(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. The Board shall prepare those plans for physical, social and economic development as will best promote the public health, safety, morals, conveniences and the general welfare as well as efficiency and economy in the development of the town. The Board shall have the powers and duties given it by the General Statutes of the state and the Board of Commissioners of the town, including but not limited to the power to:
(1) Make studies of the area within its jurisdiction and surrounding areas;
(2) Determine objectives to be sought in the development of the study area;
(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 legislative body 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 of the town may direct;
(7) Perform any other related duties that the Board of Commissioners of the town may direct;
(8) Conduct those public hearings as may be required to gather information necessary for the drafting, establishment and maintenance of a development plan for the town; and
(9) 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 other means of publicity and education as it may deem necessary.
(B) The Planning Board shall have no power to incur any debt or obligation on behalf of the town nor shall it have any power to make expenditure of funds of the town unless the funds are specifically provided for in the budget of the town and appropriation made for those purposes by the Board of Commissioners of the town, or unless the incurring of another obligation is otherwise approved by the Board of Commissioners of the town.
(1985 Code, § 31.33)