Chapter 2.26
PLANNING COMMISSION
Sections:
2.26.010 Appointment and terms.
2.26.030 Recommendations to council.
2.26.050 Quorum and majority for adoption of action.
2.26.010 Appointment and terms.
A. Pursuant to the authority conferred by the laws of the state, Chapter 35A.63 RCW, there is created a city planning commission consisting of seven members who shall be appointed by the mayor with consent of the city council. The planning commission shall be deemed a planning agency pursuant to Chapter 35A.63 RCW.
B. The term of office of the planning commission members shall be three years each, with initial terms staggered so that not more than three terms expire in any given year.
C. Vacancies occurring otherwise than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired terms.
D. Members may be removed, after public hearing, by the mayor with the approval of the city council for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. Any planning commission member’s unexcused absence from three consecutive meetings shall be conclusively deemed cause for removal due to neglect of duty.
E. Planning commission members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations. All planning commission members shall be residents of the city of Bonney Lake; provided, that one member may reside outside of the city but within the city’s potential annexation area; and provided further, that one additional member may reside outside of the city, if the individual owns a business located within the city.
F. Prior to reappointing a planning commission member, the following shall be completed:
1. Public notice of the expiring term shall be provided to public giving members of the public 30 days to apply for the next term; and
2. The mayor shall review the applications submitted and determine to either reappoint the existing commission member or a new commission member. Both the reappointment and new appointment shall require consent of the city council. (Ord. 1709 § 5, 2023; Ord. 1688 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1479 § 1, 2014; Ord. 1213 § 4, 2006; Ord. 875 § 1, 2001; Ord. 236A § 1, 1974).
2.26.020 Powers and duties.
The planning commission shall be an advisory body to the city council responsible for providing advice and recommendation for Bonney Lake’s future growth. Duties and powers of the planning commission shall include:
A. Adoption of bylaws to govern planning commission meetings;
B. The planning commission shall review and make recommendations to the city council on the following:
1. Amendments to the comprehensive plan, subarea plans, and development regulations;
2. Special planning studies assigned to the planning commission;
3. Area-wide zoning changes, including zoning related to annexation;
4. Planning for city park, trail, and open space to include acquisition of land and development, design, and operation of these facilities and spaces;
5. City regulations adopted for the use of city parks, trails, and open space by the public;
C. The planning commission shall meet as provided in BLMC 2.26.040 and may conduct special meetings in accordance with Chapter 42.30 RCW. All meetings shall be open to the public and shall be governed by the rules and operating procedures as established by the commission;
D. Serving as an advisory community tree board to advise the public services department, mayor, and city council on the community forestry plan, heritage trees, and related community tree issues;
E. Such other and future duties as assigned by the city council. (Ord. 1709 § 5, 2023; Ord. 1688 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1479 § 2, 2014; Ord. 875 § 2, 2001; Ord. 236A § 2, 1974).
2.26.030 Recommendations to council.
A. The city council may refer to the planning commission, for its recommendation and report, any proposed ordinance, resolution or other proposal, and the commission shall promptly report to the council thereon, making such recommendations and giving such counsel as it may deem proper in the premises either in person or in writing. The city council may, upon a finding of necessity, decide to process any of the items in BLMC 2.26.020(B) itself if deemed expedient by the council.
B. In addition to making recommendations to the council on the matters set forth in BLMC 2.26.020(B), the planning commission may ask the city council to initiate action on the following matters:
1. Amendments to the comprehensive plan, subarea plans, and development regulations;
2. Special planning studies assigned to the planning commission;
3. Planning fees, policies, and procedures; and
4. Area-wide zoning changes, including zoning related to annexations.
C. In exercising the foregoing responsibilities, the planning commission shall consider as appropriate any associated environmental or other administrative determination. (Ord. 1709 § 5, 2023; Ord. 1688 § 2, 2022; Ord. 875 § 3, 2001; Ord. 236A § 3, 1974).
2.26.040 Meetings.
A. In consultation with assigned city staff, the commission shall establish a fixed meeting date, time, and location for its regular meetings and will meet at least monthly; provided, that meetings may be canceled for lack of business upon advance notice.
B. Special meetings may be held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 42.30 RCW.
C. All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and shall be governed by the bylaws as established by the commission. (Ord. 1709 § 5, 2023; Ord. 1688 § 2, 2022).
2.26.050 Quorum and majority for adoption of action.
A majority of the membership of the planning commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action taken by a majority of the membership of the planning commission at any regular or special meeting of the planning commission shall be deemed and taken as an action of the commission. (Ord. 1709 § 5, 2023; Ord. 1688 § 2, 2022; Ord. 875 § 4, 2001; Ord. 236A § 5, 1974).
2.26.060 Compensation.
Each member of the planning commission shall be compensated in the amount of $100.00 per planning commission meeting attended, including joint meetings of the planning commission and the city council; provided, that no planning commission member shall be compensated for attendance at more than two planning commission meetings per calendar month, including attendance at any joint meetings of the planning commission and the city council; and provided further, that the chair or designee of the planning commission shall, in addition, be compensated $50.00 for attendance at a council meeting where such attendance is required by BLMC 2.26.030. (Ord. 1709 § 5, 2023; Ord. 1688 § 2, 2022; Ord. 875 § 5, 2001).