SECTION 53. REFERRAL OF ZONING ORDINANCES TO PLANNING COMMISSION.

   Each ordinance or resolution establishing, amending, revising, changing or repealing zoning classifications, districts, uses, or regulations shall be referred to the Planning Commission immediately after its first reading. Within sixty days of such referral the Planning Commission shall cause such ordinance or resolution to be returned to the Clerk of Council together with the written recommendations of the majority of the members of such Commission.

   All ordinances or resolutions which are referred to the Planning Commission and which receive a favorable recommendation shall be passed and approved by a vote of a majority of Council members in order to be adopted. No such ordinance or resolution which receives an unfavorable recommendation by the Planning Commission or which violates, differs from or departs from the written recommendation of the Planning Commission shall take effect unless passed and approved by a vote of not less than five members of the Council.

   If the Planning Commission shall fail to make a recommendation to Council within the time allotted, Council may act thereon as if it had received a recommendation of approval in such matter.

   Any matter so referred to the Planning Commission shall be considered and final action be taken by it within sixty days from the date of referral unless a longer time be authorized by Council or by the mutual agreement between the applicant and the Planning Commission.

(Amended 11-4-08.)