(a) In order to avail itself of the powers conferred by this subchapter, the county government shall appoint a commission of 5 members which shall be known as the Kent County Zoning Commission. Each member shall be appointed for a term of 6 years except that a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring for any reason other than expiration of term, shall be appointed for the unexpired term.
(b) Each member shall be a freeholder and resident of Kent County, 4 of whom shall live outside any incorporated city or town. No more than 3 of the members of the Commission shall be of the same political party. Originally 3 members shall be appointed for 3 years, and the remaining 2 for 6 years so that at any biennial election, no more than 3 members shall be up for appointment. Members of the Regional Planning Commission otherwise qualified, shall be eligible for appointment to the Kent County Zoning Commission.
(c) Upon adoption of permanent zoning regulations by the county government, the Zoning Commission shall cease to exist and the members of the Zoning Commission shall become voting members of and shall serve out their terms on the Kent County Regional Planning Commission. Upon expiration of the said original terms, reappointment or appointment of new members shall be in accordance with the terms established for members of the Regional Planning Commission. Following consolidation with the Zoning Commission, the Kent County Regional Planning Commission shall henceforth exercise all of the powers and duties herein set forth for the Zoning Commission.