Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission met on March 7, 2016, with Chairperson Flo Mallonee presiding alongside commissioners Fred Ford, Dwight Hoffman, Randy Paul, and Chad Lebo. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky and Engineer Steve Roe were also present. The agenda mixed ongoing stormwater applications with early-stage discussions on tiny houses, self-storage, and a new warehouse project in Matamoras.
- Michael Snody's stormwater application recommended for approval (4-0, one abstention): The commission recommended the Board of Supervisors approve Snody's stormwater management application for a house addition, contingent on a Letter of Credit being presented before the Board's March 14 meeting. Chad Lebo abstained.
- DCNR / Ibberson Property stalled: No DCNR representative attended and no stormwater report had been submitted, despite a prior comment letter from the township engineer.
- Tiny house septic requirements explained: Holly Greenly of Light Heigel presented at the commission's request on tiny house sewage systems — composting toilets with holding tanks replace standard septic, and grey water goes to a separate holding tank. All such systems currently require individual DEP approval since no local regulations exist. No action taken.
- Glenn Smithgall exploring self-storage on vacant lot near King's Gym: Smithgall wants to reserve the adjacent lot as septic backup for the gym while also placing self-storage units on it. The commission advised he may need a stormwater plan, a land development plan, or both, and would need to combine the parcels to use the lot for septic backup.
- Flight Source warehouse sketch plan presented: Engineer Bill Burch presented preliminary plans for a new Flight Source warehouse in Matamoras and fielded questions on stormwater, the Highway Occupancy Permit, and site details. No formal action at this stage.
- Kyle Lehman stormwater application deferred to Board (5-0): Lehman needs a stormwater management plan before receiving a building permit for a garage — required for any impervious surface added after August 2, 2012. The commission deferred action to the Board's March 14 meeting and recommended a $75 application fee.
Who was there
Flo Mallonee (Chairperson) · Fred Ford (Commissioner) · Dwight Hoffman (Commissioner) · Randy Paul (Commissioner) · Chad Lebo (Commissioner) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Steve Roe (Engineer)
Meeting business
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Dwight Hoffman motioned and Fred Ford seconded to accept the minutes from January 5, 2016. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Michael Snody submitted a Stormwater Management Application for an addition to his house, reviewed by the Township Engineer. Tony Trost will submit the required Letter of Credit amount to the engineer. Randy Paul motioned and Fred Ford seconded to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors, contingent on a Letter of Credit being presented before the March 14, 2016 Board meeting. Motion carried 4-0 with Chad Lebo abstaining.
No one from DCNR was present. The Township Engineer had submitted a comment letter, but DCNR had not submitted a stormwater report.
NEW BUSINESS
Holly Greenly attended at the Township's request to educate the Planning Commission on tiny houses and their septic requirements. She explained that these homes can be temporary or permanent and use composting toilets with holding tanks instead of standard septic systems, with grey water going to a separate holding tank. Each system currently goes through DEP since no set regulations exist.
Glenn Smithgall inquired about setback requirements for sheds and outbuildings on a vacant lot he owns adjacent to King's Gym. He wants to reserve the lot as backup for the gym's septic system but also would like to place self-storage units on it. Depending on his plans, he may need a stormwater management plan application, a land development plan, or both, and would need to combine the parcels to use the vacant lot as septic backup.
Bill Burch, engineer for Flight Source, presented sketch plans for a new warehouse in Matamoras. He answered Commission questions regarding stormwater, the Highway Occupancy Permit, and other general questions about the parcel and proposed building.
Kyle Lehman needs to submit a Stormwater Management Plan Application to obtain a building permit for a garage, as any impervious surface added after August 2, 2012 requires a stormwater plan regardless of coverage area. Randy Paul motioned and Chad Lebo seconded to defer action on the application to the Board's March 14, 2016 meeting and to recommend a $75.00 fee be submitted with the application. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Fred Ford motioned and Randy Paul seconded to adjourn at 8:37 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
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