1244.04 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION.

   (a)   The Brunswick City Planning Commission shall have the following responsibilities and powers as they relate to this Code:

      (1)   Initiate Official Zoning Map or Code text changes, through recommendations to City Council, where the proposed change will further the recommendations of the adopted Comprehensive Plan and promote the best interest of the City of Brunswick and the public in general.

      (2)   Review all proposed amendments to the Official Zoning Map and to this Code and make recommendations on the proposed amendments to City Council.

      (3)   Review all Special Planning District applications and make recommendations to City Council as provided in Chapter 1268 of this Code.

      (4)   Review and act on all conditional zoning certificate applications as listed in the respective zoning districts according to the provisions and criteria in Chapter 1274 of this Code.

      (5)   Review and act on site plans as provided in Chapter 1278 of this Code.

      (6)   Conduct a continuous review of the effectiveness and appropriateness of this Code and recommend such changes or amendments as it finds would be appropriate.
(Ord. 53-97. Passed 6-11-97.)

   (b)   Variances.

      (1)   In the course of exercising its site plan review powers under Chapter 1278, the Planning Commission may, in specific cases, with the consent of City Council, and upon proper written applications, vary or permit exceptions to any of the provisions of Chapters 1250 (R-R Rural Residential District), 1252 (R-L Low Density Residential District), 1254 (R-M Medium Density Residential District), 1256 (C-N Neighborhood Commercial District), 1258 (C-H Highway Interchange Commercial District), 1260 (C-G General Commercial District), 1261 (GW-C Gateway Commercial District), 1262 (C-O Office Commercial District), 1264 (I-D Industrial Distribution District), 1266 (I-L Light Industrial District), if the Planning Commission expressly finds that both (1) such variance or exception will not violate the spirit of intent of the Chapter and (2) that a more harmonious and compatible development will result.
(Ord. 29-08. Passed 4-28-08.)

      (2)   Any applicant aggrieved by a Planning Commission decision concerning any variance application made pursuant to Section 1244.04(b)(1) shall have a right of appeal of that decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals, under Section 1246.07 of the City of Brunswick Codified Ordinances, as amended by Ordinance No. 147-06 adopted on January 23, 2006 and effective as of February 22, 2006.

      (3)   Therefore the same shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the required number of votes or from the earliest time allowed by law.
(Ord. 14-07. Passed 3-12- 07.)

   (c)   Planning Commission shall also have the responsibilities set forth in the Charter of the City of Brunswick.