SECTION 7 THE MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION.
   (a)   Composition and Term. Effective January 1, 1969, the Municipal Planning Commission shall consist of seven (7) electors of the Municipality not holding other office or employment with the Municipality for which monetary compensation is received, to be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of Council. The terms of the present members of the Planning Commission shall terminate on December 31, 1968, and their successors shall be appointed for a term of six (6) years, except that of the seven (7) appointed for the terms beginning January 1, 1969, three (3) shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years, two (2) for a term of four (4) years and two (2) for a term of six (6) years. A vacancy occurring during the term of any member of the Municipal Planning Commission shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner authorized for the original appointment.
   (b)   Duties. The Municipal Planning Commission shall have the powers and duties conferred upon it by this Charter and by ordinances of the Council enacted pursuant thereto, and in addition shall have such powers as may now or hereafter be granted by the laws of the State of Ohio.
      (1)   The Municipal Planning Commission shall adopt and recommend to the Council a comprehensive general plan for the physical development of the Municipality or the redevelopment of any area or district therein, which shall include the location of public ways, property, bridges, schools, utilities, buildings, parks, playgrounds, and recreation areas, and the reservation and acquisition of lands therefor.
      (2)   The Municipal Planning Commission shall prepare and recommend to the Council ordinances creating areas, zones and districts of permitted, conditional, and excluded uses, including rules, regulations, restrictions and limitations governing the plan, design, height, floor area, number of stories, size of structures, area and size of lots, percentage of land occupancy, size of yards, courts, open spaces, locations, use and occupancy of public and private buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, off-street parking, residence, park, playground, agriculture, and all other uses or purposes, both public and private, pertaining to each as will promote the general welfare of the Municipality and its inhabitants.
      (3)   The Municipal Planning Commission shall have control over the platting and subdivision of lands and the improvement or development thereof, including the construction of streets, sewers, and utilities therein.
      (4)   The Municipal Planning Commission shall adopt such other rules as may be necessary and proper for the procedure of the Commission.
 
   (c)   General Plan and Zoning Ordinances. The Council shall by ordinances adopt a comprehensive general plan for the orderly development of the Municipality and plans for the redevelopment of areas or districts therein, provided, however, that a part or parts thereof may be adopted or amended from time to time, by creating areas, zones, and districts of permitted and excluded uses of such numbers or classifications, and rules, regulations, limitations and restrictions pertaining to each as will promote the general welfare of the Municipality and its inhabitants. The Council shall have full legislative authority to accomplish those matters over which the Planning Commission is given power of recommendation, provided, however, any such matter shall be first submitted to the Planning Commission.
 
   (d)   Notice and Hearings. In the enactment of zoning legislation or regulations respecting the platting or subdivision of lands, the Council may provide by ordinance for such public hearings and notices and for the form and manner of publications or delivery of notices as it deems necessary and in the public interest and as may be in conformity with the Charter, irrespective of the provisions of the statutes of the State of Ohio in regard thereto.
(Amended 11-8-05)