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Township of Washington, PA
Berks County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (3) Index
The Washington Township Planning Commission shall consist of seven members. Except for elected or appointed officers or employees of the municipality, members of the Commission may receive compensation in an amount fixed by the governing body. Compensation shall not exceed the rate of compensation authorized to be paid to members of the governing body. Without exception, members of the Planning Commission may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses. However, elected or appointed officers or employees of Washington Township shall not, by reason of membership of the Commission, forfeit the right to exercise the powers, perform the duties or receive the compensations of the municipal offices held by them during such membership.
A. 
All members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Board.
B. 
The term of each of the members of the Commission shall be for four years or until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. No more than two members shall be reappointed or replaced during any calendar year, except in the case of death or resignation.
C. 
The Chairman of the Planning Commission shall promptly notify the Board about any vacancy in the Commission, and such vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term. If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term according to the terms of this article.
D. 
Should the Board decide to increase the number of members of the Planning Commission, the additional members shall be appointed as provided in this article. If the Board decides to reduce the number of members on any existing Planning Commission, such reduction shall be effectuated by allowing the terms to expire and by making no new appointments to fill the vacancy. Any reduction or increase shall be by ordinance. The Planning Commission shall have not less than three nor more than nine members.
All members of the Planning Commission shall be residents of the Township. At least five of the members of the Commission shall be citizen members, who shall not be officers or employees of the Township.
Any member of a Planning Commission once qualified and appointed may be removed from office for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office or 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.
A. 
The Planning Commission shall, at the request of the Board, have the power to:
(1) 
Prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the Township and present it for the consideration of the Board.
(2) 
Maintain and keep on file records of its action. All records and files of the Planning Commission shall be in the possession of the Board.
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 a zoning ordinance[1] and make recommendations to the Board on proposed amendments to it as set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.[2]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 131, Zoning.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
(3) 
Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and land development and planned residential development regulations, as set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
(4) 
Prepare and present to the Board a building code and a housing code and make recommendations concerning proposed amendments thereto.[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 45, Construction Codes, Uniform.
(5) 
Do such other acts or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.[5]
[5]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
(6) 
Prepare and present to the Board an environmental study.
(7) 
Submit to the Board a recommended capital improvements program.
(8) 
Prepare and present to the Board a water survey, which shall be consistent with the state water plan and any applicable water resources plan adopted by a river basin commission. The water survey shall be conducted in consultation with any public water supplier in the area to be surveyed.
(9) 
Promote public interest in and understanding of the Comprehensive Plan and planning.
(10) 
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of proposals of such agencies and individuals.
(11) 
Hold public hearings and meetings.
(12) 
Present testimony before any board.
(13) 
Require from other departments and agencies of the Township such available information as relates to the work of the Planning Commission.
(14) 
In the performance of its functions, enter upon any land to make examinations and surveys with the consent of the owner.
(15) 
Prepare and present to the Board a study regarding the feasibility and practicability of using renewable energy sources in specific areas within the Township.
(16) 
Review Chapter 131, Zoning, this chapter, Official Map, provisions for planned residential development and such other ordinances and regulations governing the development of land no less frequently than it reviews the Comprehensive Plan.
The Board may employ administrative and technical services to aid in carrying out the provisions of this chapter either as consultants on particular matters or as regular employees of the Township.
The Planning Commission may, with the consent of the Board, 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 Board may enter into agreements or contracts regarding the acceptance or utilization of the funds or assistance in accordance with the governmental procedures of the Township.