A.
The Planning Commission of the Municipality shall consist of seven
residents of the Municipality, who shall be appointed by Council in
a manner prescribed by the Municipalities Home Rule Charter. The term
of each member of the Commission shall be for four years, or until
his successor is appointed and qualified, except that the terms of
the members shall be so fixed that no more than two shall be reappointed
or replaced during any future calendar year. Members of the commission
shall hold no elected or appointed office of the Municipality or be
an employee of the Municipality.
B.
Members of the Planning Commission may receive compensation for the
performance of their duties as may be fixed by Council, but in no
case shall it exceed the rate of compensation authorized to be paid
to the members of Council. Without exception, members of the Planning
Commission may be reimbursed for necessary and responsible expenses.
All provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) (Act
of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247 as reenacted and amended),[1] as now or hereafter amended, reenacted or applied including,
but not limited to, the conduct of hearings and the making of decisions,
shall be applicable to the Planning Commission. When there are conflicts
or inconsistencies between this chapter and the Municipalities Planning
Code (MPC), the more stringent regulations shall apply.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
Any member 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 Council taken after the member
has received 15 days' advance notice of the intent to take such
a vote. A public hearing shall be held in connection with the vote
if the member request it in writing. Any appointment to fill a vacancy
created by removal shall only be for the unexpired term.
The Planning Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair and
such other officers as it determines necessary. Officers shall serve
annual terms and may succeed themselves. The Planning Commission may
make and alter bylaws, rules, and regulations to govern its organization
and procedures consistent with Municipal ordinances and the laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Planning 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 Council. Interim reports
may be made as often as may be necessary or as requested by Council.
The Planning Commission shall promptly notify Council of any vacancies
which occur. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be only for the
unexpired portion of the term.
Within the limits of funds appropriated by Council, the Planning
Commission may employ or contract for secretaries, clerks, legal counsel,
consultants and other technical and clerical services. Members of
the Planning Commission may receive compensation for the performance
of their duties, as may be fixed by Council, but in no case shall
it exceed the rate of compensation authorized to be paid to the members
of Council.
A.
The Planning Commission shall function as an advisory body to Council
in matters relating to planning, zoning and development of the Municipality
in accordance with the purpose and intent of the Home Rule Charter
and MPC as now enacted or as hereafter amended.
B.
The Planning Commission shall perform such advisory functions as
shall be requested from time to time by Council and in performance
of such advisory functions as so requested shall have such powers
and duties as are granted and established by the MPC as now enacted
or as hereafter amended. The matters which Council may request of
the Planning Commission shall be limited to the following:
(1)
Prepare the comprehensive plan for the development of the Municipality
as set forth in the MPC and present it for consideration of Council
and review the comprehensive plan at least every 10 years;
(2)
Maintain and keep on file records of its action. All records
and files of the Planning Commission shall be in the possession of
Council;
(3)
Make recommendations to Council concerning the adoption or amendment
of an official map;
(4)
Prepare and present to the Council a zoning ordinance and make
recommendations to the Council on proposed amendments to it as set
forth in the MPC;
(5)
Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and land development
and planned residential development regulations as set forth in the
MPC;
(6)
Prepare and present to Council a building code and a housing
code and make recommendations concerning proposed amendments thereto;
(7)
Do such other acts or make such studies as may be necessary
to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by this chapter;
(8)
Prepare and present to Council an environmental study;
(9)
Submit to Council a recommended capital improvement program;
(10)
Promote public interest in, and an understanding of, the comprehensive
plan and planning;
(11)
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies
and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies
and individuals;
(12)
Hold public hearings and meetings;
(13)
Present testimony before any Zoning Hearing Board, authority,
commission or appropriate governmental agency;
(14)
Require from other departments and agencies of the Municipality
such available information as relates to the work of the Planning
Commission;
(15)
In the performance of its functions, enter upon any lands to
make examination and surveys with the consent of the property owner;
(16)
Prepare and present to Council a study regarding the feasibility
and practicability of using renewable energy sources in specific areas
within the Municipality;
(17)
Review this chapter, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance,[1] official map, provisions for planned residential development
and such other ordinances and regulations governing the development
of land no less frequently than it reviews the comprehensive plan;
(18)
Require proposals for land subdivisions and other uses of land
having or likely to have environmental impact, to contain an environmental
impact statement related to the proposed development, including but
not limited to the effect of the proposed use on public facilities,
drainage systems, traffic flow, public safety, schools and recreation;
and
(19)
Seek the advice of the Municipal Engineer before doing any act
or making any recommendations involving engineering considerations,
the same with respect to the following in their fields of expertise:
C.
Council may employ administrative and technical services to aid in
carrying out the provisions of this chapter either as consultants
on particular matters or as regular employees of the Municipality.
A county planning agency, with the consent of Council may perform
planning services for the Municipality and the Municipality may enter
into agreements or contracts for such work;
D.
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 of Pennsylvania or the federal government
or any of their agencies, or from private sources. 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 Municipality.
