Land Development Process
Pennsylvania has a longstanding tradition of local control regarding land development, land use, and comprehensive planning.
In order to assist in understanding the players/processes and the time involved in the land development process in Pennsylvania, the FCADC has created (in consultation with Martin and Martin, Inc.) a land development timeline sequencing key milestones in the process. This should be viewed as an estimate only as certain variables may shorten the process.
Site Selection (2 months)
*Prior to final site selection*
Approval Procedures
- Resolution of any apparent zoning conflicts
- Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment & Due Dilligence
- Soil testing (borings, percoloation) if necessary
Agencies Involved
- Landowner
- Zoning Hearing Board
- Local Government
- Industry/Lender
- Contractor
Sketch Plan (2 months)
*Preparation & filing of sketch land/site development plans*
Approval Procedures
- File PADEP Postcard & PHMC Cultural Resource notice
- Surveying (topo/aerial) if not available
- Wetlands delineation (if necessary)
- Traffic impact study (if necessary)
- Groundwater availability study (if necessary)
- Sketch subdivision plan/sketch land development plan
Agencies Involved
- Landowner
- PADEP
- PHMC
- Army Corp. of Engineers
- Local Government
- PENNDOT
- Industry
Preliminary Plans (4 months)
*Preparation & filing of preliminary land/site development plans*
Approval Procedures
- PADEP Planning Module/Preliminary Hydro. Study (if needed)
- Develop preliminary subdivision plan & land development plan
- Storm Water Mgt. Plan for development/subdivision
- Erosion & Sediment Control Plan
- NPDES permit application for subdivision/land development plan
- Submittal of preliminary subdivision/land development plan
Agencies Involved
- Landowner
- Industry
- PADEP
- Local Government
- Local Conservation Dist.
Post Plan Submittal (3 months)
*Preliminary Plan Review Phase*
Approval Procedures
- Municipal Authority Review (water/sewer
- County Planning Agency Review
- Planning Agency Meeting (host municipality)
- Governing Body Meetings
Agencies Involved
- Local Authority
- County Planning Commission
- Local Municipal Planning Commission
- Local Municipality
- Governing Board Meeting
Final Plan (4 months)
*Final Plan Review Phase*
Approval Procedures
- Development and submittal of final subdivision/development plan
- Municipal Authority Review (water/sewer)
- County Planning Agency Review
- Planning Agency Meeting (host municipality)
- Governing Body Meetings
Agencies Involved
- Landowner
- Industry
- Local Municipality Authority
- County Planning Commission
- Local Municipal Planning Commission
- Local Municipality Governing Board
Bonding (1 month)
*Bonding*
Approval Procedures
- Secure all outstanding state and federal approvals and permits
- Provide guarantee for completion of improvement
Agencies Involved
- Landowner
- Industry
- Local Government
Note: Schedule assumes that the Landowner and Industry will be allowed to process subdivision and land development plans simultaneously