Chapter 18.48
AMENDMENTS TO ZONING MAP AND REGULATIONS

Sections:

18.48.010    Amendments.

18.48.020    Initiation of amendments.

18.48.030    Recommendation by planning commission.

18.48.040    Result of planning commission denial.

18.48.050    City council decision.

18.48.060    Revisions of proposed amendments.

18.48.010 Amendments.

This title may be amended by changing the zoning map or the regulations. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]

18.48.020 Initiation of amendments.

A. Zoning Regulations. An amendment to the zoning regulations is initiated by motion of the city council or the planning commission, or by application or petition of a resident, property owner or business owner in the city.

B. Zoning Map. An amendment to the zoning map is initiated by motion of the city council or planning commission or by application of a qualified applicant as defined by PMC 18.12.030. If property that is the subject of an application is in more than one ownership, all the qualified applicants shall join in the application. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]

18.48.030 Recommendation by planning commission.

A. Following the public hearing by the planning commission, the commission shall make specific written findings in its recommendation, including reasons for its recommendation, as to whether or not:

1. The change proposed is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the general plan and applicable specific plan;

2. In the case of a base district, overlay district or general land use regulation, the change proposed is compatible with the uses authorized in, and the regulations prescribed for, the land use district for which it is proposed;

3. A community need is demonstrated for the change proposed;

4. Its adoption will be in conformity with public convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice.

B. The commission shall recommend approval, conditional approval, or disapproval of the proposal as submitted or in modified form. [Ord. 15-1390 § 3 (Exh. C), 2015; Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]

18.48.040 Result of planning commission denial.

A planning commission recommendation of denial of an application for a zoning map amendment or zoning regulation amendment submitted by application or petition terminates proceedings, unless appealed. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]

18.48.050 City council decision.

If the planning commission recommendation of denial of the application is appealed to the city council, the council shall, after the public hearing, approve, modify, or reject the commission recommendation. If the city council proposes to modify the proposal and the modification was not previously considered by the commission, the city council shall refer it to the commission for a report before adoption of an ordinance amending the zoning regulations or map.

If the planning commission fails to report within 40 days after referral or such longer period as the council designates, this failure is considered approval of the modification.

Before adoption of an ordinance, the council shall make findings that the proposed regulation or map amendment is consistent with the policies of the general plan and the notice and hearing provisions of this title. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]

18.48.060 Revisions of proposed amendments.

At or after a public hearing, the commission or the council may determine that the public interest would be served by:

A. Revising the boundaries of an area proposed for a zoning map amendment;

B. Considering a zoning map designation not originally presented in a motion, application, or commission recommendation;

C. Considering a zoning regulation amendment not originally presented in a motion, petition or commission recommendation. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]