Duties of The Planning & Zoning Commission

Duties of The Planning & Zoning Commission: (For full description, see City Code 10-2-1)

• Creation & Annual Review of a Comprehensive Plan: The comprehensive plan shall constitute the basis or guide for public action to ensure coordinated and harmonious development or redevelopment that will best promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity and general welfare as well as the wise and efficient expenditure of public funds.

• Capital Improvement Program: The planning commission shall evaluate proposed public improvement, facility or utility for conformity with the comprehensive plan. An exception is permitted when the planning commission has reviewed a capital improvement program and found that a specific public improvement, public facility or public utility is in conformity with the comprehensive plan.

• Subdivision Regulations: The planning commission may establish subdivision regulations for all land located in the city and may apply such regulations to land outside of but within three (3) miles of the city limits. The planning commission shall determine if a subdivision plat conforms to the provisions of the subdivision regulations.

• Variances: The planning commission may grant variances on preliminary subdivision plats when in the opinion of the majority of the planning commission, such variation is essential to preserve natural resources, overcome a practical difficulty, and serve the public interest.

• Zoning Regulations: The planning commission shall advise and recommend adoption and amendment of zoning regulations. The planning commission may establish zoning regulations for all land located in the city and may apply such regulations to land outside of but within three (3) miles of the city limits. The planning commission shall recommend to the city council the nature and the number of zoning districts that it deems necessary.

• Evaluate Changes In Zoning Boundaries: The planning commission shall conduct public hearings and provide a recommendation to the city council on all proposed amendments to zoning district boundaries. This shall include conditional or special uses.

• Approval of Site Plans: The planning commission may establish zoning regulations that require the approval of site plans to assist in the planned development of a site and the aesthetics of redevelopment or new development.

• Planning Commission Budget: The planning commission may submit a budget to the city council for the employment of employees and consultants for the implementation of planning and administration of zoning and subdivision regulations.

• Annual Meeting: The planning commission shall hold an annual meeting each year for the purpose of electing a chair, a vice-chair, and a secretary, and to review the Comprehensive Plan.