All recommendations by the Planning Commission for Zoning Map amendments shall be consistent with the City's adopted plans, goals, policies and intent of this Zoning Ordinance.
(a) Prior to making a recommendation on a proposed rezoning, the Planning Commission shall make a finding to determine if the following conditions exist. No rezoning of land shall be approved prior to specific documentation finding at least one (1) of the following:
(1) There has been a change in demand for land which alters the information upon which the Zoning Map is based.
(2) A study indicates that there has been an increase in the demand for land in the requested zoning district, and as a result, the supply of land within said zoning district is inadequate to meet the demands for such development.
(3) Proposed uses cannot be accommodated by sites already zoned in the City due to lack of transportation or utilities or other development constraints, or the market to be served by the proposed use cannot be effectively served by the location of the existing zoning district.
(4) There is an error in the Zoning Map as enacted.
(b) No residentially zoned land of less than five (5) acres in size shall be rezoned to a non-residential district unless it is contiguous to land in the proposed zoning district classification.
(c) In addition to the findings required to be made by subsections (a) and (b), findings shall be made by the Planning Commission on each of the following matters based on the evidence presented.
(1) The extent to which the proposed amendment and proposed use are in compliance with and deviate from adopted plans, goals and policies.
(2) The suitability of the property in question for the uses permitted under the proposed zoning.
(3) The adequacy of public facilities such as transportation, utilities, and other required public services to serve the proposed use.
(4) The effect of the proposed rezoning on surrounding uses.
(5) The effect of the proposed rezoning on the economic viability of existing developed and vacant land within the City.
The Planning Commission shall not recommend the adoption of a proposed amendment unless it finds that the adoption of such an amendment is in the public interest and not solely in the interest of the applicant.
(Ord. 26-99-0. Passed 8-23-99.)