§ 45-24-56.1. Administration — Authority to establish a combined review board.
(a) A zoning ordinance may provide for the creation of a combined review board and for
the appointment of members, including alternate members as set forth herein, and for
the organization of the board, as specified in the zoning ordinance. Such board, if
authorized and appointed, shall take the place of a separate planning board/commission
and zoning board in the municipality. The board shall have the powers, authority,
responsibilities, and duties attributable to the zoning board or planning board/commission
as set forth in chapters 22, 22.2, 23, 24, 24.1, 32, and 53 of this title. A zoning
ordinance may provide for remuneration to the board members and for reimbursement
for expenses incurred in the performance of official duties. The board may engage
legal, technical, or clerical assistance to aid in the discharge of its duties. The
board shall establish written rules of procedure; a mailing address to which appeals
and correspondence are sent; and an office where records and decisions are filed.
(b) The combined review board shall consist of at least five (5) members. A zoning ordinance
shall provide for the length of term of each member, but shall not exceed five (5)
years. The board shall also include at least two (2), or up to four (4) alternates
to be designated as each respectively numbered alternate, their terms to be set by
the ordinance, but not to exceed five (5) years. These alternate members shall sit
and may actively participate in hearings. The first alternate shall vote if a member
of the board is unable to serve at a hearing; the second shall vote if two (2) members
of the board are unable to serve at a hearing; if there is a third alternate, such
alternate shall vote if three (3) members of the board are unable to serve at a hearing;
and if there is a fourth alternate, such alternate shall vote if four (4) members
of the board are unable to serve at a hearing. In the absence of an alternate member
or members, the next numbered alternate member or members shall serve in the position
of the alternate or alternates. A minimum of four (4) members, which may include alternates,
shall form a duly constituted quorum. No member or alternate may vote on any matter
before the board unless they have attended all hearings concerning that matter. The
zoning ordinance shall specify procedures for filling vacancies in unexpired terms
of board members, and for removal of members for due cause.
(c) The agenda for a meeting of a combined review board shall state clearly which matters
are to be reviewed pursuant to its local and statutory authority as the planning board.
(d) Nothing herein shall change or alter the application, procedure, voting, notice, or
other requirements set forth in the chapter governing the underlying application before
the board.