(a) A Planning Board is hereby established as provided in G.S. Chapter 160D-301. Said Board shall consist of five (5) regular members and two (2) alternate members appointed by the Town Council for overlapping terms of three (3) years. The appointment of the members shall be as follows: one (1) regular member and one (1) alternate member for a term of three (3) years, two (2) regular members, and one alternate member for a term of two (2) years, and two (2) regular members for a term of one (1) year. Each Planning Board Member shall take an oath of office before starting his or her duties (see G.S. 160D-309).
(b) Alternate members of the Planning Board shall be called on to attend only those meetings and hearings at which one or more regular members are absent or are unable to participate in hearing a case because of financial or other interest. Except at the election of the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary, at no time shall more than five (5) members participate officially in any meeting or hearing. Any vacancies in the membership shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the initial appointments. Members shall serve without pay but may be reimbursed for any expenses incurred while representing the Board. The members appointed to the Board shall be residents and citizens of the town. (Ord. of 1/10/05; Ord. of 12/6/10; Ord. of 6/28/21)