(A) Initiation of proceedings. Proceedings for the amendment of the Comprehensive Plan shall be initiated by one of the following:
(1) An owner of property or an authorized representative of an owner;
(2) Recommendation of the Planning Commission; or
(3) Action of the City Council.
(B) Application.
(1) All applications to amend the Comprehensive Plan shall be in accordance with the common review procedures and requirements plus:
(a) The names of the applicants;
(b) A narrative explaining the requested change the reasons why the Comprehensive Plan should be amended;
(c) The existing and proposed land use and zoning designation for all properties proposed to change (if applicable);
(d) A map of the properties modified to a different land use category, showing the addresses and land uses of for adjacent properties (if applicable); and
(e) The proposed text and/or maps to be added, amended, or deleted from the Comprehensive Plan along with documentation as to the location of the text changes in the Comprehensive Plan, if applicable.
(C) Review.
(1) Planning Commission. Before any amendment is adopted, the Planning Commission shall hold at least one public hearing after proper notice has been issued. Following the hearing, the Planning Commission shall adopt findings and recommendations on the proposed amendment as soon as practical.
(2) City Council. The City Council shall hold a public hearing on the amendment. After consideration of the Planning Commission recommendation and hearing, the City Council may adopt the amendment or any part thereof in such form as it deems advisable. Approval of an amendment shall require a two-thirds vote of all members of the City Council.
(D) Approval criteria. Recommendations and decisions on Comprehensive Plan amendments shall be based on consideration of the following criteria:
(1) Whether the proposed amendment corrects an error or addresses the need resulting from some changing condition, trend, or fact arising since the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan;
(2) Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with the guiding principles of the Comprehensive Plan;
(3) The extent to which the proposed amendment addresses a demonstrated community need;
(4) Whether the proposed amendment will protect the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the public;
(5) The impacts on the natural and built environments, including air, water, noise, stormwater management, wildlife habitat, water quality, vegetation, drainage, streets, and other engineering design or environmental factors;
(6) Whether the proposed amendment is compatible with existing and proposed uses surrounding the subject property; whether the proposed design and land uses are appropriate for the land; and whether the proposed amendment will maintain or improve compatibility among uses and ensure efficient development within the city;
(7) Whether the proposed amendment will result in a logical, orderly and predictable development pattern; and
(8) Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with the purpose of this chapter.
(Ord. 1040, passed 1-5-16)