Lafayette One Development Plan Specifications
Executive Summary
The Lafayette One Plan document outlines the regulatory and technical specifications for a proposed residential development. Key takeaways include full compliance with municipal parking requirements (two off-street spaces per dwelling) and a location within a "Zone X" minimal flood hazard area. The project is currently in the Sketch Plan review phase, meaning it is not yet authorized for construction and remains subject to final utility design approvals and the acquisition of an NPDES permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Strict adherence to sight distance visibility at intersections and federal traffic control standards is required to ensure public safety.
Site Development and Infrastructure Requirements
The plan establishes specific mandates for parking, access, and traffic safety to ensure the development integrates safely with the existing municipal infrastructure.
Parking and Access
- Parking Capacity: The development requires a minimum of two off-street parking spaces per dwelling. The current proposal provides exactly two spaces per dwelling, achieving full compliance with Section 603.B-1.1.A.
- Driveway Specifications: For single-family detached dwellings, driveways must exit onto interior access streets. Any deviation from this requires specific approval from the Municipal Engineer and the Local Planning Commission. Access to municipal roadways must be authorized by the jurisdiction in accordance with local ordinances.
- Traffic Standards: All traffic signs and striping must comply with the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways" as published by the Federal Highway Administration.
Visibility and Sight Distances
To maintain safety at intersections and driveway points, the plan imposes strict height and placement restrictions:
- Height Restrictions: No objects or vegetation may be placed or grown in a manner that obscures vision above 2.5 feet, measured from the centerline grades of intersecting streets.
- Clear Sight Triangles: Specific visibility requirements apply to the areas bounded by the centerlines of intersecting public streets and private drives, with dimensions ranging from 75 feet to 150 feet depending on the intersection type.
Environmental and Land-Use Regulations
The development must adhere to rigorous environmental standards, particularly regarding stormwater management and flood risk.
Flood Hazard and Environmental Permitting
- Flood Zone Status: Based on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map No. 42017C0431F (dated March 21, 2017), the property is located in Zone X, categorized as an area of minimal flood hazard.
- NPDES Permit: A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required for this project from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
- Stormwater Management: The construction of patios, decks, or other structures is prohibited if they block the flow of stormwater from the site or interfere with any drainage swale.
Landscaping and Yard Projections
- Landscape Professionalism: All areas of the site not used for buildings, structures, or paving must be planted with all-season ground cover. This must be executed according to an overall plan prepared by a Registered Landscape Architect.
- Projections and Accessory Buildings:
- Standard recreational structures (jungle gyms, sandboxes) and clothes-drying apparatus are permitted in required yards if they meet minimum setback requirements.
- Septic systems or sandmounds must be installed at least 10 feet from property lines or easements to avoid blocking drainage.
- Accessory buildings are prohibited in the minimum front yard setback. For lots larger than 10,000 square feet, accessory buildings (excluding garages) must be at least 12 feet from side or rear property lines.
Technical Specifications and Project Status
The document serves as a preliminary guide and details the current progress of the project’s administrative and design phases.
Dimensional Standards
Building setbacks illustrated on the site plan drawings are measured from the outside surface of building walls. Unless specifically noted, these dimensions do not account for roof overhangs, signage, or ornamental extensions.
Current Project Status
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Plan Phase | Sketch Plan Review Purposes Only |
| Construction Authorization | Not authorized for construction; subject to change |
| Utility Design | Final on-site design not completed; subject to utility authority review |
| Permitting | NPDES permit required; municipal driveway authorization required |
Note: This plan is intended for preliminary review and will require the preparation of a complete land development plan and further permitting before any construction activities can commence.