[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of
North Coventry 6-25-2005 by Ord. No. 127.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Planning Commission is hereby created, recreated and/or confirmed.
The Planning Commission shall have not less than three nor more than
nine members as the Board has established or shall, hereafter, change by ordinance
duly adopted by the Board. The present membership of the Planning Commission
being seven members with their present terms of offices being hereby established
and confirmed. If the Board shall determine to reduce the number of members
on the Planning Commission, the reduction shall be authorized by ordinance
and shall be effectuated by allowing the term or terms of the member to expire
and by making no new appointments to fill the vacancy.
All members of the Planning Commission shall serve with compensation.
The member shall be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses.
The Township Engineer and the Township Solicitor shall provide professional
services for the Planning Commission as the Planning Commission shall so determine
unless, by resolution, the Board restricts the parameters of such sources.
The Board shall appoint all members to the Planning Commission with
each member serving a term of four years or until such member's successor
is appointed and qualified. The seven members constituting the Planning Commission
now functioning in the Township shall constitute the Planning Commission pursuant
to this chapter, and nothing herein shall affect the tenure of the present
members.
Where there is a vacancy that has occurred otherwise than by expiration
of a term, the Chairman of the Planning Commission shall promptly notify the
Board of such, and the Board shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term
of the vacated position.
All members of the Planning Commission shall be residents of the Township.
Two members of the Planning Commission may be officers or employees of the
Township.
Any member of the Planning Commission once qualified and appointed may
be removed from office for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office
of for other just cause by a majority vote of the Board taken after the member
has received 15 days' advance notice of the intent to take such a vote.
A hearing shall be held in connection with the vote if the member shall request
it in writing. Any appointment to fill a vacancy created by removal shall
be only for the unexpired term.
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 that govern its procedure
consistent with the ordinances of the Township 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 Township. Interim reports may be made as often as may be necessary or
as requested by the Board.
A.
The Planning Commission shall, at the request of the
Board, have the power and shall be required to:
B.
The Planning Commission at the request of the Board may:
(1)
Make recommendations to the Board concerning the adoption
or amendment of an official map.
(2)
Prepare and present to the Board amendments to its Zoning
Chapter.
(4)
Prepare and present to the Board recommendations as to
amendments to the building code and housing code.
(5)
Prepare and present to the Board an environmental study.
(6)
Submit to the Board a recommended capital improvements
program.
(7)
Promote public interest in, and understanding of, the
Comprehensive Plan and planning.
(8)
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private
agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such
agencies and individuals.
(9)
Hold public meetings and present testimony where necessary
as requested by the Board.
(10)
Require from other departments and agencies of the Township
such available information as it relates to the work of the Planning Commission.
(11)
In the performance of its functions, enter upon any land
to make examinations and surveys with the consent of the owner.
(12)
Prepare and present to the Board a study regarding the
feasibility and practicability of using renewable energy sources in specific
areas within the municipality.
(13)
Review Chapter 370, Zoning, Chapter 320, Subdivision and Land Development, the Official Map, provisions for planned residential development, and such other ordinances and regulations governing the development of land no less frequently than the Planning Commission shall review the Comprehensive Plan.
(14)
Do such other acts or make such studies as may be necessary
to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by the Pennsylvania Municipality
Planning Code or the ordinances of the Township.
The Planning Commission may employ administrative and technical services
to aid in carrying out the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code either as consultants on particular matters or the regular employees
of the Township to aid and assist the Commission.
The Planning Commission may, with the consent of the Board, accept and
utilize funds, personnel or other assistance made available by the county,
particularly with respect to the County Planning Commission and may enter
into agreements or contracts for such work, as approved by the Board with
the county, the commonwealth or federal government or any of their agencies,
or from private sources.
