TYPES OF ORDINANCES

General Regulations

            The introduction page to this section lists most of Millcreek’s ordinances establishing laws and regulations.  Most of these can be found in the Prior Years summary sections, which include links that will let you read the actual ordinance.

Rezoning Ordinances

            Millcreek’s Zoning Map establishes land use classifications for all properties in the Township.  While the Board of Supervisors has authority to rezone or reclassify uses authorized on properties, the Board rarely does this on its own motion.  Property owners may petition the Board, asking that the use classification of the owner’s property be revised.  If the Supervisors approve a rezoning, an ordinance is then adopted to formally change the use classification.

Traffic Regulations

            Regulations establishing stop intersections, speed limits, parking and vehicle size limitations on Township streets are effected by adoption of an ordinance.  The Prior Years summaries include detail as to streets and areas involved in these regulations since 1999.

Land Use and Development

            Ordinances are enacted to establish laws and regulations governing different aspects of using and developing land.  These ordinances usually must first be considered by the Planning Commission before the Board of Supervisors takes action.  See the Land Use & Development section for details.

Sewer Regulations

            Millcreek Township operates and manages the sanitary sewer system.  Regulations governing the sewer system are found in three ordinances - the Sewer Use Ordinance, the Sewer Rental Ordinance and the Industrial Wastes Ordinance (which sets regulations for heavier types of wastes).  See the Sewer Regulations section for more detail.

Street Vacation Ordinances

            Until the late 1960's, municipalities could not require that developers build streets or provide financial security to ensure their construction prior to a plan’s being recorded.  In many cases, developers did not build streets proposed on an approved plan.  In Pennsylvania, any public street is to be constructed and accepted by the municipality within 21 years.  Occasionally, owners of land abutting a street that appears on a plan but was never constructed petition the Township to vacate that right of way as a public street.  If approved, the approval is confirmed by an ordinance, a copy of which is recorded to comply with requirements of State law.

Debt Ordinances

            Under Pennsylvania law, Millcreek must follow defined procedures, including enactment of an ordinance, before it incurs “non-electoral” debt in an amount exceeding $100,000.  Debt is incurred if the Township borrows funds under a note or by issuing bonds for its own project. Debt is also incurred when the Township guarantees payment by the Water Authority or Sewer Authority of Authority-issued bonds or notes to fund their projects.