Hanover Township proposes subdivision
Hanover Township supervisors proposed a new subdivision ordinance during Tuesday’s meeting.
The new ordinance would replace a previous version ratified in 1991. It contains changes to the approval process for minor subdivisions and land developments, new rules for private streets and regulations for fire protection. The full document is available at the Hanover Township municipal building, and a public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 before the township meeting.
The new rules would streamline the process for minor subdivision and land development approval, making it a one-step process. Currently, approval for subdivision and land development requires a pre-approval process. Minor subdivisions are defined as having three or fewer one-family homes on a given plot of land. All homes have to be along an approved township road.
Minor land developments are those disturbing less than one acre.
The ordinance also restricts the expansion of existing private streets and limits the number of homes allowed on those roads to three. It sets a minimum width of 50 feet and absolves township responsibility for maintenance and the posting of signs.
Major land developments would require fire protection measures under the new ordinance, including hydrants and sprinkler systems.
Fire hydrants would be mandated within 500 feet of buildings, and all access roads would have to be able to handle fire trucks.