[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Shirley 6-25-1971 by Ord. No. 1971-1. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Board of Supervisors of the Township of Shirley hereby signifies its intention and desire to organize a Township Planning Commission under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of July 31, 1968, as amended and supplemented.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[Amended 6-28-1999 by Ord. No. 1999-3]
The Planning Commission shall consist of five members, all of whom shall be citizens of the Township of Shirley, County of Huntingdon, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The term of office of the members first appointed under the terms of this chapter shall be as hereinafter set forth and on the expiration of the term of any member shall be for a period of four years or until a successor is appointed. In the event of vacancies on the said Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Shirley shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired terms. [1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Sec. 3, which listed the names, addresses and terms of office of the original members of the Planning Commission, which previously followed this section, was deleted at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
The Planning Commission shall prepare and adopt a plan for the development of the Township of Shirley, County of Huntingdon, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and which plan of development shall be based on studies of the physical, social, economic, and governmental conditions and trends and shall be designed to promote with the greatest efficiency and economy the coordinated developments of the Township of Shirley, County of Huntingdon, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and general welfare and prosperity of its residents.
Any member of the 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 Shirley Township Board of Supervisors, taken after the member has received 15 days' notice of the intent to take such a vote. A hearing shall be held in connection with the vote if the members shall request it in writing. Any appointment to fill a vacancy created by removal shall be only for the unexpired term.
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. The Commission may make and alter bylaws and rules and regulations to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances of Shirley Township and the laws of the commonwealth. 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 Shirley Township Board of Supervisors. Interim reports may be made as often as may be necessary, or as requested by the Shirley Township Board of Supervisors.
A. 
The Planning Commission shall have the power and shall be required to:
(1) 
Prepare the comprehensive plan for the development of the Township, and present it for the consideration of the Shirley Township Board of Supervisors.
(2) 
Maintain and keep on file records of its actions. All records and files of the Planning Commission shall be in the possession of the Board of Supervisors.
B. 
The Planning Commission shall:
(1) 
Prepare and present for consideration to the Shirley Township Board of Supervisors and, after adoption, maintain for the Board of Supervisors an Official Map, and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on proposed changes in such map as set forth in the laws of the commonwealth;
(2) 
Prepare and present the Shirley Township Board of Supervisors a Zoning Ordinance and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on proposed amendments to it as set forth in the laws of the commonwealth;
(3) 
Prepare and administer subdivision and land development regulations as set forth in the laws of the commonwealth;[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 240, Subdivision and Land Development.
(4) 
Prepare and administer planned residential development regulations as set forth in the laws of the commonwealth;
(5) 
Prepare and present to the Shirley Township Board of Supervisors a building code and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on proposed amendments thereto;[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 108, Code Enforcement.
(6) 
Prepare and present to the Shirley Township Board of Supervisors a housing code and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on proposed amendments thereto;
(7) 
Submit to the Shirley Township Board of Supervisors 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 Shirley 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 either after permission has been obtained from the owner or after public notices;
(13) 
Do such other act or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by the laws of the commonwealth;
(14) 
Assume any other powers, duties or responsibilities conferred upon the Planning Commission by ordinance consistent with the provisions of the laws of Shirley Township and the commonwealth.
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 approval of the Township Engineer.
The Planning Commission may, with the consent of the Board of Supervisors, accept and utilize any funds, personnel or other assistance made available by the Township, county, the commonwealth or the federal government or any of their agencies, or from private sources. The Board of Supervisors 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.