A Planning Commission is hereby created or established
in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code, being Act No. 247 of 1968, P.L. 643, effective January
1, 1969.
[Amended 12-27-1973 by Ord. No. 101; 2-12-1974 by Ord. No.
102; 6-25-1990 by Ord. No. 289]
A. The
Planning Commission shall be comprised of seven members who shall
be residents of the Township and who shall be appointed by the Board
of Supervisors. All members of the Commission shall serve without
compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses.
Elected officers of the Township shall not serve on the Planning Commission.
[Amended 2-25-2003 by Ord. No. 447; 1-24-2006 by Ord. No.
485; 2-27-2018 by Ord. No. 576]
B. The term of each of the members of the Commission
shall be for four years or until his successor is appointed and qualified,
except that the terms of the members first appointed pursuant to this
chapter shall be so fixed that no more than three shall be reappointed
or replaced during any future calendar year.
C. The Chairman of the Planning Commission shall promptly
notify the Board of Supervisors concerning vacancies in the Commission,
and such vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term. If a vacancy
shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled
by appointment for the unexpired term according to the terms of this
chapter.
The powers and duties of the Planning Commission
shall be as set forth in Sec. 209 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code and such additional powers, duties and advisory functions
as may be conferred upon them by the Supervisors of East Norriton
Township, provided that they are not inconsistent with the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code.
[Added 6-25-1990 by Ord. No. 289]
Any member of a Planning Commission 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 the Board of Supervisors 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.
[Added 6-25-1990 by Ord. No. 289]
The Commission shall elect its own Chairman
and Vice Chairman and create and fill such other offices as it may
determine. Officers shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves
in the same office. The Commission may make and alter bylaws and rules
and regulations to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances
of East Norriton Township and the laws of the commonwealth. The 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 the Board
of Supervisors. Interim reports may be made as often as may be necessary
or as requested by the Board of Supervisors.
[Added 6-25-1990 by Ord. No. 289]
A. The Planning Commission shall, at the request of the
Board of Supervisors, have the power and shall be required to:
(1) Prepare the Comprehensive Plan, if any, for the development
of East Norriton Township as set forth in this Code and the Municipalities
Planning Code and present it for the consideration of the Board of Supervisors.
(2) Maintain and keep on file records of its action. All
records and files of the Planning Commission shall be in the possession
of the Board of Supervisors.
B. The Planning Commission at the request of the Board
of Supervisors may:
(1) Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning
the adoption or amendment of an Official Map.
(2) Prepare and present to the Board of Supervisors of
East Norriton Township a zoning ordinance, and make recommendations
to the Board of Supervisors on proposed amendments to it as set forth
in this Code and the Municipalities Planning Code.
(3) Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and
land development and planned residential development regulations,
as set forth in this Code and the Municipalities Planning Code.
(4) Prepare and present to the Board of Supervisors of
East Norriton Township a building code and a housing code and make
recommendations concerning proposed amendments thereto.
(5) Do such other acts or make such studies as may be
necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by this Code
and the Municipalities Planning Code.
(6) Prepare and present to the Board of Supervisors of
East Norriton Township an environmental study.
(7) Submit to the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton
Township a recommended capital improvements program.
(8) Prepare and present to the Board of Supervisors of
East Norriton Township a water survey, which shall be consistent with
the State Water Plan and any applicable water resources plan adopted
by a river basin commission. The water survey shall be conducted in
consultation with any public water suppliers in the area to be surveyed.
(9) Promote public interest in and understanding of the
Comprehensive Plan, if any, and planning.
(10) Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private
agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals
of such agencies and individuals.
(11) Hold public hearings and meetings.
(12) Present testimony before any board.
(13) Require from other departments and agencies of East
Norriton Township such available information as relates to the work
of the Planning Commission.
(14) In the performance of its functions, enter upon any
land to make examinations and surveys with the consent of the owner.
(15) Prepare and present to the Board of Supervisors of
East Norriton Township a study regarding the feasibility and practicability
of using renewable energy sources in specific areas within the Township.
(16) Review the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land
Development Ordinance, 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.
[Added 6-25-1990 by Ord. No. 289]
The Board of Supervisors 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 East Norriton Township.
[Added 6-25-1990 by Ord. No. 289]
The Planning Commission may, with the consent
of the Board of Supervisors, 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 Board of Supervisors may enter into agreements or contracts
regarding the acceptance or utilization of the funds or assistance
in accordance with the governmental procedures of East Norriton Township.