[HISTORY: Art. I adopted by the Borough Council (now Municipal Council) of the Borough of Monroeville (now Municipality of Monroeville) as indicated in article history. Subsequent articles adopted by the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Monroeville as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 2-14-1956 by Ord. No. 83; amended in its entirety 7-8-1997 by Ord. No. 2042]
The Department of Municipal Planning is hereby created for the Municipality of Monroeville, effective February 14, 1957.
[Adopted 8-10-1976 by Ord. No. 1037]
It is the intent, purpose and scope of this article to conform the functions of the Monroeville Planning Commission to the mandates of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of Assembly of July 31, 1968, as amended,[1] hereinafter referred to as the "code"; to protect and promote safety, health and morals; to accomplish coordinated development; to provide for the general welfare by guiding and protecting amenity, convenience, future governmental, economic, practical, social and cultural facilities, development and growth; to guide uses of land and structures and types and locations of streets, public grounds and other facilities; and to minimize problems as may presently exist or which may be foreseen. It is the further intent of this article that any recommendation made by the Planning Commission to the Municipal Council shall be advisory only.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
The definitions in Article I, Section 107, of the code[1] shall govern this article. A copy is attached hereto, made a part hereof and marked Exhibit A.[2]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10107.
[2]
Editor's Note: Exhibit A is on file in the Municipal offices.
The Planning Commission created by Article I of this chapter shall continue in existence by virtue of this article and shall exercise all the powers and duties and be subject to all the limitations conferred by the code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
The Planning Commission shall continue to have members, all residents of the Municipality of Monroeville. The members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses. Elected or appointed officers or employees of the Municipality may not serve on the Planning Commission and at the same time receive compensation for the Municipal office held by them. The number of Planning Commission members and the appointment of members shall be in accordance with the Home Rule Charter of Monroeville and the Municipalities Planning Code,[1] as amended.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
Any members of the Planning Commission once qualified and appointed may be removed from office in accordance with provisions of the Monroeville Home Rule Charter.
The Planning Commission shall elect its own Chairman and Vice Chairman and create and fill such other offices as it may determine. Officers shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves. The Planning Commission may make and alter bylaws and rules and regulations to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances of the Municipality and the laws of the commonwealth. The Planning Commission shall keep a full record of its business and shall annually make a written report by March 1 of each year of its activities to the Council.
A. 
The Monroeville Planning Commission shall have only those powers and duties as may specifically be referred to it by a majority vote of the Municipal Council. All matters concerning planning, zoning or development on which the Municipal Council has the right to vote shall first be processed administratively by the Department of Community Development, with respect to the application process, advertising for public hearing before the Municipal Council where required by law and review of any applications and submissions therewith. All such matters may first be reviewed by the Municipal Council at an executive session or at a meeting of a Planning Committee composed of members of the Municipal Council. A majority of the Municipal Council may refer any given matter relative to planning, zoning or development to the Planning Commission for a review and recommendation relative to an entire application and/or plan. Any such referral to the Planning Commission may state a time when Planning Commission input is due to the Municipal Council. The Planning Commission's review and recommendation shall be limited to the specific referral or request from the Municipal Council and shall be advisory only. Whether or not the Planning Commission reviews any given matter referred to it by the Municipal Council or such review or recommendation is not submitted to the Municipal Council within the time requested, the Council may act upon the application or plan before it for consideration.
B. 
The Planning Commission shall have no power independent from those matters which may be referred to it by the Municipal Council, and the Council may withdraw from the Planning Commission any matters which had been referred to it.
C. 
The matters which the Municipal Council may refer to the Planning Commission shall be limited to the following:
(1) 
Prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the Municipality as set forth in the code[1] and present it for the consideration of the Council.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
(2) 
Maintain and keep on file records of its actions, which shall be in the possession of the Council.
(3) 
Prepare and present for the consideration of the Council and, after adoption, maintain for the Council an Official Map and make such recommendations to the Council on proposed changes in such map as set forth in the code.
(4) 
Make recommendations to the Council on proposed amendments to Chapter 359, Zoning, of the Code of the Municipality of Monroeville as set forth in the code.
(5) 
Prepare and recommend subdivision and land development regulations as set forth in the code.
(6) 
Prepare planned residential development regulations as set forth in the code.
(7) 
Make recommendations to the Council on proposed amendments to the Building Code.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 162, Building Construction; and Ch. 176, Construction Codes, Uniform.
(8) 
Prepare and present to the Council a Housing Code and make recommendations on proposed amendments thereto.
(9) 
Submit to the Council a recommended capital improvement program.
(10) 
Promote a public interest in and understanding of the Comprehensive Plan and planning.
(11) 
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies.
(12) 
Hold public hearing and meetings.
(13) 
Require from other departments and agencies of the Municipality such available information as relates to the work of the Planning Commission.
(14) 
In the performance of its functions, enter upon any lands to make examination and surveys, either after permission has been obtained from the owner or after public notices.
(15) 
Do such other act or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by the code.
(16) 
Seek the approval of the Municipal Engineer before doing any act or making any recommendations involving engineering considerations, the same with respect to:
(a) 
The planning expert.
(b) 
The Fire Official.
(c) 
The Municipal Solicitor.
The Municipal Engineer shall serve the Planning Commission as engineering advisor. The Planning Commission shall work in conjunction with the Municipal Planning Director and Planning Department in exercising its powers and accomplishing its duties. The Planning Director and Planning Department shall administer all regulations prepared by the Planning Commission after the same are approved by the Municipal Council.
The Municipal Council may employ administrative and technical services to aid in carrying out the provisions of the code,[1] either as consultants on particular matters or as regular employees of the Municipality. The Municipal Council may enter into agreements or contracts for planning services with any county or regional planning agency. The Planning Commission may, with the consent of the Council, accept and utilize any funds, personnel or other assistance made available by the county, the commonwealth or the federal government or any of their agencies or from private sources. The Council may enter into agreements or contracts regarding the acceptance or utilization of the funds or assistance in accordance with the governmental procedures of the Municipality.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.