1. For the purpose of this Chapter, a SUBDIVISION shall be construed to be the division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than ten acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
2. It shall be unlawful to receive or record any plan required to be approved by the Township Planning Commission in any public office unless the same shall bear thereon the endorsement or otherwise the approval of the Township Planning Commission. The disapproval of any such plan by the Township Planning Commission shall be deemed a refusal of the proposed dedication shown thereon. The approval of the Commission shall be deemed an acceptance of the proposed development plan, but shall not impose any duty upon the township concerning dedication, maintenance or improvement of any streets, highways, alleys or other portions of the same, until the streets meet such additional standards and specifications as the Supervisors may require for public dedication.
3. The Planning Commission shall:
A. Prepare the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the municipality and present it for consideration of the Board of Supervisors;
B. 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 Supervisors; and
C. The Planning Commission shall:
(1) Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning the adoption or amendment of an official map;
(2) Prepare and present to the Board of Supervisors recommendations on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 27);
(3) Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and land development and planned residential development regulations as set forth in this Chapter;
(4) Prepare and present to the Supervisors a building code and housing 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 this Chapter;
(6) Prepare and present to the Supervisors an environmental study;
(7) Submit to the Supervisors a recommended capital improvements program;
(8) Prepare for the Supervisors a water survey, which shall be consistent with the Pennsylvania Water Plan and any applicable water resources plan adopted by a river basin commission. The water survey shall be conducted in consultation with the Bradford City Water Authority;
(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 municipality such available information as relates to the work of the Planning Agency;
(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 Supervisors a study regarding the feasibility and practicability of using renewable energy sources in specific areas within the municipality; and
(16) Review the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 27), this Chapter, Official Map and other such ordinances and regulations governing the development of land no less frequently than it reviews the Comprehensive Plan.
4. Appointment, term and vacancy.
A. All members of the Commission shall be appointed and approved by the Township Supervisors.
B. The term of each of the members of the Commission shall be for four years, or until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. All of the members of the Planning Commission shall be residents of the municipality.
C. The Chairperson of the Planning Commission shall promptly notify the Supervisors concerning vacancies in the Commission, and such vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term. If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term according to the terms of this Chapter.
5. Conduct of business.
A. The Commission shall elect its own Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and create and fill such other offices as it may determine. Officers shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves.
B. The Commission may make and alter by laws and rules and regulations to govern its procedures consistent with the ordinances of the municipality and the laws of the commonwealth.
C. The 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 Supervisors. Interim reports may be made as often as may be necessary, or as requested by the Supervisors.
(Ord. 1983-3, passed 12-12-1983; Ord. 1989-1, passed 3-13-1989; Ord. 1991-5, passed 4-29-1991)