(a) There is hereby created a Planning Commission, consisting of five citizen members who are electors of the City, to be appointed by the Mayor subject to approval by the Council by a majority vote of its members. The Director of Development shall be an ex-officio member of the Commission and may take part in discussions, but shall not cast any vote. Commission members whenever possible should have a background in city planning, law, finance, real estate, community development, architecture, civil engineering, or related field. Except for the Director of Development, no person shall serve as a member of the Commission at the same time he or she is an employee or official of the City. Each citizen member shall serve for a three year term of office.
(Amended 11-6-12) (Amended 11-7-17.)
(b) The Planning Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting each month; except the Commission, by its rules or by a majority vote of its members, may designate one month in which regular meetings shall not be held.
(c) The Planning Commission shall have the power to hear applications for zoning district changes, review zoning regulation changes, review plats and subdivision regulations, and to exercise such other powers, duties, and functions as provided for by Council. The Commission shall conduct studies and surveys, and prepare advisory plans, reports and maps relative to planning, land use, zoning, and transportation or other infrastructure of the City. The Commission shall be responsible for the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive plan, land use plan, transportation plan, or other similar development plans and guidelines for the City and subsequent plan amendments, for Council approval. The Planning Commission shall assist the Director of Development or other City officials with drafting and review of development policies for the City. The Commission may make such advisory recommendations concerning such matters to the Council as the Commission believes to be in the best interest of the City. The Commission may exercise any powers, duties, or functions provided to municipal planning commissions by State law that do not otherwise conflict with Council ordinances or resolutions, or this Charter.
(Amended 11-7-17.)