Springsbury board approves SD2022-0001 subdivision with waivers and deed restriction

The Springsbury Township Board approved preliminary/optional plan SD2022-0001 on motion after discussion of multiple waivers and conditions tied to driveway access and PennDOT permitting.

The plan covers a roughly 12-acre parcel at 3534 Rock Valley Road and proposes one new 1.1-acre building lot (Lot 3) to be served by public sewer and a private well. Staff and the applicant requested seven waivers and several referrals/deferrals for items such as curb, gutter, sidewalks and streetlights; those items will be constructed if and when the township installs an improvement and after notice.

Discussion centered on driveway access from Truck/ Rock Valley Road, a township ordinance adopted about 2010 that discourages new driveways on collector roads, and PennDOT guidance (publication 441) that can allow a second driveway when frontage exceeds 600 feet. The applicant’s frontage was described in the meeting near—but under—600 feet; applicant Jason Shields and consultant Joe Birgit argued that PennDOT typically allows two driveways near the 600-foot threshold and that sight-distance and safety standards were met. Township staff and several supervisors emphasized cumulative traffic and safety concerns and the risk that future resubdivision could increase driveways.

To resolve the issue, the board approved the plan while changing “deferral” language to “waiver” regarding the highway-occupancy permit and making approval conditional on placement of a deed restriction/easement permanently restricting additional subdivision and access. The board also required a plan note that no further driveways will be permitted on either lot. Solicitor and staff language edits were requested before recording.

The motion listing the specific code sections and waivers was made by Speaker 13 and carried on voice vote with at least one recorded dissent (Speaker 10). The board asked staff and the solicitor to ensure the plan language and deed restriction/easement are prepared to effect the access limitation prior to recording.