A. Purpose
The purpose of this section is to provide a uniform means for amending the text of this Code whenever the public necessity, convenience, general welfare, comprehensive plan, or appropriate land use practices justify or require doing so.
B. Text Amendment Procedure
1. Step 1: Pre-Application Meeting
Optional (See Section 155.2301.).
2. Step 2: Neighborhood Meeting
Not applicable.
3. Step 3: Application Submittal and Acceptance
Applicable (See Section 155.2303.), except applications may be initiated by the City Commission, P&Z, or Development Services Director, as well as a person who may submit an application in accordance with Section 155.2303.A, Authority to Submit Applications.
4. Step 4: Staff Review and Action
Applicable to a recommendation by the Development Services Director following DRC review and comment; except that if the application is initiated by the City Commission, P&Z, or Development Services Director no DRC review or comment is required. (See Section 155.2304.).
5. Step 5: Public Hearing Scheduling and Notice
Applicable (See Section 155.2305.), except that if the application involves changes to provisions relating to the review of applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the Development Services Director shall also provide the State Historic Preservation Officer—at least 30 days before the date of the public hearing before the City Commission—a mailed notice of the hearing inviting comments on the application at or before the hearing. Any comments received from the State Historic Preservation Officer shall be submitted as part of the hearing record, for consideration before action on the application.
6. Step 6: Advisory Body Review and Recommendation
Applicable to recommendations by the following advisory bodies (See Section 155.2306.):
a. The P&Z, for all applications; and
b. The HPC, for applications that involve changes to provisions relating to the review of applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Before making its recommendation, the P&Z shall conduct a standard public hearing on the application in accordance with Section 155.2307.B, Public Hearing.
7. Step 7: Decision-Making Body Review and Decision
Applicable to a final decision by the City Commission, following two standard public hearings (See Section 155.2307.).
C. Text Amendment Review Standards
The advisability of amending the text of this Code is a matter committed to the legislative discretion of the City Commission and is not controlled by any one factor. In determining whether to adopt or deny the proposed amendment, the City Commission shall weigh the relevance of and consider whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment:
1. Is consistent with the comprehensive plan;
2. Does not conflict with any provision of this Code or the
Code of Ordinances
;
3. Is required by changed conditions;
4. Addresses a demonstrated community need;
5. Is consistent with the purpose and intent of the zoning districts in this Code, or would improve compatibility among uses and would ensure efficient development within the city;
6. Would result in a logical and orderly development pattern; and
7. Would not result in significantly adverse impacts on the natural environment, including but not limited to water, air, noise, storm water management, wildlife, vegetation, wetlands, and the natural functioning of the environment.
D. Expiration
Approval of a Text Amendment shall not expire, but the amended text of this Code is subject to further amendment in accordance with the Text Amendment procedures set forth in this section.