PROPOSED

ORDINANCE SUMMARY

Township of Otto, McKean County, Pennsylvania

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of Otto Township intends to adopt an ordinance at a public meeting, at which time all interested persons may be heard.

The proposed ordinance, titled “Otto Township Driveway and Ditch Ordinance,” establishes requirements for the installation, alteration, and maintenance of driveways and drainage facilities connecting to Township roads.

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS

Permit

Requirement:

Requires any property owner or contractor to obtain a Township permit prior to constructing, altering, or modifying any driveway or enclosing any roadside ditch. Separate permits are required for each driveway.

Application and Review:

Requires submission of an application, fee, and a plan or sketch showing driveway dimensions, materials, drainage features, and culvert details. The Township reviews applications to ensure protection of public roads, proper storm water management, and compliance with Township and PennDOT standards.

Construction Standards and Safety Requirements:

Establishes standards governing driveway construction and roadway openings, including limits on excavation, restoration requirements, utility coordination, traffic control measures, and compliance with PennDOT regulations where applicable.

Costs and

Responsibility:

Provides that the property owner is responsible for all costs associated with driveway construction, road openings, restoration, inspection, and any damage to Township roads or drainage systems.

Drainage and Culvert Requirements:

Requires installation of appropriate drainage facilities, including culvert pipes or swales, and establishes standards for ditch enclosures, pipe materials, placement, and associated drainage structures. Property owners are responsible for ongoing maintenance and repair of drainage facilities.

Inspection and

Enforcement:

Authorizes Township inspection of work during and after construction, including reinspection within a specified period, and requires correction of defective or unsafe conditions. If the owner fails to comply, the Township may perform the work and recover costs.

Indemnification and Insurance:

Requires permit holders to indemnify the Township from liability and, when required, provide proof of insurance for construction activities.

Penalties:

Establishes civil enforcement procedures and provides for fines of up to $1,000 per violation, plus court costs and attorney’s fees.

Repealer and

Severability:

Repeals inconsistent ordinances and includes a severability clause ensuring that the remainder of the ordinance remains in effect if any provision is deemed invalid.

AVAILABILITY OF FULL TEXT

The full text of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at the Township municipal building during regular business hours and may be furnished to any interested person upon request.