It is the purpose of this article to cite the responsibilities
of the Planning Commission in the administration of this chapter and
other duties according to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code, Act 247 as amended.[1]
Rules of procedure (as derived from Pennsylvania Act 247[1]). The Planning Commission shall adopt such rules of procedure
as required in accordance with the provisions of other City ordinances,
and as necessary to provide the required reviews and recommendations
relative to this chapter. The rules of procedure with regard to zoning
matters shall be in accordance with the provisions of Pennsylvania
Act 247 and any other City ordinances pertinent to the review functions
of the Planning Commission.
Meetings. The Planning Commission shall meet monthly at a regularly
prescribed date and meeting place, and at other times as the Chairman
may deem necessary. All regular meetings of the Planning Commission
shall be open to the public. The Secretary of the Planning Commission
shall keep minutes of all meetings.
Recommendations regarding zoning matters. Within 45 days after any
referral for review, requested report or hearing regarding a zoning
matter, and unless a different time is required within this chapter,
the Planning Commission shall record its review, analysis and recommendations
in written form, copies of which shall be forwarded to the appropriate
body, such as Council, the Zoning Hearing Board, or, in certain cases,
to the Building Inspector. The forty-five-day period for a decision
shall be computed from the day of the Planning Commission meeting
at which subject matter was presented requiring such decision. If
any public hearing is required during the course of the review, the
forty-five-day period prescribed above shall be applicable only after
the holding of a required public hearing in accordance with public
notice required by Act 247 and this chapter.
Limitations. The Planning Commission shall function as an advisory board to Council in accordance with Article II, Pennsylvania Act 247, and shall be restricted in its duties to applying the conditions, requirements, regulations and standards imposed by the various sections of this chapter in keeping with its overall intent.
Appeals of Planning Commission, review and recommendations. Any applicant
or affected persons may, within 10 days of a decision of the Planning
Commission, appeal to Council for review. Such review shall be conducted
during a regularly scheduled meeting. Council may affirm, reverse
or modify the findings of the Planning Commission.
Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision development and procedures for plat approval, review for compliance all site development plans under § 300-56 and review all planned residential developments as per regulations set forth in Act 247[1] and this chapter under Article VIII.
Prepare and present to Council a zoning ordinance, and make
recommendations to Council on proposed amendments to it as set forth
in Act 247 and this chapter.
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies
and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies
and individuals.
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 Engineer, which shall
be incorporated and separately set forth in any report, written act
or recommendation of the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission may, with the consent of Council, accept
and utilize any funds, personnel or other assistance made available
by the county, the commonwealth, or the federal government or any
of their agencies, or from private sources. The Council may enter
into agreements or contracts regarding the acceptance or utilization
of the funds or assistance in accordance with the governmental procedures
of the City of Lower Burrell.
Removal. Any member of the Planning Commission may be removed from
office for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office or for
other just cause by a majority vote of the City Council which appointed
the member, taken after the 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. Any appointment
to fill a vacancy created by removal shall be only for the unexpired
term.