A. Purpose. The purpose of a zoning code amendment is to allow modification to any provisions of this title (including the adoption of new regulations or deletion of existing regulations) or to rezone or change the zoning designation on the zoning map for any parcel(s). This section is consistent with California Government Code Section 65853.
B. Approving Authority. The designated approving authority for zoning amendments is the City Council which shall hold a public hearing on the Planning Commission recommendation prior to taking action. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing and then shall provide a recommendation, which recommendation shall include the reasons for the recommendation and the relationship of the proposal to the general plan and the specific plans. The City Council approves, conditionally approves, or denies the zoning amendment in accordance with the requirements of this title.
C. Initiation of Amendment. A zoning amendment to this title may be initiated by motion of the Planning Commission or City Council, by application by property owner(s) of parcel(s) to be affected by zoning amendment, or by recommendation of the Community Development Director to clarify text, address changes mandated by state law, maintain General plan consistency, address boundary adjustments affecting land use designation(s), or for any other reason beneficial to the city.
D. Approval Findings. Zoning amendments shall be granted only when the City Council makes the following findings:
1. The proposed zoning amendment (text or map) is consistent with the general plan goals, policies, and implementation programs.
E. Adoption. Adoption of the Zoning Amendment by ordinance of the City Council shall constitute final action and approval of the amendment. Authorization for construction or occupancy in accordance with the amendment may only be granted upon or after the effective date of the action. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)