(A) The Zoning, Planning and Appeals Commission shall make written findings of fact and shall submit same together with its recommendations to the Board of Trustees. Where the purpose and effect of the proposed amendment is to change the zoning classification of particular property, the Board shall make findings based upon the evidence presented to it in each specific case with respect to the following matters:
(1) Existing use of property within the general area of the property in question;
(2) The extent to which property values are diminished by the existing zoning classification;
(3) The extent to which the existing zoning classification and/or proposed zoning promotes the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizenry of the Village;
(4) The relative gain to the public as compared to the hardship imposed upon the applicant;
(5) The suitability of the particular property for the purposes for which it is presently zoned;
(6) The length of time that the property has been vacant, as presently zoned, considered in the context of the land development in the area in which the property is located; and
(7) The compatibility of the proposed zoning with the comprehensive plan of the Village.
(B) The Zoning, Planning and Appeals Commission shall not recommend the adoption of a proposed amendment unless it finds that the adoption of such amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the interest of the applicant; and that either the proposed amendment will correct an existing error or changing conditions make the proposed amendment necessary. The Zoning, Planning and Appeals Commission may recommend the adoption of an amendment changing the zoning classification of the property in question to any higher classification than that requested by the applicant. For the purpose of this division, the R-1 Single-Family District shall be considered the highest classification and the I-2 General Industrial District shall be considered the lowest classification.
(Ord. 05-2539, passed 10-11-05)