(A) It shall be the function and duty of the Planning Board to make comprehensive surveys and studies of existing conditions and probable future developments and prepare the plans for physical, and economic growth, as will best promote the public health, safety, convenience, or the general welfare as well as efficiency and economy in the development of the county.
(B) In general, the Planning Board shall have the power and duty to:
(1) Make studies of the area within its jurisdictions and surrounding areas;
(2) Determine objectives to be sought in the development of the county;
(3) Prepare and adopt plans for achieving objectives;
(4) Develop and recommend policies, ordinances, administrative procedures, and other means for carrying out plans in a coordinated and efficient manner;
(5) Advise the Board of Commissioners concerning the use and amendment of means for carrying out plans;
(6) Exercise any functions in the administration and enforcement of various means for carrying out plans that the Board of Commissioners may direct (i.e., zoning, subdivision development regulations, and the like);
(7) Perform any other related duties that the Board of Commissioners may direct;
(8) The Planning Board shall review upon request and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners upon the extent, location, and design of all public structures and facilities, on the acquisition of public properties, on the opening, abandonment, widening, extension, narrowing, or other change to streets and other public ways, on the construction, extension, expansion, or abandonment of utilities whether publicly or privately owned. However, in the absence of a recommendation from the Board after the expiration of 30 days from the date on which the question has been submitted in writing to the Board, the Board of Commissioners may, if it deems wise, take final action;
(9) The Planning Board may consult with the Lincolnton Planning Commission, with the County Soil and Conservation District, and with the Economic Development Commission as necessary on issues of mutual concern. The Planning Board may coordinate planning activities with adjoining jurisdictions;
(10) The Planning Board may conduct any public hearings as may be required to gather information necessary for the drafting, establishment, and maintenance of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan;
(11) The Planning 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 any other means of publicity and education as it may deem necessary; and
(12) Members of the Planning Board may attend planning conferences or meetings of planning institutes or hearings upon pending planning legislation, and the county may pay, from within the Planning Board's budget, the reasonable traveling expenses incidental to the attendance.
(Ord. passed 2-20-1989)