The regulations, restrictions, boundaries, and options set forth in this chapter may be amended, supplemented, revised, or repealed from time to time as conditions warrant, subject to the following conditions.
(A) Application. An application for a proposed amendment shall be filed with the governing body. Amendments may be instituted by either the property owner or his designated representative or by an appropriate governmental agency.
(B) Public hearing. Upon application, the governing body shall schedule a hearing having first given 30 days notice of such hearings by one publication in a legally designated paper. The governing body shall consider and make recommendations on all proposed amendments, taking into account the testimony at the hearing; a site inspection of the property in question; the recommendations from the Health Department; or other official bodies; and the standards provided below.
(C) Time limit and notification. All proposed applications for amendments shall be decided by the governing body within 60 days of the public hearing.
(D) Procedure. Any amendment to this chapter shall be adopted as any other ordinance or change in ordinance.
(E) Standards for amendments. A proposed amendment shall be considered on its own merits using the following criteria as a guide:
(1) Text or map amendments:
(a) The proposed amendment shall be necessary because of substantially changed or changing conditions of the area and district affected, or in the town generally;
(b) The proposed amendment shall be consistent with the intent and purposes of this chapter;
(c) The proposed amendment shall not adversely affect any other part of this chapter, nor shall any direct or indirect adverse effects result from such amendment; and
(d) The proposed amendment shall be consistent with and not in conflict with the comprehensive plan of the town including any of its elements; the major road plan, land use plan, community facilities plan, and others.
(2) No new zoning district shall be created to contain an area of less than four acres. The four acres need not be under common ownership.
(3) Errors or oversights as may be found in the ordinance as originally adopted shall be corrected under the normal amendment procedure.
(Ord. 10.6, passed 3-17-2009)