[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Bern 5-5-2026 by Ord. No. 551-2026. Amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter shall be known as the "Planning Commission Ordinance."
A Township Planning Commission is hereby established, to be known as the "Bern Township Planning Commission," which is hereby given and charged with all the powers and duties authorized by the Second Class Township Code,[1]the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code,[2] and the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance,[3]all are as may be amended from time to time, in order to facilitate an orderly and efficient use and development of land, streets, natural resources, highways and public utilities and facility usage within said Township, and any other lawful purpose contained in said Code or otherwise.
[1]
Editor’s Note: See 53 P.S. § 65101 et seq.
[2]
Editor’s Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[3]
Editor’s Note: See Ch. 154, Subdivision and Land Development.
The Bern Township Planning Commission shall consist of five members, plus three alternate members, each member to be appointed for a period of a four-year term by the Board of Supervisors on staggered terms. A member may hold any other office or appointment with the Township, except for those incompatible offices set forth and described in the Second Class Township Code. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term of the member whose position has been vacated. The Township Solicitor shall serve as solicitor for the Planning Commission and, whenever possible, attend all meetings of the Commission.
The Commission shall elect from its own membership its officers who shall serve annual terms as such and may succeed themselves.
Meetings shall be held monthly as the Planning Commission, by majority vote, may determine.
A. 
The Planning Commission shall keep full public records of its meetings showing the results of the vote for each action. The Planning Commission shall also keep full public records of its business and other official action, copies of which shall be filed with the Township Supervisors.
B. 
The Planning Commission shall annually make a written report of its activities to the governing body by March 1.
The Planning Commission shall adopt and be covered by rules and regulations, or bylaws, pertaining to its proceedings, none of which shall be inconsistent with this chapter or the statutory powers under which this chapter is enacted.