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
  1. Resolution of any apparent zoning conflicts
  2. Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment & Due Dilligence
  3. 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
  1. File PADEP Postcard & PHMC Cultural Resource notice
  2. Surveying (topo/aerial) if not available
  3. Wetlands delineation (if necessary)
  4. Traffic impact study (if necessary)
  5. Groundwater availability study (if necessary)
  6. Sketch subdivision plan/sketch land development plan
Agencies Involved
Landowner | PADEP | PHMC | Army Corps. of Engineers Local Government | PENNdot | Industry

Preliminary Plans (4 months)

Preparation & filing of preliminary land/site development plans
Approval Procedures
  1. PADEP Planning Module/Preliminary Hydro. Study (if needed)
  2. Develop preliminary subdivision plan & land development plan
  3. Storm Water Mgt. Plan for development/subdivision
  4. Erosion & Sediment Control Plan
  5. NPDES permit application for subdivision/land development plan
  6. 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
  1. Municipal Authority Review (water/sewer
  2. County Planning Agency Review
  3. Planning Agency Meeting (host municipality)
  4. 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
  1. Development and submittal of final subdivision/development plan
  2. Municipal Authority Review (water/sewer)
  3. County Planning Agency Review
  4. Planning Agency Meeting (host municipality)
  5. Governing Body Meetings
Agencies Involved
Landowner | Industry | Local municipal authority | County Planning Commission | Local Municipal Planning Commission | Local Municipality Governing Board

Bonding (1 month)

Bonding
Approval Procedures
  1. Secure all outstanding state and federal approvals and permits
  2. 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