(a) There shall be a Planning Commission consisting of five (5) members as follows: The Mayor and four (4) residents and qualified electors of the City, who shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to approval by Council: one (1) for a term of one (1) year, one (1) for a term of two (2) years, one (1) for a term of three (3) years, and one (1) for a term of four (4) years. Each year thereafter, the Mayor shall appoint one (1) person, as successor of the member whose term expires, to serve a term of four (4) years, subject to approval by Council. Any vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term. The Mayor, at any time, may remove any member from office for misconduct, neglect of duty, malfeasance in office, or other cause, subject to approval by Council. Council, by ordinance or resolution, may increase the number of members of the Planning Commission and provide for the method of appointment thereto. Commission members shall serve without compensation except as may otherwise be provided by Council.
(b) The Planning Commission, who shall also serve as the Platting Commission, shall have those powers and perform those duties as provided by the laws of Ohio, except as otherwise provided by the Charter or, where not so otherwise provided by the Charter, then, as Council may provide otherwise by ordinance or resolution.
(c) Duties. The Planning Commission shall:
(1) Recommend for adoption, general rules, standards and specifications for construction of improvements shown in subdivision plats within the City, including any amendments thereto;
(2) Recommend for adoption, general rules and regulations governing plats and subdivisions of land within the City;
(3) Recommend zone classifications and planning and zoning code regulations, including any amendments thereto;
(4) Recommend for adoption a master and/or thoroughfare plan for the City, including any amendments thereto;
(5) Recommend the approval or disapproval of any preliminary or final plat within the City;
(6) Recommend the approval or disapproval related to the construction or authorization for construction of those things contained in Ohio R.C. 713.02 or any similar provision under the laws of Ohio;
(7) Recommend the vacation of any street and/or alley within the City;
(8) Recommend the approval or disapproval of a special or conditional use permit, with or without special conditions;
(9) Recommend the granting of variances within the authority of the Planning Commission; and,
(10) The Planning Commission is additionally authorized by Council to make recommendations as to matters concerning height, design and location of buildings; however, the power to control the height, design and location of buildings shall be ultimately vested in Council.
The Planning Commission shall conduct its activities in accordance with provisions contained in Charter, ordinance or resolution of the City, if any, including Part Eleven - Planning and Zoning Code.
(Ord. 57-01. Passed 7-2-01.)