CODE CHAPTER 207 – SEPTIC SYSTEMS
(Added 4-29-00)
SECTION I. DEFINITIONS
207–1 Absorption Area
A component of an individual on-lot sewage system where liquid from a septic tank seeps into the soil or sand/soil combination; it consists of an aggregate filled area which contains piping for distribution of liquid into the soil below aggregate (crushed stone).
207-2 Individual On-Lot Sewage System
A system of piping, tanks, or other facilities serving a single lot which system collects, treats, and disposes of domestic sewage into absorption area.
207-3 Person
An individual, association, public or private corporation for profit or not-for-profit, partnership, firm, trust, estate, agency, or other legal entity which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties. The term includes members of an association, partnership, or firm and officers of any agency, Public or Private Corporation for profit or not-for profit.
207-4 Septic Tank
A treatment tank that provides for anaerobic decomposition of sewage to take place prior to discharge to an absorption area.
207-5 – Initial Time Period
The first time period that a person must comply with the provisions of the Septic Systems Code.
SECTION II. RESPONSIBILITIES (Amended 5/20/00)
207-6 Responsibilities of persons who own properties served by on-Lot Sewage Systems.
Each person who owns a property on which a septic tank is located within the Hemlock Farms Community Association (herein called HFCA) shall comply with the following:
- Have septic tank on their property cleaned by a State of PA licensed pumper/hauler every three years or whenever inspection of a septic tank reveals that septic tank is filled with solids or scum in excess of one third (1/3) the liquid depth of the tank, whichever is later.
B. Provide HFCA with a receipt, in a form approved by HFCA, documenting date on which septic tank was cleaned or inspected by a State of PA licensed pumper/hauler, documenting that solids and scum in septic tank has not reached a depth that requires cleaning in accordance with criteria of Section II A. Receipt must be submitted to HFCA within 30 days of cleaning or inspection.
C. Inspection must occur every two years (within 24 months of previous inspection) until septic tank is cleaned. When septic tank is cleaned, a person can wait three years before next inspection in accordance with criteria of Section II A.
SECTION III. NOTICES
207-7 Notice to Comply/Notice of Non-Compliance.
HFCA will give notice by personal service or by United States mail, to the person who owns property on which septic tank is located, directing and requiring that person to clean the septic tank and provide HFCA with a receipt documenting date on which septic tank was cleaned or inspected, in accordance with the management procedure maintained in the HFCA Office and which may change from time to time.
SECTION IV.
207-8 Violations and Penalties
Any person who violates provisions of this regulation shall be subject to a fine of $250.00 (Two hundred and fifty dollars) plus $250.00 (two hundred and fifty dollars) for each month of non-compliance.
SECTION V.
207-9 Effective Date
This regulation shall become effective 01/01/01.
CHAPTER 211 - SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM - (Deleted 12-15-01)
Rationale: Code was in conflict with Chapter 15-12. It is the responsibility of the Township Sewage Enforcement Officer.
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CHAPTER 215 - SIGNS
(Amended 9-17-94, 4-26-97, 12-15-01, 11-22-03)
215-1 Unauthorized Signs Prohibited (3-19-94)
No person or entity is permitted to post signs within Hemlock Farms for any purpose other than those as hereinafter set forth.
215-2 Permitted Signs (Amended 4-26-97)
Permitted Signs will be installed only by the Association.
- Traffic control signs (e.g., stop, keep right, speed limits).
- Traffic safety signs (e.g., slow road work ahead, curve ahead, intersection).
- Directional signs (e.g., directions to permanent non-residential facilities/buildings).
- Symbol signs (e.g., fire truck symbol, library, etc.).
- Overhead banners or announcement signs relating to Association events, and posted by the Association on Association property
- Signs as permitted on Association bulletin boards (see Chapter 45).
- Private Property Signs posted by the Association on Association Property.
215-3 Approval Required for Special Traffic Signs (Amended 12-15-01)
A. General Rule. Special Traffic Signs will be allowed under the following guidelines.
B. The following procedure is to be followed by property owners requesting that a special sign be erected in the road right-of-way adjacent to their property.
1. The property owner shall submit, in writing, to the Public Safety Director, his/her request for a special sign to be erected.
2. The Public Safety Director shall observe and evaluate the situation and make a recommendation to the Community Manager.
3. If the Public Safety Director recommends the placement of the sign and the Community Manager agrees, a work order shall be issued to Public Works for the placement of the sign.
4. Management shall notify the resident of the status of the request.
C. As used in the section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
SPECIAL TRAFFIC SIGN - A sign that reads:
1. Hidden Driveways
2. Slow-Children Playing
3. Deaf Child
215-4 Home Security Signs
A. General Rule. Residential security system signs will be allowed under the following guidelines. The guidelines are intended to provide notice to would-be intruders of a security system on the premises. They may not be commercially-oriented signs.
B. Sign Requirements. The residential security sign must be a professionally constructed sign of permanent materials and shall meet the following criteria:
1. The maximum size of the security sign shall not exceed 17 inches in the largest dimension.
2. The security sign and stake shall not exceed 24 inches above ground when installed.
C. Limitations
1. Only one (1) security sign will be allowed for a front entrance. For visible rear entrances, one (1) sign shall be allowed.
2. The security sign shall be located entirely on the member's property.
215-5 Approval Required for Specialized Private Property Signs (Added 4-26-97)
A. General Rule. Special Private Property Signs will be allowed under the following guidelines. The Private Property Signs are intended to provide notice that an Association Facility ends at the location of the sign.
B. The following procedure is to be followed by property owners requesting that a Special Private Property Sign(s) be erected on an Association Facility adjacent to their property.
1. The property owner shall submit, in writing, to the Public Safety Director, his/her request for a special private property sign(s) to be erected.
2. The Public Safety Director shall observe and evaluate the situation and make a recommendation to the Community Manager.
3. If the Public Safety Director recommends the placement of the sign(s) and the Community Manager agrees, a work order shall be issued to Public Works for the placement of the sign(s).
4. The Community Manager shall notify the resident of the status of the request.
C. As used in the section, the following term shall have the meaning indicated:
SPECIAL PRIVATE PROPERTY SIGN - A sign that reads:
Notice Private Property Begins Here DO NOT ENTER.
D. Limitations
Private Property Signs shall not be allowed adjacent to any roadway.
E. Fee
The fee for a private property sign including placement, shall be based on approximate costs.
215-6 Assessment
The assessment for violation of any part of this Code shall be $25 per occurrence for the first day, plus $10 per day for each additional day that the violation continues.
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CHAPTER 233 – ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY AND TAX SALES
(Amended 10-16-99)
ARTICLE I – Policy (10-16-99)
233-1 Purchase by Association
The overall philosophy and policy of Hemlock Farms community Association (HFCA) is to purchase property if it will help to foster the rural character that is the hallmark of Hemlock Farms, and/or to protect, preserve and enhance its natural environment, and/or if it will serve a long range purpose identified as key to future needs of the community. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is not the philosophy or business of HFCA to be a real estate investor or developer.
ARTICLE II - Reports (7-28-79)(Amended 10-16-99)
233-2 List of Properties to be Reported
As soon as tax and sheriff sale lists are published, the Community Manager shall review the list of properties in Hemlock which are scheduled for sale and send a list of all such properties (indicating those which are delinquent in payment of Hemlock Farms Community Association dues) prior to their sale, to the Finance Committee, the Planning and Land Use Committee, the Public Works Committee, and the Board of Directors.
233-3 Report of Purchase (Amended 10-16-99)
Immediately following each tax and sheriff sale, the Community Manager shall send a report of all properties purchased at the sale (indicating those which had been delinquent in HFCA dues, the amount paid for properties and the amount of delinquent dues compared to the amount of delinquent dues paid as a result of the sale), the purchases thereof and the status of the HFCA's collection process to the Finance Committee and the Board.
233-4 Payment Authorized
Legal counsel is authorized to offer and pay up to one hundred dollars ($100) for each tax sale lot owned by the HFCA to encourage the former owners to issue quitclaim deeds to the HFCA to facilitate HFCA's current action to obtain quiet title.
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CHAPTER 235 - TEMPORARY BUILDINGS (OR STRUCTURES)
Added 8-26-03
235 - Temporary Buildings (or Structures)
A. No tent, shack, or other temporary building shall be erected on any building lot within Hemlock Farms.
B. No basement or garage shall be used at anytime as a residence either temporary or permanent.
C. Enforcement - The assessment for a violation of Chapter 235 Section A shall be $50.00, the assessment for violation of Chapter 235 Section B shall be $250.00.