[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Springfield 8-9-1972 by Ord. No. 614. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Subdivision of land — See Ch. 95.
Zoning — See Ch. 114.
The Board of Commissioners of Springfield Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, (hereinafter referred to as the "Board"), pursuant to Article II, Section 201, of Act 247,[1] does hereby create the Springfield Township Planning Commission. Such Commission shall have nine members, who shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses.
[1]
Editor's Note: Act 247, as used in this chapter, refers to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968), as amended and supplemented.
A. 
The Board shall appoint all members of the Planning Commission.
B. 
The term of each of the members of the Commission shall be for four years, or until his successor is appointed and qualified, except that the terms of the members first appointed pursuant to this chapter shall be such that no more than three shall be reappointed or replaced during any future calendar year.
C. 
The Chairman of the Planning Commission shall promptly notify the Board concerning vacancies in the Commission, and such vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Board.
The members of the existing Township Planning Commission, which was established under former laws, shall continue in office until the end of the term for which they are appointed, but their successors shall be appointed as provided by this chapter. If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term, according to the provisions of this chapter.
All of the members of the Planning Commission shall be residents of the township. An officer or employee of the township may be a member of the Planning Commission, but at least six of the nine members of the Commission shall be citizen members.
A. 
The 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.
B. 
The Commission may make and alter bylaws and rules and regulations to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances of the township and the laws of the commonwealth.
C. 
The 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 Board. 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:
(1) 
Prepare amendments to the comprehensive plan for the development of the township as set forth in Act 247, as amended and supplemented, and present such amendments 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 amendment of an Official Map.
(2) 
Make recommendations to the Board on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance,[1] as set forth in Act 247.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 114, Zoning.
(3) 
Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and land development and planned residential development regulations, as set forth in Act 247.
(4) 
Prepare and present to the Board a Building Code[2] and a Housing Code, and make recommendations concerning proposed amendments thereto.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 13, Building Construction.
(5) 
Do such other acts or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by Act 247.
(6) 
Prepare and present to the Board an environmental study.
(7) 
Submit to the Board a recommended capital improvements program.
(8) 
Promote public interest in and understanding of the comprehensive plan and planning.
(9) 
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies and individuals.
(10) 
Hold public hearings and meetings.
(11) 
Require from other departments and agencies of the township such available information as relates to the work of the Planning Commission.
(12) 
In the performance of its functions, enter upon any land to make examinations and surveys with the consent of the owner.
C. 
In the performance of its powers and duties, any act or recommendation of the Planning Commission which involves engineering consideration shall be subject to review and comments of the Township Engineer, which comments shall be incorporated and separately set forth in any report, written act or recommendation of the Planning Commission.