(A) It shall be the duty of the Planning and Zoning Board in general:
(1) To acquire and maintain in current form such basic information and materials as are necessary to an understanding of past trends, present conditions and forces at work to cause changes in those conditions.
(2) To prepare and recommend to the governing body any changes believed necessary for the timely revision and amendment of the comprehensive plan for the physical development of the town.
(3) To prepare and recommend to the governing body ordinances promoting orderly development along the lines indicated in the comprehensive plan.
(4) To determine whether specific proposed developments conform it to the principles and requirements of the comprehensive plan for the growth of the town.
(5) To keep the governing body and general public advised as to these matters.
(6) To initiate, from time to time, proposals for amendment of the Chapter 157, Zoning Code of this code of ordinances. In addition, it shall review and make recommendations to the governing body concerning all proposed amendments to the zoning code as provided for therein.
(7) To initiate, from time to time, proposals for amendment of Chapter 156, Subdivision Regulations of this code of ordinances. The Board shall review and make recommendations to the governing body concerning all proposed new or amended plats of land subdivision.
(8) To perform any other duties which may lawfully be assigned to it.
(9) To advise the governing board concerning the implementation of plan, including, but not limited to, review and comment on all zoning text and map amendments as required by G.S. § 160D-604.
(B) The Planning and Zoning Board may conduct such evidentiary hearings as may be required to gather information necessary for the performance of any of its duties prescribed in this chapter or elsewhere in this code of ordinances.
(C) The Planning and Zoning Board shall have power to promote public interest in and an understanding of its recommendations, and to that end it may publish and distribute copies of its recommendations and may employ such other means of publicity and education as it may determine.
(D) Members of the Planning and Zoning Board may attend planning conferences or meetings of planning institutes or hearings upon pending planning legislation, and the Board may, upon formal and affirmative vote, pay, within the Board's budget, the reasonable expenses incident to such attendance.
(‘85 Code, § 15A-6) (Ord. 2-89, passed 2-6-89; Am. Ord. 21-10, passed 6-15-21)