§ 395-49. Required studies to be submitted by applicant.

A. 

Traffic impact study.

(1) 

A traffic impact study shall be submitted in the following instances:

(a) 

A residential subdivision or land development of five or more lots and/or dwelling units.

(b) 

A nonresidential land development containing 40,000 square feet or more of gross floor area.

(c) 

Any nonresidential land development within 1/4 mile of an intersection involving an arterial street or two collector streets.

(d) 

Provided, however, that the Borough Council reserves the right to require a traffic study for any subdivision or land development other than a minor residential subdivision, lot annexation, abbreviated residential subdivision, and plan for revision to lot lines when the Borough Council deems such a study necessary to adequately review the impact of the subdivision or land development on existing and proposed streets in accordance with §§ 395-20 and 395-21.

(2) 

The traffic impact study shall be prepared by a qualified professional traffic engineer or traffic planner with verifiable experience in preparing such studies.

(3) 

The study area for the traffic study shall be based on engineering judgment and an understanding of existing traffic conditions at the site and represent the area which is likely to be affected by the development. The study limits shall be initially agreed upon by the applicant, his engineer, and the Borough.

(4) 

The traffic impact study shall contain the following elements:

(a) 

The study area boundary and identification of the roadways included within the study area.

(b) 

A general site description, including:

[1] 

Size, location, existing and proposed land uses and dwelling types, construction staging, and completion date of the proposed development.

[2] 

Existing land uses, approved and recorded subdivision and land developments and subdivisions and land developments proposed but not yet approved and recorded in the study area that are agreed upon by the Borough, applicant, and traffic engineer as having bearing on the development's likely impact shall be described and considered.

[3] 

Within the study area, the applicant must describe existing roadways and intersections (geometries and traffic signal control) as well as improvements contemplated by government agencies or private parties.

(c) 

Analysis of existing conditions, including:

[1] 

Daily and peak-hour traffic volumes. Schematic diagrams depicting daily and peak-hour traffic volumes shall be presented for roadways within the study area. Turning movement and mainline volumes shall be presented for the three peak-hour conditions (a.m., p.m. and site-generated) while only mainline volumes are required to reflect daily traffic volumes. The source and/or method of computation for all traffic volumes shall be included.

[2] 

Volume/capacity analyses at critical points. Utilizing techniques described in the Highway Capacity Manual Transportation Research Board Special Report 209 (1985 or latest edition) or derivative nomographs, an assessment of the relative balance between roadway volumes and capacity are to be described. The analysis shall be performed for existing conditions (roadway geometry and traffic signal control) for the appropriate peak hours.

[3] 

Level of service at critical points. Based on the results obtained in the previous section, levels of service (A through F) shall be computed and presented. Included in this section shall also be a description of typical operating conditions at each level of service.

[4] 

A tabulation of accident locations during the most recent three-year period shall be provided.

(d) 

Analysis of future conditions without the proposed development. The future years for which projections are made will be specified by the Borough and will be dependent on the timing of the proposed development. The following information shall be included:

[1] 

Daily and peak-hour traffic volumes. This section shall clearly indicate the method and assumptions used to forecast future traffic volumes. The schematic diagrams depicting future traffic volumes shall be similar to those described in Subsection A(4)(c)[1] of this section in terms of location and times (daily and peak hours).

[2] 

Volume/capacity analyses at critical locations. The ability of the existing roadway system to accommodate future traffic (without site development) shall be described in this section. If roadway improvements or modifications are committed for implementation, the volume/capacity analysis shall be presented for these conditions.

[3] 

Levels of service at critical points. Based on the results obtained in the previous section, levels of service (A through F) shall be determined.

(e) 

Trip generation. The amount of traffic generated by the site shall be presented in this section for daily and the three peak-hour conditions. The trip-generation rates used in this phase of the analysis shall be justified and documented to the satisfaction of the Borough Council. Trip Generation (fourth or latest edition) published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers shall be used unless the Borough Council approves other studies.

(f) 

Trip distribution. The direction of approach for site-generated traffic shall be presented in this section for the appropriate time periods. As with all technical analysis steps, the basic method and assumptions used in this work shall be clearly stated in order that the Borough can replicate these results.

(g) 

Traffic assignment. This section shall describe the utilization of study area roadways by site-generated traffic. The proposed traffic volumes shall then be combined with anticipated traffic volumes from Subsection A(4)(d) of this section to describe mainline and turning movement volumes for future conditions with the site developed as the applicant proposes.

(h) 

Analysis of future conditions with development. This section shall describe the adequacy of the roadway system to accommodate future traffic with development of the site. Any unique characteristics of the site or within the study area (i.e., weekend tourists and antique sales, or holiday shopping) affecting traffic shall be considered. If staging of the proposed development is anticipated, analysis for each stage of completion shall be made. The following information shall be included:

[1] 

Daily and peak hours, traffic volumes, mainline and turning movement volumes shall be presented for the highway network in the study area as well as driveways and internal circulation roadways for the appropriate time periods.

[2] 

Volume/capacity analysis at critical points. Similar to Subsection A(4)(c)[2] and (d)[2], a volume/capacity analysis shall be performed for the appropriate peak hours for future conditions with the site developed as proposed.

[3] 

Levels of service at critical points. As a result of the volume/capacity analysis, the level of service on the study area roadway system shall be computed and described in this section.

(i) 

Recommended improvements. In the event that the analysis indicates unsatisfactory levels of service (levels of service D, E or F) as described in Highway Capacity Manual, Transportation Research Board Special Report 209 (1985 or latest edition) will occur on study area roadways, a description of proposed improvements to remedy deficiencies shall be included in this section. These proposals would not include committed projects by the Borough and state which were described in Subsection A(4)(b)[3] of this section and reflected in the analysis contained in Subsection A(4)(c) and (d) The following information shall be included:

[1] 

Proposed recommended improvements. This section shall describe the location, nature and extent of proposed improvements to assure sufficient roadway capacity. Accompanying this list of improvements shall be preliminary cost estimates.

[2] 

Volume/capacity analysis at critical points. Another iteration of the volume/capacity analysis shall be described which demonstrates the anticipated results of making these improvements.

[3] 

Levels of service at critical points. As a result of the revised volume/capacity analysis presented in the previous subsection, levels of service for the highway system with improvements shall be presented.

(j) 

Conclusion. The last section of the report shall be a clear, concise description of the study findings. This concluding section shall serve as an executive summary.

B. 

The impact studies listed below shall be submitted to the Borough in the following instances: a residential subdivision or land development of five or more lots and/or dwelling units, and a nonresidential land development containing 40,000 square feet or more of gross floor area; provided, however, that the Borough Council reserves the right to require impact studies for any subdivision or land development other than a minor residential subdivision, lot annexation, abbreviated residential subdivision, and plan for revision to lot lines when the Borough Council deems such a study necessary to adequately review the impact of the subdivision or land development.

(1) 

Utilities impact study. A study shall be prepared by an engineer indicating the impact of the proposed development on the existing sanitary sewer, water, solid waste, and drainage systems serving the Borough. Said impact analysis shall identify the existing capacity of facilities which would serve the development, the prospects of those facilities being able to provide service to it, and any improvements that might be required as a direct result of the proposed development and the improvements the applicant intends to make if capacity does not exist to serve the proposed development. Additionally, the study shall identify the likely ability of sanitary sewer, water, solid waste, and drainage systems to continue to provide efficient and economic service to existing residents and businesses within the Borough considering added service requirements of the proposed development.

(2) 

Recreation impact study. The study shall analyze the demand for recreational facilities which the proposed development will generate and determine whether adequate facilities exist or are planned or proposed. As a minimum, the study shall include the following:

(a) 

A description of the projected age breakdown of the residents of the proposed development.

(b) 

A description of any recreational facilities to be provided by the applicant.

(c) 

A description of existing municipal recreational facilities and the impact of the proposed development on these facilities. Accepted national standards for required recreation shall be used in the analysis.

(d) 

Discussion of potential for any recreational facilities to be provided by the applicant to compensate for any anticipated deficiencies of the Borough's recreational facilities.

(e) 

A description of any contributions the applicant plans to make for Borough recreation to compensate for expected impacts.

(3) 

Fiscal impact analysis. A fiscal impact analysis shall be prepared identifying the likely impact of the development on the Borough and Northern Lehigh Area School District's tax structure and expenditure patterns. Included shall be a determination of the revenues to accrue to the Borough and Northern Lehigh Area School District as a result of proposed development, as well as an identification of the costs associated with delivering services to the proposed development. The fiscal impact analysis shall deal with the impact of the proposed development on the ability of the Borough to deliver fire, police, administrative, public works and utility services to the development and on the Borough's economy. In order to prepare the analysis, the applicant shall utilize a methodology from The New Guide to Fiscal Impact Analysis (Rutgers Center for Urban Policy Research, 1985, as modified from time to time), adapted as appropriate and to the Borough satisfaction. Particular aspects of the Borough's service delivery capability to be analyzed shall include:

(a) 

Public works. This includes potential effects on the maintenance, repair and upkeep of roads, signal systems, sanitary sewer, water and drainage systems, open space and recreation areas or any other applicable function. This study shall address projected cost increases for the above mentioned items in terms of administration, personnel, equipment and materials.

(b) 

Administration. This includes time that would be required by the Borough Council, Borough Secretary, Borough and other staff to process the application and handle the project during construction, as well as long-term administration demands. This should include, but not be limited to, the handling of: plans, contracts, various legal instruments or agreements, permits, special problems, and escrow. Added demands on the code administration staff also shall be projected.

(c) 

Fire and emergency services. The analysis shall incorporate the development's impact on fire company capabilities, including but not limited to, municipal water supply, pumping capacity, specialized equipment and training requirements.

(d) 

Police. The study shall project the overall effects of the proposed development on existing Borough police personnel numbers, equipment, vehicles and working space. The study shall include whatever facilities or assistance the development will provide to handle emergencies, criminal investigation, armed robbery, or other security-related problems.

(4) 

Historic and archaeological resources impact study. All historic and archaeological resources which have been identified and/or inventoried by the Borough, the Northampton County Planning Commission, and/or the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission located within the tract shall be identified and the impact on such resources detailed. The study shall contain as a minimum the following information:

(a) 

Background information.

[1] 

If not otherwise provided by the applicant, a general site description, including topography, watercourses, vegetation, landscaping, existing drives, etc.

[2] 

General description and classification of all historic resources located on the subject tract, on tracts immediately adjacent to the subject tract or road, or within 100 feet of the subject tract or road.

[3] 

Physical description of all historic resources identified in Subsection B(4)(a)[2] above.

[4] 

Statement of the significance of each historic resource, both relative to the Borough and region in general.

[5] 

Sufficient number of black-and-white, eight-inch-by-ten-inch photographs to show every historic resource identified in Subsection B(4)(a)[2], above, in its setting.

[6] 

Narrative description of the historical development of the subject tract or road.

(b) 

Proposed change.

[1] 

General description of project, including time table or phases.

[2] 

Description of impact on each historic resource identified in Subsection B(4)(a)[2], above, with regard to architectural integrity, historic setting, and future use.

[3] 

General description of effect of noise and traffic and any other impacts generated by the proposed change on each historic resource.

(c) 

Mitigation measures.

[1] 

Recommendations for mitigating the project's impact on historic resources, including design alternatives, buffering, landscaping, and any other appropriate measures.

(5) 

Environmental impact study. The study shall include the following impacts:

(a) 

Habitats of Threatened and Endangered Species of Special Concern in Pennsylvania within the tract, as established by the Pennsylvania Biological Survey and/or Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory, shall be identified and the impact on such resources detailed. If such habitats exist on the tract, the measures proposed to protect the habitats shall be indicated;

(b) 

The suitability of the site for the intensity of use proposed by the site's sails, slopes, woodlands, wetlands, floodplains, aquifers, natural resources and other natural features;

(c) 

The impact of the proposed use on the site's soils, slopes, woodlands, wetlands, floodplains, natural resources and natural features, the degree to which these are protected or destroyed, the tolerance of the resources to development and any adverse environmental impacts

(d) 

The impact of the proposal on the preservation of agriculture and other land uses which are essential to public health and welfare; and

(e) 

The information specified in Appendix VI.

(6) 

Hydrogeologic impact study. Such study shall be conducted by a qualified hydrogeologist and consist of the following minimum considerations:

(a) 

A description of the geologic conditions on and around the site. Site geology, including stratigraphy, structure, and soils shall be analyzed. Hydrogeology, including aquifer characteristics, groundwater movement, local water use, aquifer yield, and water quality shall be analyzed. Groundwater impacts, availability of groundwater, well interference, water quality, and yield availability shall be analyzed.

(b) 

Should it be determined that the proposed uses would result in a degradation of groundwater quality, or eliminate the potential groundwater use at nearby properties, the study shall present measures that will be employed to prevent these adverse impacts.