[Adopted 4-12-1971 by Ord. No. 1020; amended in its entirety 2-14-1972 by Ord. No. 1063]
[Amended 5-13-1976 by Ord. No. 1187; 6-8-2009 by Ord. No. 2775]
A Township Planning Commission, to be composed of seven members, is hereby established for the Township of Whitehall. All members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses per regularly scheduled meetings as established by the Board of Commissioners.
Each member of the Planning Commission shall be a resident of the Township of Whitehall and shall be appointed by the Board of Commissioners for a term of four years or until his successor shall be appointed and qualified, except that the terms of the members to be appointed to the Commission of seven members shall be fixed such that not more than two members shall be reappointed or replaced during any calendar year. The chairman of the Planning Commission shall promptly notify the Board of Commissioners concerning vacancies and each such vacancy shall be filled for its unexpired term.
Any member of the Planning Commission, once qualified and appointed, may be removed from office with or without cause, by a majority vote of the Board of Commissioners, after such 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.
[Amended 5-13-1976 by Ord. No. 1187; 6-8-2009 by Ord. No. 2776, approved 11-3-2009]
The Commission shall elect its own chairman, vice-chairman and secretary who shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves. The Commission may make and alter rules, bylaws and regulations to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances of Whitehall Township and the laws of the Commonwealth. The Commission shall make a full record of its business. Reports of the Commission's activities may be made as often as may be necessary or as requested by the Board of Commissioners. All official actions of the Planning Commission shall be made by resolution, concurred in by a majority of those members present who represent a quorum. Such resolutions shall be numbered consecutively for each calendar year and shall be signed by the Chairman and attested to by the Secretary of the Commission. Administrative assistance shall be provided by the Mayor as determined between the chairman of the Commission and the Mayor. The Planning Commission shall meet at least once monthly and such meetings shall be open to the public. It may schedule other work sessions as required.
The Planning Commission shall have the power and shall be required to:
A. 
Prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the Township and present it for the consideration of the Board of Commissioners and the general public.
B. 
Maintain and keep on file records of its actions. All records and files shall be maintained by and in the possession of the Board of Commissioners at the Township Municipal Building.
C. 
Prepare and present for consideration of the Board of Commissioners and, after adoption, maintain and make recommendations for changes to:
(1) 
An official map of the Township.
(2) 
A zoning ordinance.
(3) 
Subdivision and land development regulations.
(4) 
Planned residential development regulations.
(5) 
A building code.
(6) 
A housing code.
D. 
Promote public interest in, and understanding of, the Comprehensive Plan and planning.
E. 
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the development and planning proposals of such agencies and individuals.
F. 
Hold public hearings and meetings.
G. 
Require from other departments and agencies of this Township, through their proper channels and through such individuals as may be in positions of authority, such available information as relates to the work of the Planning Commission.
H. 
In the performance of its functions, to enter upon any land to make examination and surveys either after permission has been obtained from the landowner or after public notices.
I. 
Do such other act or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill the obligations and duties imposed by this article.
In the performance of its powers and duties, any act or recommendation of the Planning Commission which involves engineering considerations shall be subject to the approval of the Township Engineer.
Any recommendations made to the Board of Commissioners by the Whitehall Township Planning Commission shall be advisory only.