Roles and Responsibilities of the Planning Commission
Roles and Responsibilities of the Planning Commission
1. The Planning Commission is established and empowered per the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and will serve as an advisory body to the Council.
2. The Planning Commission will consist of 7 members appointed by the Council who will serve without compensation.
3. They will each serve 5 year terms or until a successor takes office.
4. They will represent a geographic diversity of Aberdeen.
5. A Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson will serve for one year with eligibility for reelection.
6. A majority of the members (4) shall constitute a quorum for a business transaction and a majority vote of those present at any meeting shall be sufficient for any official action.
7. The Planning Commission will adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of their business.
8. The Planning Commission will create and approve a Comprehensive Plan and make a recommendation on the Plan to the Council.
9. The Planning Commission will review, comment, and approve a recommendation to the Council for all preliminary site plans and preliminary and final subdivision plats.
10. The Planning Commission will recommend the various zoning districts and boundaries and recommend any changes.
11. The Planning Commission will recommend text amendments to the Development Code.
12. The Planning Commission will recommend changes to the Subdivision Regulations.
13. The Planning Commission will recommend land acquisition and development for City open space or recreation purposes.
14. The Planning Commission will recommend changes in land use or development arising from local, state, or federal programs or policies.
15. The Planning Commission will make any other recommendations based on sound planning principles to the Council on items of interest or concern.
16. The Planning Commission will submit an annual report to the Council and the Maryland Department of Planning.
17. The Planning Commission will review the Development Code, Zoning Map, and Comprehensive Plan as needed or a minimum of every six years to take advantage of new techniques, correct deficiencies or for other appropriate reasons.
18. The Planning Commission may impose conditions on its approval of developments including but not limited to configuration of streets, sidewalks, location of public improvements, reservation of open space and recreational areas.
19. The Planning Commission may also recommend programs for public structures, improvements, and other land acquisitions that would benefit the City.
20. The Planning Commission may also enter upon any land and make examinations and surveys.
21. The Planning Commission will have such powers to enable it to fulfill its functions, promote planning or execute the purposes of the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
22. Each member will have to complete a Planning Commissioner Training Program sponsored by the Maryland Department of Planning.