Lower Burrell City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XX
Planning Commission
§ 300-165 Specific intent.
§ 300-166 Administration and procedure.
A.
Appointment. The members of the Planning Commission of Lower Burrell are appointed by Council in the manner prescribed by law.
B.
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.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
C.
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.
D.
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.
E.
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.
F.
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.
§ 300-167 Powers and duties related to this chapter and other functions.
A.
The Planning Commission shall function and have all powers prescribed by law, and shall be required to:
(1)
Maintain and keep on file records of its actions.
(2)
Hold public hearings and meetings.
(3)
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.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
(4)
Require from other departments and agencies of the City such available information as relates to the work of the Planning Commission.
(5)
In the performance of its functions, enter upon any land to make examinations and surveys with the consent of the owner.
(6)
Do such other acts or make such studies as may be necessary to fulfill the duties and obligations imposed by Act 247 and this chapter.
(7)
Promote public interest in and understanding of, the Comprehensive Plan and planning.
B.
The Planning Commission, at the request of Council, has the power and shall be required to:
(1)
Prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the City as set forth in Act 247 and this chapter.
(2)
Make recommendations to Council concerning the adoption or amendment of an Official Map.
(3)
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.
(4)
Prepare and present to Council a building code and a housing code and make recommendations concerning proposed amendments thereto.
(5)
Prepare and present to Council an environmental study.
(6)
Submit to the appointing authority of Council a recommended capital improvements program.
(7)
Make recommendations to governmental, civic and private agencies and individuals as to the effectiveness of the proposals of such agencies and individuals.
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 Engineer, which shall be incorporated and separately set forth in any report, written act or recommendation of the Planning Commission.
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, 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.
E.
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.