Subdivision and Land Development Plan Review

All subdivisions and land development proposals are reviewed by the Community Development Department to ensure compliance with the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), Stormwater Management Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance, among others.

After staff review, the Planning Commission reviews subdivision and land development proposals. The Planning Commission is an advisory, five-member board appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Their primary functions are to determine whether subdivision and land development proposals are ready to be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners and to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for potential improvement to proposals.

The Planning Commission typically meets on the third Monday of every month at 7:00pm at the Bethlehem Township Municipal Building.

Please refer to the Township Calendar for more information.

The Board of Commissioners considers the Planning Commission and Township staff recommendations – as well as public comments – when reviewing and making decisions. Ultimately, the Board of Commissioners make the final decision on subdivision and land development proposals. Please refer to the Township Calendar for information on the Board of Commissioners meeting schedule.

Prior to formal subdivision or land development plan submission, review at a pre-application meeting is strongly encouraged. Facilitated by the Community Development Director, these meetings allow applicants to discuss proposals with Township representatives in an informal review.

The Subdivision and Land Development Process

Below is a summary of the subdivision and land development process. Please note – this information is provided for informational purposes only and is not comprehensive process requirements.

1. Applications to the Bethlehem Township Planning Commission shall be made in writing on the Subdivision, Land Development & Zoning Site Plan Application form and shall be in accordance with the SALDO and Zoning Ordinance.
2. For consideration by the Planning Commission a complete application, with all required fees, plans and supplemental materials shall be submitted by 4:00pm on the Monday three weeks prior to the Planning Commission meeting pursuant to Township meeting schedule. In the event the building is closed, the deadline is the previous working day.
3. Submission deadlines are strictly adhered to in order to allow ample time to review the application package. Any application package submitted after a deadline – if deemed complete – will be scheduled to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
4. All SALDO waivers must be made in writing. Waivers will not be entertained by the Board of Commissioners until reviewed by the Planning Commission.
5. An escrow account shall be established for plan review fees. Any funds remaining in this account at the culmination of the project may be refunded.
6. The Township professional staff will report to the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners regarding compliance with the Township's SALDO and Zoning Ordinance.
7. If the plan receives a recommendation, whether for approval or denial, by the Planning Commission, the plan may move on for review by the Board of Commissioners.
8. A subdivision or land development plan is typically approved by resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners. This resolution will contain the conditions that must be satisfied to record the plan, which must be done before construction can begin.
9. Upon satisfaction of any conditions imposed by the Board of Commissioners, the plan may be submitted for recording. All plans presented for recording must:
   • Be signed by the current owner(s) of the property and notarized
   • Have a notary seal or stamp that is legible
   • Have the property address(es) clearly depicted on the plan
     Once the plan is ready for recording, it can take up to a four weeks, depending on availability of signers to fulfill Northampton County plan recording requirements. All fees necessary to record the plan with Northampton County will derive from the developers established escrow account.
10. Any outstanding fees and/or invoices must be paid prior to recording of the final plan.
11. A pre-construction meeting is required prior to earthmoving/site construction. This pre-construction meeting is not held until the final plan has been recorded.
12. A building permit application may be submitted upon recording of the final plan.

Differences between Subdivision Regulations and Zoning

General Process