[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of West Seneca 8-5-2013 by L.L. No. 5-2013. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Environmental Conservation Commission — See Ch. 10.
Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals — See Ch. 28.
Building code administration and enforcement — See Ch. 55.
Zoning — See Ch. 120.
The revitalization, preservation and improvement of the vacant land and developed properties within the Town of West Seneca is found to be of increasing and vital importance to the health, welfare and economic well-being of present and future inhabitants and requires action by the governing body of the Town of West Seneca. In order to foster smart growth, reasoned redevelopment and improvements within the Town, the governing body of the Town of West Seneca states that the creation of the Town of West Seneca Architectural Commission is a necessary step for achieving the goals stated herein.
The Town Board of the Town of West Seneca hereby creates a Commission which shall be known as the "Town of West Seneca Architectural Commission," hereinafter called the "Architectural Commission."
A. 
The Architectural Commission shall consist of five members as follows:
(1) 
The Town Board will appoint five members which include the following if available:
(a) 
Architect.
(b) 
Planning Board member.
(c) 
Local contractor.
(d) 
Resident(s).
(e) 
A member of the Code Enforcement Office, and the Town Board will have a liaison attend meetings.
(2) 
All members shall be residents of the Town of West Seneca.
(3) 
Vacancies on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, except that a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of term of office shall be filled only for the remainder of the unexpired term.
B. 
Terms of membership. All members shall serve a term of two years, with the exception of the member of the Building and Plumbing Department, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Code Enforcement Officer. Members may be reappointed to the Commission.
C. 
Selection of Chairman and Recording Secretary. At the first meeting of the Architectural Commission, its members shall elect from among themselves a Chairman and Recording Secretary. The Commission shall adopt rules and procedures for its meetings. It shall keep accurate records of its meetings and activities and shall file an annual report as provided in § 12-5 of this chapter.
The powers and duties of the Architectural Commission shall be to:
A. 
Give nonbinding advice and counsel to the Town Board on issues relating to architectural standards, design standards, zoning codes, property maintenance codes, and development standards within the Town of West Seneca.
B. 
Seek to coordinate, assist and unify the efforts of municipal agencies or departments and those of private groups, institutions or individuals within the Town of West Seneca in accord with the purposes of this chapter.
C. 
Have communications with any future Historical Preservation Commission.
D. 
Hold meetings at least quarterly.
The Architectural Commission shall submit an annual report to the Town Board not later than the first day of April of each year, concerning the activities and work of the Architectural Commission, and from time to time shall submit such reports and recommendations as may be necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their services as members thereof, but may be reimbursed, from funds raised by and held for the benefit of the Architectural Commission, for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
This chapter shall be deemed an exercise of the powers of the Town of West Seneca to preserve and improve the quality life on behalf of the present and future inhabitants thereof. This chapter is not intended and shall not be deemed to impair the powers of any other public corporation.
This chapter shall become effective immediately upon its enactment by the Town Board after proper filing, including filing with the office of the Secretary of State.