(A) Every proposed amendment, supplement, change, modification or repeal of this chapter shall be referred to the Planning Board for its recommendation and report. The Planning Board shall consider and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners concerning each proposed zoning amendment. The Planning Board shall follow policy guidelines for all zoning amendments. A proposed zoning amendment will not receive favorable recommendation unless:
(1) The proposal will place all property similarly situated in the area in the same category, or in appropriate complementary categories.
(2) There is convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed zone classification would be in the general public interest and not merely in the interest of an individual or small group.
(3) There is convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed zone classification would be appropriate in the area included in the proposed change. (When a new zone designation is assigned, any use permitted in the zone is allowable, so long as it meets zone requirements, and not merely uses which applicants state that they intend to make of the property involved.)
(4) There is convincing demonstration that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially or adversely affected by any use permitted in the proposed change.
(5) The proposed change is in accord with the county Land Use Plan and sound planning principles.
(B)
The Planning Board shall render its decision on any properly filed petition within 30 days after the introduction of such petition and shall transmit its recommendation and report, including the reasons for its determinations, to the Board of County Commissioners and the applicant.
(Ord. 39, passed 10-3-2011; Am. Ord. 5-3-2021)