(A) Scope of authority and duties. It shall be the duty of the Planning and Zoning Commission:
(1) To periodically review, amend, and/or recommend to City Council a comprehensive plan for the city which shall include, but not be limited to consideration of: population trends, land use, housing, transportation and streets, economic development factors, natural resources, community resources and public facilities, public utilities and services, storm drainage systems, parks and recreation facilities, capital improvements, and any other factors that may impact the community and its quality of life.
(2) To determine if and when zoning regulations may be beneficial for the city; to propose the boundaries of each zone; and to recommend to the Council approval or disapproval of proposed changes in the zoning plan.
(3) To review and analyze subdivision plats and make recommendations to the City Council about accepting or rejecting said plats.
(4) To make and identify community values and standards, which will guide the development of the city for the future which may include, but not be limited to: considering what in the community needs to be preserved and enhanced, determining what negative factors in the community should be reduced or eliminated, identifying what tools may be needed to accomplish this, determining what aesthetic qualities of the community are advisable, etc.
(5) To consider what can be done to enhance the working relationships as it relates to planning activities between and with, other either public or private agencies, such as Willis ISD, the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), Montgomery County, the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District, the City of Conroe, other Willis citizens advisory committees and commissions, etc.
(6) To make written recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding any other phases of community development projects that are beneficial to the citizens.
(B) Comprehensive plan.
(1) The comprehensive plan shall serve as a guide for the physical development of the city and shall contain the Commission's recommendations for growth, development and beautification of the city. A copy of the comprehensive plan, or any part thereof, shall be submitted to the Council, which may adopt such plan in whole or in part, after at least one public hearing on the proposed action. The Council shall act on such plan, or part thereof, within 60 days following its submission. If such plan, or part thereof, shall be rejected by the Council, the Commission may modify such plan, or part thereof, and resubmit it to the Council for reconsideration.
(2) All amendments to the comprehensive plan recommended by the Commission shall be submitted and considered by the Council in the same manner as provided above.
(C) Soliciting assistance. The Commission may request the assistance of consultants, citizens and the city staff to assist it with its work. The Commission may appoint sub-committees within the Commission to specific tasks to address special problem areas and bring recommendations back to the Commission.
(D) By-laws. The Commission may adopt by-laws to govern the action of the Commission, provided they have been approved by the City Council prior to taking effect.
(Ord. 09-0421, passed 4-21-2009)