§ 1-2-5 Planning and Zoning Commission.
A. PURPOSE. The Planning and Zoning Commission (hereinafter "Commission") is created to provide analysis and recommendation of the City's General Plan, proposed developments, rezonings, and Ordinance amendments to the City Council. Its purpose is to review all aspects of a proposed and future development including, but not limited to present and projected growth of the City, site planning and the relationship of the development to the surrounding environment and community. The Commission recognizes the interdependence of land values, aesthetics and good site planning by promoting harmonious, attractive and compatible development that is therefore considered to be in furtherance of the public health, safety and general welfare.
B. ORGANIZATION. There is created a Planning and Zoning Commission to consist of seven (7) members, each of whom shall be a resident of the City, to be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. Four members shall constitute a quorum, or as otherwise specified in the Commission’s By-Laws. The members of the City Planning and Zoning Commission shall serve for three (3) year terms unless sooner removed by the Council, provided nothing herein shall effect the expiration of the current terms of said City Planning and Zoning Commission. All members shall hold office until their successors are appointed and qualified. Any member of the Commission may be removed by the Mayor with the consent of a majority vote of the City Council for inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance in any office, or other good and sufficient cause. Any vacancy shall be filled within a reasonable time and by appointment by the Mayor with approval of the City Council for the unexpired term.
The members of the Commission may be compensated for the time spent in performance of official duties at such rates and schedules as the Council may establish. Individuals may not serve more than three (3) consecutive three-year terms, subsequent to the effective date of this Ordinance.
1. The Commission shall elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among its own members.
2. Meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public. The minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member and records of its examinations and other official actions shall be kept and filed in the office of the City Clerk as a public record.
3. The Commission shall adopt rules of procedure not inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance for the conduct of its business and procedure.
4. The concurring vote of a simple majority of the Commission shall be necessary to recommend approval of any application. Any other motion shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order.
5. The Zoning Administrator shall serve ex-officio as Secretary of the Commission, but shall have no vote.
6. The Commission may hold closed executive sessions or like sessions for the purposes and the manner provided by law.
7. When any Commission member has direct pecuniary or proprietary interest in any matter before the Commission, said member shall declare same, be excused, and refrain from participating in voting on any matters over which the conflict occurs while being considered by the Commission.
C. POWERS. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the following powers:
1. Hear requests for amendments, which include planned area developments, of the text of this Ordinance or the Zoning Map of the City, and recommend approval, denial, or approval with revisions of such requests to the City Council.
2. Hear requests for the granting of special uses or Use Permits required and stipulated by this Ordinance and recommend approval, denial, or approval with revisions of such requests to the City Council.
3. Hear requests for planned area developments and subdivisions and recommend approval, denial, or approval with revisions of such requests to the City Council.
4. To promulgate rules of procedure and to supervise the enforcement of rules so promulgated by the Commission.
5. To advise the City Council in all such matters that may pertain to planning and zoning.
6. To oversee, and conduct requisite public hearings for the adoption, updating and processing of amendments to the General Plan. (Am. Ord. 22-1551, passed 8-29-22)