WHAT IS A SUBDIVISION?
"Subdivision," the division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate of future , of lease, partition by the court for the distribution to heirs or devises, transfer of ownership or building or lot development: Provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than ten acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
(MPC Section 107)
WHAT IS A LAND DEVELOPMENT?
"Land development," any of the following activities: (1) The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lot, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(i) a group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or tenure; or
(ii) the division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
(2) A subdivision of land.
(3) Development in accordance with section 503.
(1.1) (MPC Section 107)
WHAT IS A PLAT?
"Plat," the map or plan of a subdivision or land development, whether preliminary or final. (MPC Section 107)
WHAT IS A PRELIMINARY PLAN OR PLAT?
"Preliminary Plan" - A tentative plan indicating the proposed layout of a subdivision prepared by the subdivider for submission to the municipality for its consideration.*
WHAT IS A FINAL PLAN OR PLAT?
"Final Plan" - A complete and exact plan of subdivision which is presented to the municipality for approval and which, if approved, will be submitted by the subdivider to the Recorder of Deeds of the County for recording in accordance with the law.*
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MINOR AND MAJOR SUBDIVISION?
"Minor Subdivision" - Any subdivision in a period of two years not involving more than five lots, parcels of land, or other divisions of land provided that the lot or lots abut a street of sufficient width and does not require new streets, the installation of sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water mains, or other public facilities.*
"Major Subdivision" - Any subdivision involving six or more lots, parcels of land, or other divisions of land whether or not it involves new streets, additional utilities, or public improvements.*
*These definitions are different from municipal ordinances and are used for county review only.
APPENDIX C
SAMPLE REVIEW LETTER
July 4, 2001
Smith Township Secretary
P.O. Box 1111
Smithville, PA 16666
Re: Smith Minor Subdivision
Dear Mrs. Secretary:
The Huntingdon County Planning Commission has reviewed the above referenced proposal to subdivide a property containing approximately 50.00 acres into two lots. Lot 1 (the residue) contains 48.00 acres and Lot 2 contains 2.00 acres. The property is located approximately ½ mile off U.S. 22 on Highland Drive.
The staff of the Planning Commission offers the following comments for your consideration. They are based on a "desk-top" review of the proposal, professional planning principles, county and municipal plans and ordinances and applicable state laws. No field-view was made of the site. The comments are not intended to replace your own review or to offer either legal or engineering advice.
1.The proposal is inconsistent with the Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan. The land use proposed by the Plan for this area is Agricultural.
2.There are no physical limitations (steep slopes, soils, wetlands, floodplains) evident at the location of this proposal.
3.The purpose of this subdivision is to separate a two-acre building lot from the larger parcel.
4.The sewage planning module has been completed, showing suitability for on-lot sewage treatment.
5. This site is in Clean and Green and must comply with Act 319 Rules and Regulations. Payment of rollback taxes may be required. Section 137.41(a) of Act 319 requires written notification to the County Chief Assessor thirty (30) days prior to transfer, separation, or split-off of land.
6. There is no apparent road access to the proposed lot. Previous access was cut by the Water Street Bypass, and it is not clear how the parcel will be accessed in the future.
The Huntingdon County Planning Commission wants to remind the municipality that the above comments are offered, in conformance with Section 502 (b) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, and are designed to assist in implementing the comprehensive plan, sewage facilities plan and your municipal subdivision and land development ordinance. Sole authority for approval or disapproval of this project lies with your governing body.
Please contact this office with any questions concerning these comments and provide us with a copy of your approval or disapproval letter.
Sincerely,
Planning Director