(a) (1) Formulation of zoning ordinances and amendments. The Planning Commission shall be responsible for the formulation of the zoning ordinance to include the official City map, review of amendments to either the zoning ordinance or map, and hold a public hearing on any proposed zoning ordinance or amendments to the ordinance or map. A report outlining any findings and the Planning Commission’s recommendations shall be forwarded to City Council.
(2) Site plan review. The Planning Commission shall be responsible for the review and approval of certain site plans as outlined in this title. The Commission shall grant or deny final approval for such site plans. Modifications may be required to the site plan before final approval is granted.’
(3) Uses subject to special approval review. The Planning Commission shall be responsible for holding a public hearing and reviewing all applications for uses subject to special approval as outlined in this title and in accordance with Public Act 33 of 2008, as may be amended. The Planning Commission may attach reasonable conditions to any approvals granted.
(4) Subdivision plats. The Planning Commission shall conduct tentative, preliminary, and final plat reviews and shall make recommendations for the approval, modification, or denial of such plat proposals to City Council.
(5) Variance review. The Planning Commission may review and make recommendations to the Board of Zoning Appeals on any variances that are required as part of site plan review.
(6) Formulation of a Master Plan. The Planning Commission shall be responsible for the formulation, adoption and amendments of the Master Plan as a guide for the development of the City.
(7) Other duties as assigned. The Planning Commission shall fulfill other duties and responsibilities as are delegated to it by City Council, City ordinances, and any State statutes.
(b) In cases where the Planning Commission is authorized to approve certain uses of premises, the applicant shall furnish such surveys, plans or other information as may be reasonably required by the Commission for the proper consideration of the matter.
(c) The Commission may impose such conditions or limitations in granting approval as may, in its judgment, be necessary to fulfill the spirit and purpose of this code. The Planning Commission may deny, approve, or approve with conditions, requests for uses permitted subject to special conditions. The decision of the Planning Commission shall be incorporated in a statement of conclusions relative to the uses permitted subject to special conditions under consideration. The decision shall specify the basis for the decision and any conditions imposed.
(d) Except where otherwise set forth in this title, any approval given by the Commission, shall lapse and cease to be in effect if work is not commenced within 12 months of the date of approval.
(e) The Commission shall not have the power to change the zoning classification of any property, nor to grant exceptions or variances from any terms of this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 934. Passed 5-18-11; Ord. 952. Passed 7-5-12.)