A. Purpose: In accordance with the provisions of Arizona law, the town council may update and amend the town of Parker general plan. Such amendments or changes may be initiated by the town council, planning and zoning commission, town staff or by a property owner or his/her designated representative.
B. Application: Before the town accepts any applications, the applicant shall schedule and attend a preapplication meeting. The purpose of the preapplication meeting is to discuss, in general, the procedures and requirements for the general plan amendment pursuant to these regulations and the town of Parker general plan. All applications shall be filed on a form provided by the zoning administrator and shall be accompanied by the required fee and all required materials as outlined in this title and/or on the application. Depending upon the specific circumstances of the amendment, additional materials may be required by the town in order to adequately review the application.
C. Procedures: An application for a general plan amendment shall be processed and public hearings shall be held in accordance with the Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.06, this title, and those provisions prescribed in the Parker general plan. Only one town council hearing is designated each year to review and approve all general plan amendments.
D. Approval Criteria: In determining whether the proposed general plan amendment shall be approved, the planning and zoning commission and town council shall assure that the proposed amendment meets all of the following criteria:
1. The development pattern contained in the existing Parker general plan - land use plan does not adequately provide appropriate optional sites for the use or change proposed in the amendment.
2. That the amendment constitutes an overall improvement to the Parker general plan and is not solely for the good or benefit of a particular landowner or owners at a particular point in time.
3. That the amendment will not adversely impact the community as a whole or a portion of the community by:
a. Significantly altering acceptable existing land use patterns;
b. Requiring additional and more expensive improvements to roads, sewer, or water delivery systems than are needed to support the prevailing land uses and which, therefore, may impact developments in other areas;
c. Adversely impacting existing or previously planned uses through increased traffic generated by the proposal on existing systems; or
d. Affecting the livability of the area or the health and safety of the residents.
4. That the amendment is consistent with the general plan's overall intent, vision, goals and objectives as well as being compliant with other adopted plans, codes, and ordinances.
5. It shall be the burden of the party requesting the general plan amendment to prove that the change constitutes an improvement to the general plan. It shall not be the burden of the town to provide a reason that an amendment should be denied. (Ord. 03-2005, 9-6-2005)