(A) In accordance with Article IX of the Planning Code, a Zoning Hearing Board shall be appointed by City Council, which shall adopt rules to govern its procedures. The Board shall hold meetings, keep minutes and pursuant to public notice, conduct hearings, compel the attendance of witnesses, take testimony under oath, and render decisions or reports or findings. For the filing of any appeal or proceeding with the Board, a hearing fee shall be charged in accordance with a schedule established by City Council. All city costs associated with §§ 156.151 through 156.153 over and above the hearing fee shall be borne by the applicant. The costs, however, shall not include legal expenses of the Board, expenses for engineering, architectural or other technical consultants or expert witness costs which the Board may require in order to render a decision. The stenographer’s appearance fee shall be split between the applicant and the Board, while the transcription costs shall be paid by the party requesting the transcript.
(B) The membership of the Board shall be established in accordance with the provisions of 53 P.S. § 10903 of the Planning Code. The organization of the Board shall be based upon 53 P.S. § 10906 of the Planning Code and the removal of any members of the Board shall be undertaken pursuant to 53 P.S. § 10905 of the Planning Code. City Council may from time to time appropriate monies for clerical, technical or legal consultants for necessary services based, upon 53 P.S. § 10907 of the Planning Code.
(Ord. 1347, passed 3-18-1991)