7:30 p.m., Wednesday,
October 15, 2008
Members Present: Breiseth, Vice Chair; Johnson, Miller, McNemar, Costello.
Members Absent: Summers, Rafferty.
1. Call to
Order: The regular meeting of the
Planning Commission was called to order by Breiseth at 7:30 p.m., at
the
2. Draft Ordinances:
a) Keeping of Animals
– Breiseth reported that comments received regarding the draft ordinance
include clarification of the definition of and the acreage designation for a
private kennel particularly in light of accommodating interest in temporarily fostering
rescue dogs. Additionally, revisions
include a section governing animals on properties less than one-half (1/2) acre
and an appropriate reference to governing provisions of homeowner association
declaration of covenants. Discussion ensued regarding permitting requirements
for private kennels and the standards for commercial kennels as outlined in the
revisions to the
The Secretary reported that zoning ordinances and subdivision and land development ordinances must be submitted to the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) for recommendations thirty (30) days prior to required legal advertising. The purpose for CCPC review is in part to assure that the draft ordinances do not conflict with what may be under consideration on the County-level as well as surrounding municipalities. For this reason, the draft ordinances must be sent to the CCPC as soon as possible for review in order to adopt during the November 24th Board meeting.
Motion: Breiseth moved that the draft ordinances for Keeping of Animals and for Signs be submitted concurrently to the Chester County Planning Commission and the Township Board of Supervisors for submission to the Township Solicitor; seconded by Miller, motion carried.
b)
3. Other Business and
Announcements:
a) BOCA/Township Ordinance Update – Costello reported that he met with the Building Inspector. The sequence of Code adherence requires clarification. The Township Code is in part more stringent in some areas and the Inspector enforces those provisions. However, Chapter 53 cites the BOCA National Building Code/1990, Eleventh Edition, which is not current state code. McNemar noted that it appears the Township should contact Keystone Municipal Services for an accurate assessment of which provisions in the Township Code are superseded by state code. The Planning Commission agreed that stringent provisions within the Township Code provide to some degree above average construction standards. McNemar agreed to contact Keystone to review BOCA and the provisions of Chapter 53.
b) Estimate of Fees and Escrow Determination Forms – McNemar reported on the review process intended to aid subdivision applicants in evaluating and containing engineering review costs. The forms distributed to the Planning Commission (PC) included Plan Application as well as Building Permit Application Determination Forms. By completing the forms, applicants will gain an understanding of the agencies involved in the review process and the required fees. McNemar explained that for small projects the Township Engineer would review the plan at a Planning Commission meeting or meet privately with the applicant along with a member of the PC before a more informative plan is submitted. However, McNemar noted that she should not represent the PC during a private meeting as she is currently serving as a Supervisor. Applicant will submit the $225.00 Application Fee as well as a $150.00 Engineer Application Review Fee. An escrow determination will be made during the review meeting and the Applicant can decide whether or not to proceed. The Planning Commission agreed that there is benefit to having the Township Engineer in attendance when plans are reviewed. McNemar noted that the Secretary conducts bi-weekly staff meetings during which the progress of applications is tracked by the Building Inspector, and the Treasurer reports the status of the escrow accounts. Breiseth noted that the forms reference a fee in lieu of as a set amount. PC members recalled the fee amount determined as a percentage based on a formula. Secretary will research Township files for a resolution or motion regarding the fee in lieu of.
c)
4. Minutes of September 17, 2008:
Motion: Johnson moved to approve the Minutes of September 17, 2008 as corrected; Miller seconded; motion carried.
Adjournment: Breiseth moved to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.; Miller seconded. The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting is Wednesday, November 19, 2008.
___________________________ __________________________________________
Susan Simone, Secretary Suzanne Breiseth, Vice Chair, Planning Commission