§ 255-167. Application zoning permit, conditional use, or variance.

   A.   Zoning permits .

      (1)   In the Floodplain Conservation District, a zoning permit shall be required for any new or change of land use , including but not limited to construction or alteration of buildings and structures for which a building  permit is required, subdivision and land development , streets and other paving, utilities, mining, dredging, filling, grading, excavating or drilling operations, and the storage of materials and equipment.

      (2)   A zoning permit may be issued in the form of a building  permit , use and occupancy permit , zoning certification, or other final approval as determined by the Zoning Officer.

   B.   Application for a zoning permit :

      (1)   Application for a zoning permit shall be filed with the Zoning Officer, who shall make an initial determination with respect to the application and whether a variance or conditional use approval is required. If a variance or conditional use approval is required, then the Zoning Officer will provide the applicant with a determination of the zoning relief required and advise the applicant of the following requirements:

         (a)   An application for a variance shall be forwarded to the Zoning Hearing Board, along with required studies or information and the findings of the Zoning Officer.

         (b)   An application for a conditional use approval shall be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners, along with required studies or information and the findings of the Zoning Officer.

      (2)   The Township Zoning Officer and Building Code Official shall review applications and may consult with the Township Engineer to determine if all other necessary governmental permits such as those required by state and federal laws have been obtained.

   C.   Content of application for a zoning permit .

      (1)   Applications shall include five copies of all required information plus any other pertinent information as may be required by the Zoning Officer.

      (2)   Applications shall be made on forms supplied by the Township and shall contain the following:

         (a)   Name and address of applicant.

          (b)   Name and address of owner of land on which proposed construction is to occur.

         (c)   Name and address of contractor.

         (d)   Site location including address.

         (e)   Listing of other permits or relief required.

         (f)   Brief description of proposed work and estimated cost, including a breakout of flood -related cost and the market value of the building before flood damage occurred as applicable.

      (3)   If any proposed construction or development is located entirely or partially within the Floodplain Conservation District, applicants shall provide all the necessary information in sufficient detail and clarity to enable the Zoning Officer to determine that:

         (a)   The proposed use is consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and conform with the requirements of this and all other applicable laws and regulations.

         (b)   Utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.

         (c)   Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards.

         (d)   Structures will be anchored to prevent floatation, collapse, or lateral movement.

         (e)   Building materials are flood -resistant.

         (f)   Appropriate practices to minimize flood damage have been used.

         (g)   Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment, and other service facilities have been designed and/or located to prevent water entry or accumulation.

      (4)   Applications shall include a plan of the entire site, clearly and legibly drawn at a scale of one inch being equal to 50 feet or less, showing the following:

         (a)   North arrow, scale, and date.

         (b)   Topographic contour lines based upon the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988, showing existing and proposed contours at intervals of one foot.

         (c)   For all watercourses , the centerline and bottom of stream and top of bank elevations.

         (d)   The location the finish floor elevation of all existing and proposed buildings , structures , and other improvements , including the location of any existing or proposed subdivision and development , and including all property and lot lines including dimensions, and the size and the site expressed in acres or square feet.

         (e)   The location and elevation of all existing streets , drives, and other access ways, and the location of all existing streets , drives, other access ways, and parking areas, with information concerning widths, pavement types and construction , and elevations.

         (f)   The location and elevation of any existing bodies of water or watercourses , buildings , structures and other public or private facilities, including railroad tracks and facilities, and any other natural and man-made features affecting, or affected by, the proposed activity or development .

         (g)   The location and elevation of the Floodplain Conservation District boundaries, information and spot elevations concerning the base flood elevation , and information concerning the flow of water including direction and velocities.

         (h)   The location and elevation of all proposed buildings , structures , utilities, and any other improvements .

         (i)   Any other information which the Township considers necessary for adequate review of the application, including but not limited to site cross sections.

      (5)   Applications shall include plans of all proposed buildings , structures and other improvements , drawn at a scale of one inch being equal to 50 feet or less showing the following:

         (a)   The proposed lowest floor elevation of any proposed building based upon North American Vertical Datum of 1988.

         (b)   The elevation of the base flood .

         (c)   Supplemental information as may be necessary under the Uniform Construction Code .

         (d)   Sufficiently detailed architectural or engineering drawings, including floor plans, sections, and exterior building elevations, as appropriate.

         (e)   For any proposed building , the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement ) and, as required, the elevation of any other floor.

         (f)   Complete information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces, and other factors associated with the base flood elevation .

         (g)   Detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures.

         (h)   Cross section drawings for all proposed streets , drives, other access ways, and parking areas, showing all rights-of-way and pavement widths.

         (i)   Profile drawings for all proposed streets , drives, and vehicular access ways including existing and proposed grades.

         (j)   Plans and profiles of all proposed sanitary and storm sewer systems, water supply systems, and any other utilities and facilities.

      (6)   Applications shall include the following additional data and documentation:

         (a)   When required by the Zoning Officer, information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with a base flood elevation ; and detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures and corresponding elevations.

         (b)   Documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer to show that the cumulative effect of any proposed development when combined with all other existing and anticipated development , will not increase the base flood elevation .

         (c)   Documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, which states that the proposed construction or development has been adequately designed to withstand the pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces associated with the base flood elevation . Such statement shall include a description of the type and extent of flood proofing measures which have been incorporated into the design of the structure and/or the development .

   `      (d)   Detailed information needed to determine compliance with safeguards with respect to development which may endanger human life, including:

            (i)   The amount, location and purpose of any dangerous materials or substances which are intended to be used, produced, stored or otherwise maintained on site.

            (ii)   A description of the safeguards incorporated into the design of the proposed structure to prevent leaks or spills of the dangerous materials or substances during a base flood .

            (iii)   A statement, certified by a registered professional engineer, which contains a complete and accurate description of the nature and extent of pollution that might possibly occur from the development during the course of a base flood elevation , including a statement concerning the effects such pollution may have on human life.

            (iv)   A statement certified by a registered professional engineer, which contains a complete and accurate description of the effects the proposed development will have on base flood elevation elevations and flows.

            (v)   A statement, certified by a registered professional engineer, which contains a complete and accurate description of the kinds and amounts of any loose buoyant materials or debris that may possibly exist or be located on the site below the base flood elevation and the effects such materials and debris may have on base flood elevation elevations and flows.

            (vi)   Where any excavation or grading is proposed, a plan to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control.

            (vii)   An evacuation plan which fully explains the manner in which the site will be safely evacuated before or during the course of a base flood .

         (e)   The appropriate component of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s “Planning Module for Land Development.”

         (f)   Where any excavation or grading is proposed, a plan meeting the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control.

      (7)   Applications shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee, payable to the Township.

   D.   Conditional Use and Variances. In addition to the information required for a zoning permit application, an application for conditional use approval or a variance shall be accompanied by the following:

      (1)   Detailed engineering studies indicating the effects on drainage and streams on all affected or adjacent properties as well as the subject property.

      (2)   An application for amending the boundaries of the Floodplain Conservation District if the boundaries will be affected by the proposed conditional use or variance.

      (3)   A FEMA Elevation Certificate with a determination of elevations of the existing grade, proposed finished grade, base flood elevation and lowest floor (including basement ) certified by a registered professional engineer.