Shaler Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XVI
Planning Commission
§ 225-189 Appointment; organization.
The Planning Commission, consisting of seven members as presently constituted, is hereby continued, with its members to serve the unexpired portions of their present terms. All members shall be residents of Shaler Township and not officers or employees of the municipality. The appointment and tenure of members of the Commission shall be governed by the Municipalities Planning Code[1] and laws of the commonwealth.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
§ 225-190 Conduct of business.
The Planning 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. The Planning Commission may make and alter bylaws and rules and regulations to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances of Shaler Township and the laws of the commonwealth. 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 the Board of Commissioners. Interim reports may be made as often as may be necessary or as requested by the Board of Commissioners.
§ 225-191 Powers and duties.
A.
The Planning Commission shall, at the request of the Board of Commissioners, have the power and shall be required to:
(1)
Prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the Township as set forth in the Municipalities Planning Code and present it for the consideration of the Board of Commissioners.
(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 Commissioners.
B.
The Planning Commission, at the request of the Board of Commissioners, may:
(1)
Make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners concerning the adoption or amendment of an Official Map.
(2)
Prepare and present to the Board of Commissioners of the Township a zoning ordinance and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on proposed amendments to it, as set forth in the Municipalities Planning Code.
(3)
Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and land development and planned residential development regulations, as set forth in the Municipalities Planning Code.
(4)
Prepare and present to the Board of Commissioners of the Township a property maintenance 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 the Municipalities Planning Code.
(6)
Prepare and present to the Board of Commissioners of the Township an environmental study.
(7)
Submit to the Board of Commissioners of the Township a recommended capital improvements program.
(8)
Prepare and present to the Board of Commissioners of the 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 supplier in the area to be surveyed.
(9)
Promote public interest in and understanding of the Comprehensive Plan 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 the 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 Commissioners of the Township a study regarding the feasibility and practicability of using renewable energy sources in specific areas within the Township.
(16)
Review this chapter, subdivision and land development ordinances, 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.
§ 225-192 Amendments to Zoning Ordinance.
The Planning Commission shall receive copies of all applications for amendment to this chapter other than those prepared by the Planning Commission, shall make recommendations thereon and shall forward such recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.
§ 225-193 Review of zoning provisions.
The Planning Commission shall initiate, direct and review, from time to time, a study of the provisions of this chapter and shall make reports of its findings to the Board of Commissioners at least annually.
§ 225-194 Applications for conditional uses.
The Planning Commission shall also receive copies of all applications for building permits for conditional uses and other applications for conditional uses which have been received, shall make recommendations thereon and shall forward such recommendations to the Board of Commissioners at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing by the Board of Commissioners on such applications. The Planning Commission may, from time to time, make and amend its bylaws and regulations to provide for and change it procedures governing applications for conditional uses, including its procedures for holding or not holding public hearings thereon, for notices of its hearings and for the timing of its actions.
§ 225-195 Cooperation with Zoning Hearing Board.
The Planning Commission shall, when requested by the Zoning Hearing Board, review and make recommendations and supply factual data with reference to any matter before the Zoning Hearing Board.
§ 225-196 Review by Township Engineer.
In the performance of its powers and duties, any act or recommendation of the Planning Commission which involves engineering considerations shall be subject to review and comments of the Township Engineer.
§ 225-197 Advisory recommendations.
Any recommendation made by the Planning Commission to the Board of Commissioners shall be advisory only.
§ 225-198 Township Solicitor.
The Solicitor of Shaler Township shall serve as the legal advisor to the Planning Commission.