(A) Utilities. All electric power service lines (as opposed to distribution lines) and all telephone, cable television (where available) and natural gas service lines within a new subdivision or land development shall be placed underground.
(B) Easements. Easements shall be provided as follows.
(1) Generally. Stormwater drainage, sanitary sewage, central water, emergency access and other types of easements shall be provided as determined to be needed by the township and as indicated on the plans.
(2) Locations. All lots shall include a stormwater drainage and utility easement around the perimeter of each lot, including adjacent to the street right-of-way. However, such easements shall not be required where buildings are to be attached at a lot line.
(3) Width. The standard minimum width of a stormwater drainage or underground utility easement shall be 15 feet, which may be reduced to ten feet for each lot if a ten-foot minimum easement exists on the abutting side of the abutting lot.
(5) Additional width of easements. Additional width of easements shall be provided if required by the utility provider or the Board of Supervisors, based upon advice of the Township Engineer. The easement widths along side lot lines may be reduced if the zoning ordinance allows a principal building setback that is more narrow than the width of the easement that would otherwise be required.
(6) Separation. Minimum separation distances between utility lines shall be as required by the applicable utility or as deemed necessary by the Township Engineer.
(7) Utilities. If any activity is proposed within the right-of-way of an underground pipeline or utility, the applicant shall provide written evidence from the operator of such pipeline or utility that such activity is acceptable under their safety standards and the terms of that right-of-way.
(8) Maintenance and obstructions. The owner of the lot shall maintain an easement in such a condition that does not inhibit its intended purpose(s). Fill or structures shall not be placed in an easement in a way that inhibits its intended purpose(s). Specifically, structures or grading that could alter or obstruct stormwater flows in violation of the approved final plan shall be prohibited within stormwater easements.
(9) Township entry. The township at its option shall have the right to enter a stormwater easement or any municipal easement to maintain it or improve it for its intended purpose(s), although the township does not accept the responsibility to complete such work.
(10) Note. The following note or a township-approved equivalent may be required to be placed on the record plan, unless another method of maintenance is specifically approved by the township. The property owner shall have the responsibility for the perpetual maintenance of the permanent stormwater management facilities. No changes shall be made to the stormwater management facilities or finish grading without prior written approval from the township. A blanket easement is hereby granted giving the township the right, but not the obligation, to enter the property to perform any required maintenance which has not been properly performed in a timely manner. The property owner shall be responsible for the cost of any maintenance which is performed by the township. The township shall lien the property for said costs until the township has been reimbursed in full.
(Ord. 127, passed 3-18-2010)