(a) General. Except as provided below, applications for zoning code amendment shall be processed in accordance with the standard processing provisions of this article.
(b) Planning Commission Recommendation. The planning commission shall make a recommendation to the city council, in the form of an adopted resolution for approval, approval with modifications, or denial, on all zoning code text and/or map amendments that achieve any of the following:
1. Regulate the use of buildings, structures, and land as between industry, business, residences, open space, including agriculture, recreation, enjoyment of scenic beauty, use of natural resources, and other purposes.
2. Regulate signs and billboards.
3. Regulate the location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size of buildings and structures.
4. Regulate the size and use of lots, yards, courts, and other open spaces.
5. Regulate the percentage of a lot which may be occupied by a building or structure.
6. Regulate the intensity of land use.
7. Establish requirements for off-street parking and loading.
8. Establish and maintain building setback lines.
9. Create civic districts around civic centers, public parks, public buildings, or public grounds, and establish regulations for those civic districts.
When a proposed zoning code text and/or map amendment does not achieve any of the above ((b)1 to (b)-9) the action shall not require planning commission review.
All resolutions recommending denial of a zoning code text and/or map amendment shall be placed on the city council agenda as a receive-and-file item. The commission’s decision shall be considered and no further action by the city council will be required unless an appeal is filed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 21.88, or unless at least one council member chooses to set the matter for hearing.
(c) Modifications. If the city council proposes any substantial modification to the zoning code amendment not previously considered by the planning commission, the council shall refer the matter back to the commission for consideration. No public hearing shall be required. Failure of the commission to act within forty days of receiving the council's request shall provide the council with the authority to act without the recommendation.
(d) Adoption. Zoning code map/text amendments shall be adopted by ordinance of the city council, which constitutes final action.
(Ord. 624 § 12, 2008; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).