(a) Planning Commission. The Ohio Constitution, Revised Code and City of Chardon Charter Section 7.02 authorize the creation and designates the composition of the Planning Commission.
(b) Organization and Procedure.
(1) The Planning Commission shall adopt such procedural rules and regulations to govern the Commission's procedures. The Commission shall organize at its first meeting in every even numbered year and elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman.
(2) The City Manager shall appoint a city employee to serve as Secretary for the Commission.
(3) The Secretary shall keep minutes and make audio recordings of the Commission's proceedings. The vote on each issue shall be made by roll call. The Secretary shall record the vote of each member or that the member abstained or was absent. The Secretary shall keep and maintain all meeting minutes, announcements of decision, other written records and audio recordings, which shall be filed and stored in the office of the Community Development Administrator.
(4) The Commission shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and documents, administer oaths, and punish for contempt.
(5) The Commission may request advice and guidance from City officials and employees in the performance of its duties.
(c) Conflict of Interest. If a Commission member has a conflict of interest concerning an issue, or owns real property within 200 feet of the boundary of the parcel which is the subject of an application and under consideration, the member shall step down and shall not participate as a Commission member in the discussion or decision of the application.
(1) Investigate, prepare and submit to Council comprehensive plans and amendments thereto, addressing the future development and capital improvements of the City, taking into consideration the existing utilities, convenience, aesthetics, physical needs, densities and the social welfare, health, safety and physical wellbeing of the residents.
(2) When requested by Council or the City Manager, consider, investigate and report upon any special matter or issue within the scope of its jurisdiction and authority, and make recommendations thereon.
(3) Prepare and recommend to Council amendments to the regulations governing development within the City.
(4) Review matters of community growth and development, prepare reports and make recommendations thereon to Council.
(5) Hear and decide the appeal of an order, interpretation, determination or decision made by a City official in the administration or enforcement of the Planning and Zoning Code or in the administration or enforcement of Title One and Title Three of the Streets, Utilities and Public Service Code.
(6) Authorize variances from the Code, upon a showing by the applicant that, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the Code will result in either practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, will not be contrary to the public interest, the purpose and spirit of the Code will be followed and substantial justice will be done.
(7) Conduct hearings and decide all matters properly before the Commission.
(8) Review and act upon all development plans.
(9) Decide zoning district boundary issues following the standards and criteria of Chapter 1105 (Establishment of Zoning Districts and Map) and conduct hearings to decide zoning district boundary uncertainties and disputes.
(10) Review and decide Sign Concept Plans.
(11) Review and decide conditional use certificates.
(12) Review proposed amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code and Official Zoning District Map and make recommendations to the Council thereon.
(13) Investigate, conduct hearings, prepare reports and make recommendations to Council on amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code and the Official Zoning District Map, which the Planning Commission determines are consistent with the purposes thereof and which further the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City.
(14) Review and act upon proposed subdivision plans and plats.
(15) Convene and discuss in executive session those matters permitted by the Ohio Sunshine Law.
(e) Intra-governmental Cooperation. The City and its departments, divisions, boards and commissions shall cooperate with and assist the Planning Commission in implementing the purposes for which it is formed and the plan, design, location, removal, relocation and alteration of any public building or structure and public property; and the location, widening, extension and vacating of street, alleys, public ways, parks, playgrounds, recreation areas and other public places. (Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)