[1]
State law reference: Planning commissions, MCL 125.31 et seq.
[Code 1974, § 119-1]
A Township Planning Commission is hereby established pursuant to Public Act No. 285 of 1931 (MCL § 125.31 et seq.), replaced by Public Act No. 33 of 2008 (MCL § 125.3801 et seq.).
State law reference: Authority to create planning commission, MCL 125.32, replaced by MCL 125.3811.
[Code 1974, §§ 119-2—119-4; Ord. No. 2008-12, 11-23-2008]
(a) 
Number; community representation; holding of other offices; terms of office; removal. The Planning Commission shall consist of nine members who shall be appointed by the Township Supervisor, subject to the approval by a majority vote of the Township Board, elected and serving. The members shall represent important segments of the community in accordance with the major interests as they exist in the local unit of government, such as agriculture, natural resources, recreation, education, public health, government, transportation, industry, and commerce. The membership shall have geographical representation of the local unit of government to the extent practicable. Members of the Planning Commission shall be qualified electors in the Township, except that one Planning Commission member may be an individual who is not a qualified elector in the Township. No member of the Planning Commission shall be an elected officer or employee of the Township. One member may be a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The term of each member shall be three years. All members shall hold office until their successors are appointed. Members may, upon written charges and after a public hearing, be removed by the Township Board for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office.
(b) 
Vacancies. A vacancy on the Planning Commission occurring other than through the expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Township Supervisor, subject to approval by a majority vote of the Township Board.
(c) 
Compensation. All members of the Township Planning Commission may be compensated at a rate to be determined by the Township Board. Such rate of compensation, if any, shall be established and may be revised from time to time by resolution of the Township Board.
(d) 
Conflict of interest. Conflict of interest arises when a member or the member's relative has a direct financial interest, positive or detrimental, in the outcome of a decision or action that the member may take as a public official; or when a member is a part of an entity which is involved in a business transaction with the Planning Commission; or the member is engaged in, employed by or provides services to an entity whose mission is incompatible or in conflict with the discharge of the member's official duties or impairs the member's independence of judgment. A member is disqualified from voting on a matter where they have conflict of interest as defined in this section or by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Planning Commission. Before discussing or voting on the matter the member shall disclose the conflict of interest. Failure of a member to disclose a known conflict of interest constitutes malfeasance in office.
State law reference: Planning commission membership and compensation, MCL 125.33.
[Code 1974, § 119-5; Ord. No. 2008-12, 11-23-2008]
(a) 
Chairperson and secretary. The Planning Commission shall elect a chairperson and secretary from its members and create and fill such other offices it considers advisable. The term of the chairperson and secretary shall be one year, with eligibility for reelection.
(b) 
Meetings. The Planning Commission shall hold not less than four regular meetings in each year.
(c) 
Bylaws. The Planning Commission shall adopt by-laws for the transaction of business.
(d) 
Records. The Planning Commission shall keep minutes of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations. The minutes shall be open to the public.
State law reference: Similar provisions, MCL 125.34.
[Code 1974, § 119-6; Ord. No. 2007-13, 11-20-2007; Ord. No. 2008-12, 11-23-2008]
(a) 
Master plan. The Planning Commission shall make and adopt a master plan for the development of the Township in accordance with §§ 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, and 51 of Public Act No. 33 of 2008 (MCL § 125.3831—125.3851).
(b) 
Public works review. After the Township Board has adopted a master plan, the Planning Commission shall thereafter review and recommend approval or disapproval of the character, location, and extent of certain public improvements prior to authorization or construction, as set forth in § 61 of Public Act No. 33 of 2008 (MCL § 125.3861).
(c) 
Publicity and education. The Planning Commission shall have the power to promote interest in and understanding of the master plan through publicity and education, in accordance with § 51 of Public Act No. 33 of 2008 (MCL § 125.3851).
(d) 
Subdivision regulations and plat approval. The Planning Commission shall recommend approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval of plats in accordance with § 71 of Public Act 33 of 2008 (MCL § 125.3871).
(e) 
Site plan review, special use permits, and zoning ordinance amendments. The Planning Commission shall review site plans, special use permits, and zoning ordinance amendments, in accordance with procedures established in the Code of Ordinances.
(f) 
Zoning commission. The Planning Commission shall have all powers and duties of the Township zoning commission under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act PA 110 of 2006 (MCL § 125.3101 et seq.).
State law reference: Authority to transfer power of zoning board to planning commission, MCL 125.331.