A. Purpose
The purpose of this section is to provide a uniform means for reviewing and deciding proposed general amendments to the Official Zoning Map (Rezoning) whenever the public necessity, convenience, general welfare, comprehensive plan, or appropriate land use practices justify or require doing so.
B. General Zoning Map Amendment Procedure
1. Step 1: Pre-Application Meeting
Optional (See Section 155.2301.).
2. Step 2: Neighborhood Meeting
Optional (See Section 155.2302.).
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 (See Section 155.2304.).
5. Step 5: Public Hearing Scheduling and Notice
Applicable (See Section 155.2305.).
6. Step 6: Advisory Body Review and Recommendation
Applicable to recommendations by the P&Z (See Section 155.2306.), following a standard public hearing on the application conducted in accordance with Section 155.2307.B, Public Hearing.
7. Step 5: Decision-Making Body Review and Decision
Applicable to a final decision by the City Commission, following a standard public hearing (See Section 155.2307.), except that the City Commission's final decision shall be one of the following:
a. Approval of the application as submitted;
b. Approval of the application with a reduction in the area proposed to be rezoned;
c. Approval of a rezoning to a more restricted base zoning district; or
d. Denial of the application.
C. General Zoning Map Amendment Review Standards
The advisability of a general amendment to the Official Zoning Map 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 a proposed General Zoning Map Amendment, the city shall weigh the relevance of and consider whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment:
1. Is consistent with the Future Land Use Category and any applicable goals, objectives, and policies of the comprehensive plan.
D. Expiration
Approval of a General Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) shall not expire, but the amended Official Zoning Map is subject to further amendment in accordance with the map amendment procedures set forth in this section.