Chapter 2.12
PLANNING AGENCY*
Sections:
2.12.020 Planning agency created—Powers and duties.
2.12.030 Planning staff—Generally.
2.12.040 Planning staff—Clerk-treasurer/permit administrator.
2.12.050 Planning staff—Public works director.
2.12.060 Planning staff—Building official.
2.12.070 Planning coordinator.
* For statutory provisions on planning commissions, see RCW Ch. 35.63. Prior ordinance history: Ords. 248 and 161.
2.12.010 Purpose.
The general purpose of this chapter is to create a planning agency under the provisions of state planning enabling legislation for optional code cities (RCW 35A.63). More specifically, the purpose of the chapter is to provide for the planning agency’s authority, responsibilities, membership and organization so that it can effectively provide advice and recommendations to the city council in regards to the future planning and development of the city of Bridgeport. Furthermore, the chapter is intended to provide for a framework of local human resources, consisting of those individuals involved in the day-to-day management of the city’s physical resources, that can efficiently provide critical information to elected officials so that they may better achieve objective and informed decisions. (Ord. 495 § 1 (part), 1998)
2.12.020 Planning agency created—Powers and duties.
A. Pursuant to Chapter 35A.63 RCW, there is created a planning agency consisting of planning staff and a planning commission.
B. Powers and Duties. The planning agency is authorized and responsible for the following:
1. Review and updating of the comprehensive plan for the city;
2. Administration of land use regulations of the city;
3. Development of new land use regulations or revisions of existing land use regulations for consideration by the city council;
4. Preparation of reports and recommendations on land use applications and environmental review on matters that are not subject to initial review and decision by the hearing examiner; and
5. Other related duties as requested by the mayor and council. (Ord. 617B § 1 (part), 2012: Ord. 495 § 1 (part), 1998)
2.12.030 Planning staff—Generally.
The planning staff shall consist of at least a planning coordinator, building official, public works director and planning agency clerk/permit administrator. (Ord. 495 § 1 (part), 1998)
2.12.040 Planning staff—Clerk-treasurer/permit administrator.
A. The clerk-treasurer/permit administrator shall be appointed by the mayor and may fulfill other administrative functions of the city as may be determined by the mayor and city council.
B. Power and Duties.
1. The initial intake of all applications and queries in regards to the city’s land use regulations;
2. All tasks and duties assigned to the administrator in such land use regulations unless specified otherwise;
3. The physical processing of such applications including the circulation to appropriate staff and affected agencies;
4. Fulfilling of public notice requirements;
5. The monitoring and reporting of land use permit processes; and
6. Clerical and secretarial general support to the planning agency. (Ord. 495 § 1 (part), 1998)
2.12.050 Planning staff—Public works director.
A. The public works director shall be that staff person of the city charged with the overall responsibility for the city’s infrastructure’s operation and maintenance.
B. Power and Duties.
1. Any responsibilities specifically assigned to the public works director, or similar, in the city’s land use regulations; and
2. Develop recommendations to the planning commission and city council regarding the city’s assets under his/her charge. (Ord. 495 § 1 (part), 1998)
2.12.060 Planning staff—Building official.
A. The building official shall be that person deemed the administrative authority, as such term is defined in the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Fire Code for the purpose of administering and enforcing such codes.
B. Power and Duties.
1. The administration and enforcement of all building and construction codes as adopted by the city;
2. The preparation of comments, reports and recommendations regarding the administration and enforcement of land use regulations as they pertain to building and construction within the city or as the building official may discover the violation of any regulation of the city in his/her activity as building code enforcement officer; and
3. Any other responsibilities that may be given by city ordinances. (Ord. 495 § 1 (part), 1998)
2.12.070 Planning coordinator.
A. A planning coordinator shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The planning coordinator may be an employee of the city or a consultant under contract with the city.
B. Power and Duties.
1. Monitor and make recommendations on the efficient coordination of planning agency activities as described herein;
2. Cause the preparation of reports to be submitted to the planning commission and/or hearing examiner that include recommendations on all applications or proposed land use regulations;
3. Cause the preparation and conveyance of a report to the council, that includes findings of fact and recommendation of the planning commission and/or hearing examiner on any land use application or proposed regulation which requires city council action as currently or hereafter provided by ordinance;
4. Cause the preparation of an annual report to the city council regarding planning agency activity;
5. Any other duties as assigned by the mayor and approved by the city council; and
6. Arrange, coordinate and conduct training for members of the planning agency to achieve those duties stipulated in subsections (B)(1) through (5) of this section while conforming to state and federal regulations as they may change over time. (Ord. 617B § 1 (part), 2012: Ord. 495 § 1 (part), 1998)
2.12.080 Planning commission.
A. A planning commission is established that shall consist of three members who shall all serve without compensation.
B. Powers and Duties. The planning commission shall act as an advisory body to the city council in matters of planning and land use regulation. Furthermore, the planning commission shall act in a quasi-judicial capacity on land use applications or other matters not assigned to the hearing examiner, and shall decide or make recommendations to the city council on such land use applications or other matters as specified by city ordinance.
C. Terms. The initial terms shall be staggered. Position one shall be appointed for a term expiring June 30, 2021, position two shall be appointed for a term expiring June 30, 2022, and position three shall be appointed for a term expiring June 30, 2023. Following the initial term, each member of the planning commission shall serve for three years, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. At the discretion of the commission, one alternate member may be appointed to serve for one three-year term. Vacancies occurring other than through expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired term of the position number vacated.
D. Alternate Member—Powers and Duties. The alternate member shall substitute for absent members while a full board is not present and shall have all of the duties and powers of a member while in such capacity. The alternate shall attend meetings as necessary in order to keep informed on planning issues of the city but shall not vote unless filling the seat of any absent member. The alternate shall be given the first option by the mayor and city council to fill any seat which may be vacated by a regular planning commission member.
E. Appointment. All members, including an alternate member, of the planning commission shall be appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. All member appointments and reappointments shall be made in writing by the mayor. At the time of their appointments and throughout their term of office, each member of the planning commission shall reside within the city. All members who cease to qualify as a member of the planning commission under this section during his/her term shall forfeit the office. Planning commissioners may be removed, after public hearing, by the mayor, with the approval of the city council, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.
F. Meetings. The planning commission shall hold at least one general meeting in each month and shall develop and adopt bylaws that outline the procedures and policies for conducting such meetings, giving due consideration to governing ordinances and statutes. (Ord. 708 §§ 1, 2, 2020; Ord. 617B § 1 (part), 2012: Ord. 511 § 1, 1999; Ord. 495 § 1 (part), 1998)