwelling units are grouped in sections to maximize the amount of common open space and preserve the natural settings, shall be designated as conservation subdivisions.  This section is intended to provide for such conservation subdivisions so that landowners might be able to preserve the equity in their land for development purposes while also preserving open space for public benefit.  Conservation subdivisions can produce the same return for landowners, reduce the cost of public services, create a far more solid sense of community and truly preserve open space while conventional subdivisions tend to isolate, require more roads and services, reduce the potential for agriculture and consume vast amounts of open space in the name of "preserving rural character."  They shall be processed in the same manner as other subdivisions and in accord with the standards and procedures which follow.

Back to Top

§ 100-38. Camps