CHAPTER 10
PLANNING COMMISSION1
SECTION:
2-10-1: Creation Of Planning Commission
2-10-1 CREATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION:
There is hereby created a Planning Commission in the City of Renton. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05)
2-10-2 AUTHORITY:
The Planning Commission is established pursuant to RCW 35A.63.020, providing for its membership, method of appointment, organization and duties. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05)
2-10-3 FUNCTION:
A. Power: The Planning Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and the City Council and shall have such powers and duties as shall be provided for herein.
B. Authority: The City Council and Mayor have designated the Planning Commission to function as the public hearing body for many planning related activities of the City. The Council may, at its discretion, retain this function for any specific project, proposal, or plan.
C. Representation: Planning Commissioners are entrusted to make recommendations reflecting the broad interests of the community.
D. Conduct: All Commissioners shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers, Chapter 42.23 RCW. In formulating its recommendations to the City Council, the Planning Commission and its advisory committees may conduct public hearings; however, in any event all meetings of the Commission or its advisory committees shall be open to the public pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act.
E. General Duties: The primary responsibility of the Planning Commission is to review the Comprehensive Plan, carry out work activities in the work program adopted by the City Council, and to elicit public input for and to advise the City Council and the Mayor on land use planning matters.
F. Scope Of Review: At the direction or referral by the City Council, the Planning Commission shall review staff proposals, hold public hearings, and submit recommendations to the City Council and the Mayor on the adoption of and amendments to the following:
1. The Comprehensive Plan and new goals and policies.
2. Neighborhood or subarea plans and studies which will amplify and augment the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission may conduct periodic planning studies of homogenous community units, distinctive geographic areas, or other types of districts having unified interest within the total area of the City which will amplify and augment the Comprehensive Plan.
3. Shoreline Master Program amendments after holding a public hearing.
4. Land Use Regulations and processes upon Council request.
5. Duties related to Development Regulations and processes as described in RMC 4-8-070.
6. Other land use plans and programs contained in the Commission’s work program, or referred by the City Council.
7. Short-range programs as necessary for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05)
2-10-4 APPOINTMENT:
The Planning Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a majority of the members of the City Council. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05; Ord. 5366, 4-7-08)
2-10-5 MEMBERS:
A. All Planning Commission members shall be residents or owners of a small business in the City of Renton. The number of Commission members that are owners of a small business in, but not a resident of, the City is limited to no more than two (2) members.
B. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations, shall serve without compensation, and the appointees shall constitute a cross section of the community representing different interests, geographical areas, trades, professions and activities.
C. The Planning Commission shall elect its own chair, vice-chair, and secretary. It may create and fill such other offices as it may determine from time to time.
D. The Commission shall hold at least twelve (12) regular meetings in each year. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05; Ord. 6064, 5-2-22)
2-10-6 TERM:
The term of each appointee shall be for three (3) years and such appointment shall be made on July 1st and February 1st respectively for such three (3) year terms. Those members currently serving shall continue to serve for the remainder of their appointed terms.
A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment was made. Members may be removed by the Mayor, with the approval of the majority of the City Council, for neglect of duty, malfeasance or misfeasance in office, or when such appointee misses three (3) unexcused meetings within any twelve (12) month period. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05)
2-10-7 EXPENDITURES; BUDGET:
The expenditures of the Planning Commission shall be limited to those authorized by the Administrator of the Department of Community and Economic Development as appropriated in the Planning Division’s annual budget. The services and facilities of the Planning Division shall be utilized by the Commission in performing its duties. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05; Ord. 5366, 4-7-08; Ord. 5450, 3-2-09)
Prior legislation: Ords. 3076, 12-13-76, eff. 12-22-76; 4204, 2-20-89; 4437, 2-21-94; 4723, 5-11-98 and 4986, 10-21-02.