Present:  Kate Bouman, Larry Harvilchuck, Terry Dugan, Tom Swan, Peg Miller, Sandy Payne, Bud Sodon, Jen Gregory, Brian Gardner

The Silver Lake Township Planning Commission and Ad Hoc Committee held a work session on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at the Silver Lake Township Building.  Mr. Harvilchuck called the work session to order at 7:30 pm.

Mr. Harvilchuck read the minutes from the April 21 meeting and the committee members approved them.

Design Standards and Land Conservation Plan Unit Development were reviewed.  Tables VI and VII were completed.  Setbacks and rights of way were discussed.  Brian Gardner stated that the existing ordinance is a 2 acre minimum with on-lot septic and on-lot water.  This 2 acre lot needs to be 200 feet wide.  Mr. Gardner suggesting that as a lot gets larger it should also get wider.  Individuals with large lots should not be penalized by having larger setback requirements as this could possibly affect their ability to subdivide.  Mr. Gardner suggested a standard/uniform setback for all properties. Work on setback requirements continued on lots with various scenarios.  It was discussed that an ordinance should be set in place stating that any new road to be turned over to the township would have to be done to PennDOT standards.  When obtaining a driveway permit on a state road, there must be certain sight distances.  That is not the case on township roads.  Usually the roadmaster will meet with the landowner and give them some advice on driveway placement. 

Section VII – Commercial and Industrial Development.  Labor and Industry has regulations on development for commercial and industrial properties.  It was suggested that this section be referred back to Table VI or VI (2) because it will depend on weather the commercial/industrial has private or public sewer.  The County’s ordinance has different setback requirements for commercial/industrial properties.  However, the Community Planner has said that a SALDO must have uniform setbacks for all development. This will need to be straightened out.  Mr. Harvilchuck said that Bob Templeton should be asked to come to the next work session and perhaps he can help to answer some of questions relating to the County’s ordinance and setback requirements.