§ 154.129 APPROVAL OF IMPROVEMENTS.
   (A)   Advance notice by developer of construction of improvements.
      (1)   Meetings: prior to construction or installation of improvements in any new phase or any major facet of construction, the developer or his or her representative shall contact the Township Engineer to determine whether a pre-construction meeting is needed. The Township Engineer may require that such meeting be attended by the responsible contractor(s) and responsible representatives of the developer. In addition, meetings may be required with the utility companies as needed.
      (2)   The developer or his or her representative shall provide a minimum of three business days prior notice to the township staff prior to beginning each major facet of construction, in order to allow the scheduling of inspections. See also § 154.163(K)(10), which requires five business days advance notice for street construction.
      (3)   The developer should notify the township in writing when one-third and two-thirds of the total dollar value of the improvements are completed, and a list of those items completed.
      (4)   See § 154.130(A)(1)(b) concerning improvements completed without proper township inspection.
   (B)   Request for release of security. When an improvement has been completed, the party posting the financial security shall notify the township and request in writing to the Board of Supervisors by certified or registered mail release of related financial security. The developer shall send a copy of that letter to the Township Engineer at the same time.
   (C)   Engineer’s report.
      (1)   Within 30 days of a receipt under division (B) above, the Township Engineer shall submit a written report certifying which improvements have been completed in accordance with the approved plan to the Board of Supervisors and mail a copy of such report by certified or registered mail to the developer or his or her representative at his or her last known address.
      (2)   This report shall be based on the inspections made according to the approved inspection schedule included in the improvement agreement and shall recommend approval or rejection of the improvements, either in whole or in part.
      (3)   If the Township Engineer finds any or all of the improvements to be not as required, he or she shall include a statement of the reasons for recommending their rejection in the report.
   (D)   Release of security.
      (1)   After receiving the Township Engineer’s report (but not later than 45 days of the receipt of the request) the township staff shall review the Township Engineer’s report and shall authorize release of an amount as estimated by the Township Engineer fairly representing the value of the improvements completed.
      (2)   Until final release (completion of all improvements), the township may require retention of a maximum of 10% of the cost of each completed improvement.
      (3)   The township shall notify the developer in writing by certified or registered mail of the decision.
   (E)   Completion of unaccepted improvements. The developer shall complete any required improvements that the Board of Supervisors determines are not satisfactory or complete. Upon completion, the applicant may request approval in conformance with the procedures specified in § 508 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, being 53 P.S. § 10508.
   (F)   Final release.
      (1)   When the developer has completed all of the required and necessary improvements, the developer shall request final release in conformance with the procedures specified in this section. See time limitations and procedures in § 510 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, being 53 P.S. §§ 10510.
      (2)   Such final release shall include all monies retained under division (D)(2) above.
   (G)   Appeal. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the developer’s right to contest or question by legal proceedings or otherwise any determination of the Board of Supervisors or the Township Engineer.
   (H)   Certificates of use and occupancy and completion of improvements.
      (1)   A temporary or final certificate of use and occupancy shall not be issued and a structure shall not be occupied unless all principal buildings have access to a clearly permanently passable street with at least a complete paving base course and any required curbing installed.
      (2)   In addition to division (H)(1) above, no final certificate of use and occupancy shall be issued until the structure is completed as approved with service by all required utilities and with all access onto a street completed to required standards, if applicable.
(Ord. 127, passed 3-18-2010)