Rhode Island General Laws Title 45. Towns and Cities § 45-22-3. Membership.

(a) Unless the local ordinances allow for a combined review board as set forth in §§ 45-22-1 and 45-24-56.1, a municipality shall provide for the creation of a planning board or commission and the appointment of its members, including alternate members, pursuant to § 45-22-2, and for the organization of such board or commission. The board or commission shall consist of no less than five (5) members and up to two (2) alternates, and appointments shall be made for terms of such length that the terms of no more than one third ( 1/3 ) of the members of the board or commission expire each year. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of a planning board or commission shall be filled by the appointing authority for the remainder of the unexpired term. Any member of a planning board or commission may be removed from office by the appointing authority for due cause, following a public hearing.

(b) Vacancies to the planning board or commission occurring after May 4, 1972, shall be filled in the manner prescribed in this section, except as provided in § 45-22-1 in cities or towns operating under a home rule charter.