Township of South Fayette, PA Chapter 65 Planning Commission

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I). Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Building construction — See Ch. 125.

Subdivision and land development — See Ch. 215.

Zoning — See Ch. 240.

§ 65-1 Intent.

It is the purpose of this chapter to cite the responsibilities of the South Fayette Township Planning Commission in the administration of Chapter 240, Zoning.

§ 65-2 Membership; appointment.

The Planning Commission, consisting of five members, shall be appointed by Township Commissioners in the manner prescribed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

§ 65-3 Powers and duties.

A. The Planning Commission shall have all powers and duties prescribed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

B. The Planning Commission shall also have those powers prescribed by this chapter and Chapter 240, Zoning, which shall define their duties in relation to the enforcement of zoning restrictions so long as such powers are in conformance with those prescribed by law. These powers shall include:

(1) Review of all applications for planned residential development as prescribed by Chapter 240, Zoning;

(2) Review of all special exception applications in Commercial Districts prior to any final decision of the Zoning Hearing Board;

(3) Review of all applications for slope control, as prescribed by Chapter 240, Zoning;

(4) Review and provide recommendations on conditional uses;

(5) Review and provide recommendations on all amendments of Chapter 240, Zoning, as prescribed by Article XII of Chapter 240, Zoning;

(6) Be of assistance to the Zoning Hearing Board whenever requested and present to such body facts, records and any other similar information on specific requests to guide such body in reaching its decision; and

(7) Review and provide recommendations under all applicable sections of Chapter 240, Zoning, and Chapter 215, Subdivision and Land Development.

§ 65-4 Rules and regulations.

The Planning Commission shall adopt rules in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 240, Zoning.

§ 65-5 Meetings.

The Planning Commission shall meet monthly at a regularly prescribed date and meeting place and others as the Chairman may deem necessary. All meetings of the Planning Commission shall be open to the public. The Secretary of the Planning Commission shall keep minutes of all meetings.

§ 65-6 Notice; hearings.

A. The Planning Commission shall notify all persons requesting such notification of a meeting during which a proposal affecting their interests will be considered. Requests for notification shall be made to the Zoning Officer, Township Secretary or Secretary of the Planning Commission. An opportunity to introduce evidence and other testimony shall be guaranteed to any interested party.

B. The Planning Commission may hold public hearings on all amendments to Chapter 240, Zoning, prior to submitting a report thereon to the Township Commissioners. The Planning Commission may hold public hearings on planned residential development applications or any other application or other subject that it deems necessary. The Planning Commission shall give notice of any public hearing as defined in Chapter 240, Zoning.

§ 65-7 Decisions.

A. Within 30 days after any hearing or within such other time as may be prescribed by Chapter 240, Zoning, or the laws of the commonwealth, the Planning Commission shall record its review and recommendations in written form and shall provide copies to the applicant, the Zoning Officer and the Borough Secretary for submission to the Township Commissioners.

B. The Planning Commission shall function as an advisory body and shall be restricted in its duties to applying the conditions, requirements, restrictions and standards imposed by the various sections of Chapter 240, Zoning, in keeping with it overall intent.

C. In acting upon an application for development, an application for zoning approval or a proposed amendment to Chapter 240, Zoning, the Township Commissioners may affirm, reverse or modify the findings of the Planning Commission.

§ 65-8 Activities.

The Planning Commission may, with the approval of the Township Commissioners, undertake special studies relating to the Comprehensive Plan[1] and its implementation which it deems necessary. Public meetings may be undertaken for this purpose. Material may be gathered and printed. The Planning Commission may, with the approval of the Township Commissioners, retain outside consulting assistance as it deems necessary. All appropriations of the township funds shall be approved by the Commissioners of the Township of South Fayette.

[1] Editor's Note: Said plan is on file in the township offices.

§ 65-9 Annual report.

The Planning Commission shall keep full record of its business and shall annually make a written report by March 1 of each year of its activities to the Township Commissioners. Interim reports may be made as often as necessary or at the request of the Township Commissioners.