Alternate Members. There may be two alternate members appointed by the Township Council as Class IV members and they shall meet the qualifications of Class IV members. Alternate members shall be designated at the time of appointment by the Mayor as Alternate No. 1 and Alternate No. 2. The terms of the alternate members shall be for two years except that the terms for the first alternate member shall be such that the term of not more than one alternate member shall expire in any one year provided, however, that in no instance shall the terms of the alternate members first appointed exceed two years. A vacancy occurring otherwise and by the unexpired term shall be filled by the appointing authority for the unexpired term only. Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member of any class. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote.

To make and adopt at least every six years and amend a Master Plan for the physical development of the Township, considering any areas outside its boundaries, which in the Board's judgment bear essential relation to the planning of the Township, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55F-28.

To hear and decide site plan and subdivision applications in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. and the Comprehensive Land Management Code.

To hear applications for conditional uses and in proper cases to approve conditional use permits in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-67.

To participate in the preparation and review of programs or plans required of the Planning Board by State or Federal law or regulations.

To prepare an official map for Sparta Township in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.

To assemble data on a continuing basis as part of a continuous planning process.

To annually prepare a program of municipal capital improvement projects projected over a term of six years and amendments thereto, and recommend same to the Governing Body.

To consider and make report to the Governing Body within 35 days after referral as to any proposed development regulation submitted to it pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-26(a), and also pass upon other matters specifically referred to the Planning Board by the Mayor and Township Council, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-26(b).

When reviewing applications for approval of subdivision plats, site plans or conditional uses, to grant to the same extent and subject to the same restrictions as the Zoning Board of Adjustment:

To perform such other advisory duties as are assigned to it by ordinance or resolution of the Governing Body for the aid and assistance to other agencies or officers.

Minor Subdivisions and Minor Site Plans. Minor subdivision and minor site plan approvals shall be granted or denied within 45 days of the date of submission of a complete application which has been certified as complete to the Planning Board or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Approval of a minor subdivision shall expire 190 days from the date of Planning Board approval unless within such period a plat in conformity with such approval and the provisions of the "Map Filing Law," or a deed clearly describing the approved minor subdivision, is filed by the developer with the County Recording Officer, the Municipal Engineer and the Municipal Tax Assessor. Any such plat or deed must be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Planning Board before it will be accepted for filing by the County Recording Officer.

Preliminary Approval — Major Subdivisions. Upon submission of a complete application which has been certified as complete for a subdivision of 10 or fewer lots, the Planning Board shall grant or deny preliminary approval within 45 days of the date of such submission or within such further time as may be consented to by the developer. Upon submission of a complete application for a subdivision of more than 10 lots, the Planning Board shall grant or deny preliminary approval within 95 days of such submission or within such further time as may be consented to by the developer. Otherwise, the Planning Board shall be deemed to have granted preliminary approval for the subdivision.

Ancillary Powers. Whenever the Planning Board is called upon to exercise its ancillary powers before the granting of a variance as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60, the Planning Board shall grant or deny approval of the application within 120 days after submission by the developer of a complete application or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Failure of the Planning Board to act within the period prescribed shall constitute approval of the application and a certificate of the Planner as to the failure of the Planning Board to act shall be issued on request of the applicant.

Final Approval. Application for final subdivision approval shall be granted or denied within 45 days of submission of a complete application which has been certified as complete or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Final approval of major subdivision shall expire 95 days from the date of signing of the plat unless within such period the plat shall have been duly filed by the developer with the County Recording Officer. The Planning Board may, for good cause shown, extend the period for recording for an additional period not to exceed 190 days from the date of signing of the plat.