(A) Setting of hearings. For all requests brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission for which a public hearing is required by this chapter, the public hearing shall be held at a reasonable time as set by the city in the City Council Chambers, or such other designated site.
(B) Notice of hearings.
(1) Notice of public hearings shall be given not more than 30 days and not less than ten days before the hearing by publication at least once in the official newspaper of the city. Such notice shall include the time and place of the hearing, a description of the contents of the request to be heard and the address or location of the property to which the request applies.
(2) In addition to the general notice to the public, separate notice by letter shall be required for all property owners residing within an area distance of 350 feet from the boundaries of the applicant's property. Such notices shall be sent by the city and addresses taken from current Sibley County Records shall be deemed sufficient for such notification.
(3) Failure of a property owner to receive said notice shall not invalidate any such proceedings as set forth within this chapter.
(C) Conduct of hearing. Any person may appear and testify at a public hearing, either in person or by a duly authorized agent or attorney, or by a written, signed letter.
(D) Referral back to the Planning and Zoning Commission. If, upon receiving facts and findings, and a recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Council finds that specific inconsistencies exist in the review process and thus the final recommendation of the City Council will differ from that of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Council may before taking final action, refer the matter back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further consideration. The City Council shall provide the Planning and Zoning Commission with a written statement detailing the specific reasons for referral.
(Ord. 366, passed 8-7-2024)