Boards & Commissions

Myerstown Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is an advisory committee that advises Borough Council concerning physical development in the community.  They provide policy advice on planning for land use regulations, such as zoning and subdivision controls.  They have immense potential influence on the protection, enhancement, and conversion of open spaces in a community.  Myerstown Borough has had a planning commission since 1966. 

The Myerstown Borough Planning Commission meets when subdivision and/or land development plans are submitted to the Borough for approval by Council.  They review the plans, and make a recommendation to Council whether or not to approve the plans.  If a meeting is necessary, the Planning Commission meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Room at the Myerstown Community Center. 

Governing Document
The Planning Commission is governed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC)(Act of 1968, P.L.805, No.247), which was enacted in 1968 as enabling legislation to empower counties and municipalities, individually or jointly, to plan their development and to govern the same by zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances and additional tools.

Creation
In accordance with the MPC, Borough Council, as the governing body, has the power to create or abolish a planning commission, planning department, or both.  Myerstown Borough's planning commission was established by Ordinance 446 on October 11, 1966, two years before the Commonwealth's enactment of the MPC.  After the MPC passed and took effect on January 1, 1969, the Borough amended the ordinance to bring it into compliance with the MPC, clarifying that the planning commission shall perform all duties and exercise all powers confirred upon borough planning commissions by state law. 

Membership
In accordance with the MPC, the governing body may appoint between 3-9 residents to the planning commission, serving 4-year staggered terms.  Myerstown Borough Council appoints 5 members to its planning commission.  Members are required by the MPC to be residents of the borough.  Up to two members may be officers/employees of the borough.  Members of the MPC who are not officers/employees of the borough may receive compensation and expense reimbursement.  Currently, Myerstown Planning Commission members do not receive compensation.

Powers & Duties
Planning commissions are required by the MPC to keep records of its actions and make an annual report by March 1 of each year.  At the request of Borough Council, planning commissions are required to prepare and present a comprehensive plan.  At the request of Borough Council, planning comissions may do the following:

  • Prepare and present a zoning ordinance
  • Prepare, recommend, and administer a subdivision & land development ordinance and planned residential development regulations
  • Prepare and present a building code & housing code
  • Submit a recommended capital improvements program
  • Conduct other specified planning or related activities

LEARN MORE
To learn more about the role of Planning Commission board member, check out the publication The Planning Commission in Pennsylvania, published by the Pennsylvania Governor's Center for Local Government Services.  You can download a copy by clicking the link below. 

THE PLANNING COMMISSION IN PENNSYLVANIA (pdf)

Board Composition
 - 5 Members
 - Appointed by Borough Council
 - Must be a Borough resident
 - 2 may be elected or appointed officials or employees of the Borough
 - Term Length: 4 years

Myerstown Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board is a quasi-judicial body that hears and renders decisions regarding specific types of land use actions, as established by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC).  The primary purpose of the Zoning Hearing Board is to ensure the fair and equitable application of the Zoning Ordinance.

The Zoning Hearing board hears appeals from the zoning administrator’s determinations, and grants relief from the literal enforcement of the zoning ordinance in certain hardship situations by means of a variance.  The zoning hearing board also hears applications for special use and challenges to the substantive validity of ordinances. 

It is important that the zoning hearing board members have a thorough knowledge not only of its specific functions, but also of its place within the arena of local planning decisions. While the zoning hearing board is not responsible for the contents of the zoning ordinance, it nevertheless plays a vital role in the overall effectiveness of the zoning ordinance.

The Myerstown Borough Zoning Hearing Board meets when the Borough receives an application for variance, an application for special exception, or an appeal from a determination of the zoning administrator.  If a meeting is necessary, the Zoning Hearing Board holds its hearings on the third Monday of the month in the Council Room at the Myerstown Community Center. 

Governing Document
The Zoning Hearing Board is governed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC)(Act of 1968, P.L.805, No.247), which was enacted in 1968 as enabling legislation to empower counties and municipalities, individually or jointly, to plan their development and to govern the same by zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances and additional tools.

Creation
Any municipality enacting a zoning ordinance must also create a Zoning Hearing Board as required by Section 901 of the MPC.  Myerstown Borough's Zoning Hearing Board was created when its zoning ordinance was established by Ordinance 479 on November 10, 1968.

Membership
In accordance with the MPC, the Zoning Hearing Board consists of either three or five members appointed by resolution of the governing body.  The term of office for a three-member board is three years, and the term for a five-member board is five years.  Myerstown Borough's Zoning Hearing Board consists of three members, servince three year staggered terms.  Under Section 903(a) of the MPC, a member of the zoning hearing board may not hold an elective office or be appointed to the planning commission.  Members of the Zoning Hearing Board may receive compensation for the performance of their duties.  Currently, Myerstown Borough Zoning Hearing Board members do not receive compensation.

Section 903(b) of the MPC authorizes the appointment and participation of alternate members when the zoning hearing board is unable to obtain a quorum due to absence or disqualification of a member.  The MPC authorizes the governing body to appoint by resolution a pool of one to three residents to serve as alternate members. The term of an alternate is three years.

Functions of the Zoning Hearing Board
Section 909.1 of the MPC authorizes the Zoning Hearing Board with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide the following:

  1. Substantive challenges to the validity of any land use ordinance, except curative amendments (which are heard by the governing body).
  2. Appeals from the determination of the zoning officer, including, but not limited to the following:
      i.    The granting or denial of any permit.
      ii.   The failure to act on an application for any permit.
      iii.  The issuance of any cease and desist order.
      iv.  The registration or refusal to register any nonconforming use, structure, or lot.
  3. Appeals from a determination by the municipal engineer or zoning officer with respect to the administration of any floodplain or flood hazard ordinance or such provisions within a land use ordinance.
  4. Applications for variances from the terms of the zoning ordinance and flood hazard ordinance or such provisions within a land use ordinance.
  5.  Applications for special exceptions under the zoning ordinance or floodplain or flood hazard ordinance or such provisions within a land use ordinance. 
  6. Appeals from the determination of any officer or agency charged with the administration of any transfers of development rights or performance density provisions of the zoning ordinance.
  7. Appeals from the zoning officer’s determination for a preliminary opinion under Section 916.2 of the MPC [relating to obtaining a preliminary opinion of the zoning officer].
  8. Appeals from erosion or stormwater provisions under a zoning ordinance dealing with building on a single lot.

LEARN MORE 
To learn more about the role of a Zoning Hearing Board member, check out the publication The Zoning Hearing Board, published by the Pennsylvania Governor's Center for Local Government Services.  You can download a copy by clicking the link below.

THE ZONING HEARING BOARD (pdf)

Board Composition:
 - 3 Members
 - Between 1 and 3 alternates
 - Appointed by Borough Council
 - Must be a Borough resident
 - Term length: 3 years

Myerstown Recreation Board

The Recreation Commission is an advisory board comprised of volunteer citizens who provide valuable advice to Borough Council on recreation and parks matters within the Borough.  The Borough does not employ staff to support the Recreation Commission, so the board serves in a more hands-on manner than recreation commissions in larger communities.  Myerstown Borough has had a recreation commission since 1966.

The Recreation Commission meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Room 3 at the Myerstown Community Center.  They discuss operation of the William L. Derr Community Pool, maintenance of the Borough's parks, and recreation programs for Borough residents.

Creation
In accordance with the Borough Code, Borough Council, as the governing body, has the power to create or abolish a recreation commission.  Myerstown Borough's recreation commission was established by Ordinance 447 on November 7, 1966.

Membership
In accordance with the Borough Code, the governing body may appoint between 5 and 9 members to recreation commission, serving 5-year staggered terms.  Myerstown Borough Council appoints 5 members to its recreation commission.  Members are not required by the Borough Code to be residents of the borough.  Members of the recreation commission cannot receive pay for their service.

Functions
The functions of the Recreation Commission are as follows:

  1. Give Advice and Provide Recommendations
    The Recreation Commission advises Borough Council on all aspects of municipal recreation and parks services including setting policies and accepting grants, gifts, donations, personal property or real estate.
  2. Evaluate Services
    The Recreation Commission helps ensure that quality municipal recreation and parks services are provided by giving feedback to elected officials.  Board members 1) observe recreation programs and interact with participants, 2) visit park areas and recreation facilities and evaluate how well they are maintained, 3) assess how recreation and parks services are managed to identify accomplishments, problems and future direction, and 4) report findings to municipal staff and elected officials.
  3. Determine Budget Needs and Monitor Finances
    The Recreation Commission helps to determine community needs and establish priorities for spending to ensure that funds are available to provide an adequate system of park areas, recreation facilities and programs.  The board should fully understand how recreation and parks services are funded, make recommendations on operating and capital budget needs as well as fees and charges, and monitor the recreation and parks budget throughout the year.
  4. Become Knowledgeable about Funding Sources
    The Recreation Commission should know which federal, state and county grant programs it is eligible to apply for, as well as the foundations that may supply monetary support for recreation and parks.
  5. Develop Relationships
    Creating and maintaining cooperative working relationships with citizens, community organizations, businesses, elected officials, school districts and government agencies is essential for the Recreation Commission to improve services and effectively serve its community.
  6. Serve as Liaisons
    The Recreation Commission promotes the need for and importance of recreation and parks services to the general public and municipal governing body.  Unless citizens and elected officials are kept informed with progress reports, they can’t be expected to support recreation and parks services.
  7. Plan for the Future
    The Recreation Commission develops goals, inventories the existing park areas, recreation facilities and programs within the community, determines what the needs are and sets priorities.  This process is typically done in cooperation with elected officials and through the development of a comprehensive recreation, park and open space plan. 
  8. Implement Plans
    A board is an action-oriented advocacy group that helps to get plans implemented.  It should be involved in all major decisions that involve expenditures, particularly those concerning land acquisition and park facility development.
  9. Coordinate Services
    The Recreation Commission researches recreation and parks related services provided by other community organizations and coordinates activities with them.  This encourages maximum use of facilities and lower cost recreation services.
  10. Recommend Programs
    The Recreation Commission sets recreation program goals and helps to make decisions on the types of programs to offer.  Board members participate in activities and special events and monitor them to see community reaction to programs and recommend improvements.  
  11. Promote and Publicize Services
    The Recreation Commission promotes parks, recreation facilities, and recreation programs and services to the community by distributing materials, interacting with residents at sponsored events and sending press releases about activities to the media.
  12. Inform Community and Build Public Support
    The Recreation Commission serves as an ambassador and grass-roots connection for recreation and parks by supporting programs and services, working to enhance its image, defending policies and programs, keeping elected officials and citizens informed about progress and enlisting their help and support.
  13. Encourage Citizen Participation and Input
    The Recreation Commission serves as a community forum for new ideas, programs, policies and procedures for recreation and parks. 
  14. Recruit, Orient, and Train Members
    It is part of a the Recreation Commission's responsibility to recruit and orient new board members.
  15. Understand the Scope of Authority
    The Recreation Commission must read and be familiar with its bylaws and abide by them, and understand its authority, structure, and legal responsibilities. 

Learn More
To learn more about the role of Recreation Commission board member, check out the Recreation and Parks Board Handbook, published by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.  You can download a copy by clicking the link below.

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD HANDBOOK (pdf)To learn more about the basic concept of recreation and parks in a community, check out Community Recreation and Parks, published by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.  You can download a copy by clicking the link below.

COMMUNITY RECREATION AND PARKS (pdf)

Board Composition: 
 - 5 Members
 - Appointed by Borough Council
 - Not required to be a Borough Resident; No more than 2 can be School Board Members
 - Term Length: 5 years
 
Myerstown Water Authority Board

The Myerstown Water Authority consists of five board members who must be a taxpayer in, maintain a business in, or be a citizen of a municipality into which one or more of the projects of the Authority extends or is to extend, or to which one or more projects has been or is to be leased.  Members are appointed by Borough Council to 5-year staggered terms.

Learn More
To learn more about municipal authorities, check out Municipal Authorities in Pennsylvania, published by the Pennsylvania Governor's Center for Local Government Services.  You can download a copy by clicking the link below.

MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES IN PENNSYLVANIA (pdf)

Board Composition: 
 - 5 Members
 - Appointed by Borough Council
 - Must reside at a residence served by the Water Authority
 - Term Length: 5 years
 
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) Board of Appeals

Section 111 of the International Property Maintenance Code of Myerstown Borough (The Code) allows any person aggrieved by a decision of the code official, or a notice or order issued under The Code, the right to appeal to the International Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals.  The Board must meet within 20 days of the submission of an appeal.  Hearings are held in the Council Room at the Myerstown Community Center.

Governing Document
The International Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals is governed by Section 111 of The Code.  The procedures and requirements are outlined in this section.

Membership
In accordance with The Code, the governing body may appoint 3 or more members to the Board, serving staggered terms.  Myerstown Borough Council appoints 3 members to serve 3-year staggered terms.  Members are not required to be residents of the borough.  Members should be qualified by experience and training to pass decisions on matters pertaining to property maintenance.  Members may not be employees of the borough.   IPMC Board of Appeals members do not receive compensation.
- 3 Members
- Appointed by Borough Council
- Not required to be a Borough resident
- Term Length: 3 years



Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Board of Appeals

What is the UCC Board of Appeals?
The UCC Board of Appeals is a judicial board that makes judgments on appeals of determinations of the Borough's Building Code Official on matters concerning building construction, structures and the general health, safety and welfare of the community under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

Governing Document
The UCC Board of Appeals is governed by the Pensylvania Uniform Construction Code

Membership
Myerstown Borough Council appoints 5 members to serve 5-year staggered terms.  Members should be qualified to serve by virtue of their training and experience on matters pertaining to building construction (e.g. licensure as an architect or engineer, experience in the construction industry, or training or experience as an inspector or plan reviewer).  Members are not required to be residents of the borough, although it is preferred.  Members may not be elected officials or employees of the borough.   UCC Board of Appeals members do not receive compensation.

Powers & Duties

Examples of specific duties of the Board of Appeals are as follows:

  • Hear and rule on appeals, requests for variances and requests for extensions of time under the PA UCC, as amended.
  • Have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and render final appeal adjudications in matters related to determinations of the Building Code Official in accordance with the procedures outlined in the PA UCC, as amended from time to time.
  • In accordance with the PA UCC, the Building Code Board of Appeals shall not act upon appeals, requests for variances or requests for extensions of time relating to accessibility.
  • Serve other municipalities only upon approval by resolution of the Board of Commissioners and upon mutual execution of an inter-municipal agreement in accordance with 53 Pa.C.S.A. § 2301-2315
LEARN MORE
To learn more about the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and the role of a UCC Board of Appeals member, check out the UCC website, published by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.  You can visit the page by clicking the link below.

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code

- 5 Members
- Appointed by Borough Council
- Not required to be a Borough resident
- Term Length: 5 years