Franklin Park City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 2600
Planning Commission
§ 212-2601 Formation; statutory authority.
The Franklin Park Borough Planning Commission has been formed in accordance with Article II of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code,[1] Act 247, as amended, in recognition of the land use planning issues, concerns, problems and goals of the municipality.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10201 et seq.
§ 212-2602 Membership.
A.
The membership of the Planning Commission shall consist of not fewer than three nor more than nine members.
B.
The term of office shall be four years.
C.
All members shall be residents of the municipality.
D.
On all planning commissions appointed pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247, as amended, a certain number of the members, designated as "citizen members," shall not be officers or employees of the municipality. On a commission of three members, at least two shall be citizen members. On a commission of four or five members, at least three shall be citizen members. On a commission of either six or seven members, at least five shall be citizen members, and on commissions of either eight or nine members, at least six shall be citizen members.
§ 212-2603 Removal of members.
A.
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 governing body that 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.
B.
Any appointment to fill a vacancy created by removal shall be only for the unexpired term.
C.
Planning Commission members who miss two consecutive meetings without an excuse will be subject to removal from the Planning Commission.
§ 212-2604 Comprehensive Plan.
Pursuant to Article II of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247, as amended, the Franklin Park Borough Planning Commission shall prepare a Comprehensive Plan for submission to Borough Council.
§ 212-2605 Powers and duties.
A.
The Franklin Park Borough Planning Commission shall, at the request of the governing body, have the power and shall be required to:
(1)
Prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the municipality as set forth in Act 247, as amended, and present it for the consideration of the governing body.
(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 governing body.
B.
The Franklin Park Borough Planning Commission may, at the request of the governing body:
(1)
Make recommendations to the governing body concerning the adoption or amendment of an official map.
(2)
Prepare and present to the governing body of the Borough a zoning ordinance and make recommendations to the governing body on proposed amendments to it as set forth in Act 247, as amended.
(3)
Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and land development and planned residential development regulations, as set forth in Act 247, as amended.
(4)
Prepare and present to the governing body of the Borough a building code and a housing code and make recommendations concerning proposed amendments thereto.
(5)
Do such other act or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by Act 247, as amended.
(6)
Prepare and present to the governing body of the Borough an environmental study.
(7)
Submit to the appointing authority of the Borough a recommended capital improvements program.
(8)
Prepare and present to the governing body of the Borough 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 supplier in the area to be surveyed.
(9)
Promote public interest in and understanding of the Comprehensive Plan and planning process.
(10)
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of the Planning Commission and individuals.
(11)
Hold public hearings and meetings.
(12)
Present testimony before any board.
(13)
Require from other departments and agencies of the Borough 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 land surveys with the consent of the owner.
(15)
Prepare and present to the governing body of the Borough a study regarding the feasibility and practicability of using renewable energy resources in specific areas within the Borough.
(16)
Review the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, the 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.
C.
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 Municipal Engineer, which shall be incorporated and separately set forth in any report, written act or recommendation of the Planning Commission.