Monroeville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Planning Commission
§ 359-146 Membership.
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.
§ 359-147 Applicability of Municipalities Planning Code.
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.
§ 359-148 Removal of members.
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.
§ 359-149 Organization of Planning Commission.
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.
§ 359-150 Expenditures for services.
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.
§ 359-151 Powers and duties of Planning Commission.
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.