A. Criteria Specified: When evaluating any proposed amendment under this chapter, the hearing examiner or commission and council shall make findings of fact on the following criteria:
1. The proposed amendment is in accordance with the comprehensive plan;
2. Essential public facilities and services are available to support the full range of proposed uses without creating excessive additional requirements at public cost for the public facilities and services;
3. The proposed uses are compatible with the surrounding area; and
4. The proposed amendment will promote the public health, safety and general welfare.
B. Rezones: When evaluating any proposed zoning ordinance map amendment to rezone property to business (B) zoning district, limited business (LB) zoning district or transitional (TN) zoning district, the hearing examiner or commission and council shall consider the following:
1. Vacancy rates of existing buildings and land within the existing business (B), limited business (LB) or transitional (TN) zoning districts. A lower vacancy rate will favor a rezone, while a higher vacancy rate will not favor a rezone.
2. The distance of the parcel proposed for rezone from the central core overlay district boundary. A shorter distance from the central core overlay district boundary will favor a rezone, while a longer distance from the central core overlay district boundary will not favor a rezone. (Ord. 1191, 2015)