(A) Generally. A zone change changes the zoning district of a property on the Official Zoning Map from one zoning district to another.
(B) Applicability. A zone change (map amendment) may be initiated by the owner of the property to be rezoned or their authorized agent or representative, the City Council, or the Plan and Zoning Commission (PZC). Zone change applications by property owners and their agents or representatives shall be submitted on a form approved by the Administrator.
(C) Review criteria. In determining whether to approve, approve with conditions, or deny a zone change, the review bodies shall consider provisions of Subsec. 156.J.002.5, Common Review Criteria, together with the following:
(1) Property dimensions. The dimensions of the subject property to accommodate reasonable development that complies with the requirements of this ZO, including parking, open space, and buffering requirements;
(2) Need. The pace of development and the amount of vacant land currently zoned for comparable development in the vicinity of the subject property;
(3) Hardship. A comparison of the hardship to the applicant with the relative gain to the public health, safety, and welfare;
(4) Consistency. The proposed zone change is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan or Future Land Use Map and increase the likelihood of advancing the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map, or another adopted area plan, including but not limited to redevelopment plans;
(5) Compatibility. The range of uses allowed by the proposed zoning district will be compatible with the properties in the immediate vicinity of the subject property;
(6) Suitability. The suitability of the subject property for the zoned purposes;
(7) Changed conditions. The character of the surrounding area is transitioning or being affected by other factors, such as traffic, a new school, adjoining uses, or environmental issues; and
(8) Support. Nearby property owners are in support of, or do not oppose, the proposed map amendment.
(D) Procedures.
(1) Review and decision. The Zoning Administrator shall review proposed zone change and give a report to the PZC. The PZC shall hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the City Council, who shall subsequently conduct a public hearing before making final action to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the proposed zone change.
(2) Public notice and public hearing. The required public notice and public hearing as denoted in Table 156.J.002.12-2, Review Steps, shall be conducted in conformance with the procedures set out in Subsec. 156.J.002.6, Public Notice, and Subsec. 156.J.002.7, Public Meetings and Hearings.
(E) Effect of approval. A zone change is recorded as follows:
(1) Legal description. The ordinance shall include a legal description of the area rezoned and a map of the same;
(2) Record. The City Clerk will maintain a record of all ordinances that change the zoning classification of real property; and
(3) Map update. The Zoning Administrator shall update the Official Zoning Map to reflect the new zoning district for the subject property.