ARTICLE VIII

ARTICLE 8

DESIGN STANDARDS AND REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS

SECTION 800 APPLICATION

800.1 The design standards and requirements as outlined in this Article shall be utilized by the Planning Commission in evaluating the plans for all proposed subdivisions and land developments.

800.2 Any request to modify the design standards and requirements of this Article shall be in accordance with Section 109 of this Ordinance.

SECTION 801 GENERAL STANDARDS

(a) All applicable Township, County, State and Federal statutory provisions and/or regulations;

(b) All governing rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources;

(d) Whenever another Township, County, State or Federal statute and/or regulation imposes a higher or more restrictive standard than those contained in this Ordinance, the higher or more restrictive standard shall apply.

SECTION 802 SITE SUITABILITY FOR DEVELOPMENT

802.1 The land for any proposed subdivision or land development shall be suited for the purpose of intended use.

802.2 Land which the Planning Commission deems unsuitable for subdivision or development due to flooding, improper drainage, rock formations, adverse earth formations or topography, steep slopes, utility easements, or other features which may reasonably be harmful to the safety, health, and general welfare of the present or future inhabitants of the subdivision and/or its surrounding areas, shall not be subdivided or developed unless adequate methods are formulated by the applicant and approved by the Planning Commission upon the recommendation of the Township Engineer.

802.3 The approval of a plan for any proposed subdivision or land development shall not constitute a representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind by the Township, any official, any employee, or agent thereof of the practicability or safety of the use of such land or development, and shall create no liability upon the Township, its officials, employees or agents.

SECTION 803 MONUMENTS AND MARKERS

The applicant shall place permanent reference monuments and markers by a Registered Land Surveyor.

803.1

Monuments shall be placed so that the center of a scored or marked point shall coincide exactly with the intersection of the lines to be marked.

803.2

Monuments shall be of concrete or stone, with a flat top having a minimum width or diameter of four (4) inches and a minimum length of thirty (30) inches. Concrete monuments shall be marked with a three-quarter (3/4) inch copper or brass dowel; stone or precast monuments shall be marked on the top with a proper inscription and a drill hole. Monuments shall be set so that the top of the monument or marker is level with the surface of the surrounding ground.

803.3

Markers shall consist of either iron or steel bars at least thirty-six (36) inches long and not less than five-eighths (5/8) inch in diameter. Markers normally shall be flush with the surrounding grade.

803.4

Monuments shall be set as follows:

(a) One at each single angle of the perimeter of the property at all major subdivisions and land developments.

(b) One at the beginning and end of all curves along street right-of-way lines along one side of the street.

803.5

Markers normally shall be flush with the surrounding grade.

803.6 Markers shall be set as follows:

(a) At all points where lot lines intersect street right-of-way lines, except for monument locations.

(b) At all other lot corners.

(d) At all angles in property lines of lots.

SECTION 804 RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS

For blocks the following standards shall apply:

a. Maximum length not to exceed 1,200 feet;

b. Be of sufficient width to permit two (2) tiers of lots.

Exceptions to this prescribed block width shall be permitted in blocks adjacent to major streets, railroads, or waterways.

SECTION 805 RESIDENTIAL LOTS

805.1 All subdivisions and land development for residential use shall be in conformance with the applicable minimum lot sizes, lot widths in yard requirements as set forth in the Franklin Township Zoning Ordinance.

805.2 Each lot or area platted for residential use shall be accessible from an existing or proposed street.

805.3 The lot depth shall not be greater than three (3) times its width.

805.4 Side lines of lots shall be at right angles to straight streets and on radius lines on curved streets. Some variation may be permitted at the discretion of the Planning Commission, but pointed or very irregular shaped lots shall be avoided.

805.5 In the case of lots utilizing an on-site sewage disposal system, there shall be sufficient area for the disposal field in accordance to DER. regulations.

805.6 Double frontage lots shall be avoided but may be permitted when required to provide a separation of a residential development from arterial streets or to overcome specific disadvantages of topography or other natural features of the site.

805.7 Lots shall be laid out so as to provide positive drainage away from all buildings and individual lot drainage shall be coordinated with the general storm drainage pattern for the area. Drainage shall be designed so as to avoid concentration of storm drainage water from each lot onto adjacent lots.

SECTION 806 STREETS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

806.1 Any proposed subdivision or land development shall have frontage upon or access to an existing State, County, or Township road.

806.2 Streets shall be designed to provide adequate vehicular access to all lots or parcels within any proposed subdivision or land development.

806.3 Streets shall be designed and appropriately related to the topographic conditions of the site, with the grade of streets conforming as closely as possible to the original topography.

806.4 Streets shall be graded and improved in accordance with the appropriate design standards and specifications of this Ordinance.

806.5 All streets shall be properly integrated with the existing and proposed system of streets and dedicated right-of-way as established in the Comprehensive Plan.

806.6 All streets shall be properly related to specific traffic generators such as industries, business districts, schools, churches, and shopping centers; to population densities; and to the pattern of existing and proposed land uses.

806.7 Proposed streets shall be extended to the boundary lines of the tract to be subdivided, unless prevented by topography or other physical conditions, or unless in the opinion of the Planning Commission such extension is not necessary or desirable for the coordination of the layout of the subdivision with the existing layout or the most advantageous future development on adjacent tracts.

806.8 Any residential subdivision and/or land development containing ten (10) or more lots which do not front upon an existing off-site public road, shall provide within the overall traffic design of the site, not less than two separate points within the site where an interior road as part of the proposed subdivision and/or land development shall intersect with and provide access to an existing off-site public road.

SECTION 807 STREET NAMES

The applicant may propose names for all streets within a subdivision or land development prior to final approval. A proposed street name shall not include the name of any existing street in the Township, except that a street when planned as a continuation of an existing street shall bear the same name. Final approval of street names for streets subject to public dedication to the Township shall be vested with the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors. Final approval of street names for streets to remain under private ownership shall be vested with the Planning Commission.

SECTION 808 STREET SIGNS

Street signs, which provide the legal name of each street shall be erected at the intersection of each street within a subdivision or land development prior to final approval. The size, color and construction materials of said signs shall be subject to approval by the Planning Commission.

SECTION 809 TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS

Traffic control signs, designed to regulate the speed of traffic or to convey any other pertinent traffic or physical characteristic of the road to motorists shall be installed at appropriate locations by the applicant as determined by PennDOT, Luzerne County or the Planning Commission.

SECTION 810 CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DEAD-END ROADS

The arrangement of streets shall provide for the continuation of principal streets between adjacent properties when such continuation is necessary for convenient movement of traffic, effective fire protection, for efficient provision of utilities, and when such continuation is in accordance with the Township’s goals as provided for within the Statement of Community Development Objectives of the Franklin Township Zoning Ordinance. If the adjacent property is undeveloped and the street must be a dead-end street temporarily, the right-of-way shall be extended to the property line. A temporary turnabout shall be provided on all temporary dead-end streets. This may limit the length of temporary dead-end streets in accordance with the design standards of these regulations

SECTION 811 DEAD-END ROADS (PERMANENT)

Where a road does not extend to the boundary of the subdivision and its continuation is not required by the Planning Commission for access to adjoining property, its terminus shall normally not be nearer to such boundary than fifty (50) feet. However, the Planning Commission may require the reservation of an appropriate easement to accommodate drainage facilities, pedestrian traffic, or utilities. A cul-de-sac turnaround shall be provided at the end of a permanent dead-end street in accordance with Township construction standards and specifications. For greater convenience to traffic and more effective police and fire protection, permanent dead-end streets shall, in general, be limited in length in accordance with design standards of this Ordinance.

SECTION 812 ACCESS TO ARTERIAL STREETS

Where a subdivision or land development borders on or contains an existing or proposed arterial street, the Planning Commission may require that access to such street be limited by one of the following methods:

a. The subdivision of lots in a manner in which the lots front onto a parallel local street with no access provided to or from the arterial street which shall contain a strip of screening along the rear property line of such lots.

b. A series of cul-de-sacs, U-shaped streets, or short loops entered from and designed generally at right angles to such a parallel street, with the rear lines of their terminal lots backing onto the arterial.

c. A marginal access or service road, separated from the arterial street by a planting or grass strip and having access thereto at suitable points.

SECTION 813 INTERSECTIONS

813.1 Streets shall intersect as nearly as possible at right angles. When local streets intersect with collector or arterial streets the angle of intersection at the street centerlines shall in no case be less than seventy-five (75) degrees. No two streets shall intersect with an angle of intersection at the centerlines of less than sixty (60) degrees.

813.2 Multiple intersections involving the junction of more than two streets shall be prohibited.

813.3 Intersections shall be designed with a flat grade wherever practical. In hilly or rolling areas, at the approach to an intersection, a leveling area shall be provided having not greater than a two (2) percent grade at a distance of sixty (60) feet, measured from the nearest right-of-way of the intersecting street.

813.4 Where any street intersection will involve earth banks or existing vegetation inside any corner lot that would create a traffic hazard by limiting visibility, the applicant shall cut such ground and/or vegetation (including trees) in connection with the grading of the public right-of-way to the extent deemed necessary to provide an adequate sight distance.

813.5 The cross-slopes on all streets, including intersections shall be three (3%) percent or less.

SECTION 814 ROAD DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND PAVING STANDARDS

814.1 In order to provide for roads of suitable location, width and improvement to accommodate prospective traffic and to afford satisfactory access to police, fire fighting, snow removal, sanitation and road maintenance equipment and to coordinate streets so as to compose a convenient system and avoid undue hardships to adjoining properties.

814.2 The classification of any street, when not identified within any Comprehensive Plan adopted by Franklin Township, shall be determined by the Planning Commission by utilizing applicable definitions of this Ordinance.

814.3 Subgrade and Base Specifications

(a) The subgrade of all streets shall be rolled and prepared in accordance with PennDOT Specifications as contained in the applicable sections of the 1990 edition of Publication 408, or the most recent edition of Publication 408, including any subsequent revisions and/or amendments thereto. The following conditions shall also apply to the subgrade:

1. The area within the limits of the proposed road surface shall be

shaped to conform to the line, grade, and cross-section of the proposed

road.

2. All unsuitable subgrade material shall be removed or stabilized.

3. Wet areas, excluding wetlands, shall be permanently drained and stabilized. Details shall be furnished on the method of drainage and shall by approval by the Township Engineer.

4. Areas requiring fill shall be made with suitable materials and thoroughly compacted for full width in uniform layers not more than eight (8) inches thick per layer.

5. The subgrade shall be thoroughly compacted by rolling with a minimum ten ton roller and or a sheeps foot roller in layers not greater than six (6) inches.

6. Backfill for trenches within the cartway and curb area shall be thoroughly compacted prior to the application of the base course.

7. All stone used to replace unsuitable subgrade materials shall be subject to prior approval by the Township Engineer.

(b) The base for all streets, unless otherwise specified shall contain a minimum of six (6") inches of stone subbase placed upon a prepared and compacted subgrade. The required minimum of six (6") inches of stone subbase material shall be determined by site conditions. The construction of the base for all streets shall be in accordance with PennDOT Specifications as contained in the applicable sections of the 1990 edition of Publication 408, or the most recent edition of Publication 408, including any subsequent revisions and/or amendments thereto. The following requirements shall apply to the base course:

1. The base course shall consist of a minimum of six (6) inches of AASHTO

#1 crushed stone placed upon an acceptable rolled subgrade.

2. After compaction of the base stone, dry screenings shall be applied in sufficient quantity to fill all of the voids in the rolled stone base. A vibratory roller of PennDOT approved design, must be used in this step of construction and rolling shall continue until all voids are filled. Small areas around inlets and manholes that cannot be reached by the vibratory roller shall be compacted with a mechanical tamper or wacker.

3. No base materials shall be placed upon a wet or frozen subgrade.

814.4 Slope

All streets shall have a minimum slope of two (2%) percent crown as measured from the centerline of the street to the edge of each side of the cartway.

814.5 Use of Fill Material

If fill material is proposed to be used for the roadway bed, subgrade or any other aspect of

the design and construction of a street, the fill material shall be acceptable material for

such use as determined by the Township Engineer. Placement of acceptable fill material

within three (3) feet of the proposed final roadway grade shall be in eight (8") loose lifts

and compacted to not less than ninety-seven (97%) of the material's dry weight density as

determined by methods prescribed by the Engineer. Placement of acceptable fill material

below three (3) feet of the proposed final roadway grade shall be in eight (8") loose lifts

and compacted to not less than ninety-five (95%) of the material's dry weight density as

determined by methods prescribed by the Engineer. The type of compacting equipment to

be used for such purposes shall be of sufficient and nature as determined by the Township

Engineer. Use of fill material shall comply with PennDOT Specifications of Section 206 of

the most recent edition of Publication 408, including any subsequent revisions and/or

amendments thereto. The regulations within this Section shall apply to the use of fill

material within the any area of the cartway and the shoulder of the roadway.

814.6 Slope of Embankments

The recommended slope of any required road embankment shall be three (3) horizontal to one (1) vertical, but under no circumstances shall the embankment have a slope greater than two (2) horizontal to one (1) vertical.

814.7 Local Streets

The minimum pavement structure for a Local Street shall be as follows:

One and one-half (1.5") inches of ID-2A Wearing Course upon four and

one-half (4.5") inches of B.C.B.C.

Applicable construction and design standards of PennDOT, as contained within Section 400, of the 1990 edition of Publication 408, or the most recent edition of Publication 408, including any subsequent revisions and/or amendments thereto shall apply.

814.8 Collector Streets

The minimum pavement structure for a Collector Street shall be as follows:

One and one-half (1.5") inches of ID-2A Wearing Course upon five (5") inches of B.C.B.C.

814.9 Arterial Streets

The pavement structure for an Arterial Street or Highway shall be governed by the most

recent edition of PennDOT publication No. 242, Roadway Management Manual,

including any subsequent revisions or amendments. All applicable construction and

design standards of PennDOT, as contained within Section 400, of the 1990 edition of

Publication 408, or the most recent edition of Publication 408, including any

subsequent revisions and/or amendments thereto shall apply.

814.10 Dimensional Standards For Roads

DIMENSIONS

TYPE OF STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY CARTWAY SHOULDER WIDTH

ARTERIAL PennDOT SPEC* PennDOT SPEC* PennDOT SPEC*

COLLECTOR 60 FEET 24 FEET 4 FEET per side

LOCAL 50 FEET 20 FEET 2 FEET per side

* PennDOT SPEC represents governing PennDOT standards.

814.11 Limited Exemption

A subdivision or land development containing not more than three (3) lots or three (3) detached single-family dwellings units shall may be serviced by a private street having a minimum right-of way of not less than fifty (50) feet. Said right-of-way shall be cleared of all vegetation and properly graded. The width of the cartway shall be not less than sixteen (16) feet and have a base consisting of six (6) inches of acceptable base. All other design specifications for street, as set forth in this Ordinance which do not conflict with the above shall apply.

Any subdivision or land development qualifying and wishing to provide a private street, designed as such, shall contain covenants and/or deed restrictions as a condition of approval, recorded with the approved plan and addressing the following:

1. The street shall remain as a private street, not subject to offer for public dedication, unless it is improved to meet or exceed all applicable design standards in effect at the time such offer is made.

2. A maintenance agreement and appropriate provisions which outline

3. the parties responsible for the continued of the street.

3. An agreement with the Township under which elected officials, appointed officials, representatives and/or employees of Franklin

Township are held harmless form any liability related to the use and safety of a private street, including but not limited to, enforcement of the

maintenance agreement in relationship to vehicular access of emergency vehicles.

4. Any further proposed development upon the site, excluding accessory structures, shall result in the development being classified

as a major subdivision or major land development, subject to all applicable design standards for such in effect at the time approval is

sought for additional development.

SECTION 815 HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY

The all applicable regulations contained within Chapter 441 (Access to and Occupancy of Highways by Driveways and Local Roads) of Title 67 Transportation of the shall govern all design features of roads and driveways related to horizontal visibility.

815.1 A minimum tangent of one hundred (100) feet shall be required between curves on all classifications of streets.

815.2 The centerline grades shall not exceed the following:

Arterial Street - five (5%) percent

Collector Street - seven (7%) percent

Local Street - eleven (11%) percent

There shall be a minimum centerline grade of not less than two (2%) percent on all streets.

815.3 Vertical curves shall be used at changes of grade exceeding one (1%) percent. Vertical curves shall be designed to produce the following minimum sight distances:

Arterial Street - five hundred (500) feet

Collector Street - three hundred (300) feet

Local Street - one hundred fifty (150) feet

815.4 Clear sight triangles shall be provided at all street intersections. Within such triangles no object greater than two and one half (2 1/2) feet in height and no other object that would obscure the vision of the motorist shall be permitted. Such triangles shall be in conformance with Chapter 441, Title 67, Department of Transportation of Pennsylvania.

SECTION 816 CUL-DE-SAC STREETS

816.1 A cul-de-sac street will not be approved when a through street is more advantageous.

816.2 Cul-de-sac streets, permanently designed as such and/or single access streets, shall not exceed 750 feet in length and furnish access to not more than ten (10) dwelling units, subject to all proposed lots being in compliance with the applicable zoning regulations for the minimum front footage for the Zoning District in which the subdivision is located.

816.3 Cul-de-sac streets shall terminate in a circular right-of-way with a minimum diameter of 120 feet and 100 feet diameter to the outer pavement edge or curb line.

816.4 The pave width of a cul-de-sac shall not be less than the minimum cartway width for a local street.

816.5 The entire area within a cul-de-sac shall be paved. No physical obstructions shall be permitted within the cul-de-sac including, but not limited to, islands, vegetative cover, trees, and/or any other types of decorative features.

816.6 No physical obstructions shall be located within six (6) feet of the edge of the cartway within a cul-de-sac, including but not limited to, mailboxes, utility poles, utility transformer boxes and/or similar above grade obstructions.

816.7 Any street which is terminated, with planned future access to an adjoining property or because of authorized stage development, shall be provided with a temporary, all-weather turning circle. The turning circle shall be completely within the boundaries of the subdivision and/or land development, and the use of the turn around shall be guaranteed to the public until such time as the street is extended.

SECTION 817 BRIDGES AND STREAM CROSSINGS

Bridges and other stream crossing structures which are part of the proposed street system shall be designed and constructed in accordance with current PennDOT Standards and Specifications. Evidence of compliance with and approval of the Division of Dams and Encroachments, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, shall be provided by the developer, if applicable.

SECTION 818 DRIVEWAY ENTRANCES

818.1 Adequate provisions to maintain uninterrupted parallel drainage along a public street at the point of driveway entry shall be required. The adequacy of each proposed driveway shall be made based upon the recommendation of the Township Engineer in relationship to existing site conditions.

818.2 Driveway entrances or aprons within the street right-of-way shall be surfaced their full width of entrance.

818.3 Driveway entrances or aprons shall be stabilized and maintained by the property owner in a manner to prevent erosion of driveway material onto any adjoining public right-of-way

818.4 All driveway entrances with access onto a public road shall be required to secure a Highway Occupancy Permit from either Franklin Township, Luzerne County or PennDOT prior to construction and the establishment of the same. A deed restriction requiring the owner or developer of a property as the responsible party to secure the required Highway Occupancy Permit shall be contained in all deeds.

818.5 All driveways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with all applicable provisions within Chapter 441 (Access to and Occupancy of

Highways by Driveways and Local Roads) of Title 67 Transportation