Chapter 2.20
PLANNING COMMISSION*
Sections:
2.20.060 Duties – Responsibilities.
*See also SMC Title 16, Land use and development.
2.20.010 Created – Purpose.
There is created the planning commission. The purpose of the planning policy commission is to provide guidance and direction for Shoreline’s future growth through continued review and improvement to the city’s comprehensive land use plan, zoning code, shoreline management, environmental protection and related land use documents. [Ord. 36 § 1, 1995]
2.20.020 Membership.
A. Qualifications. Members of the planning commission shall be selected from individuals who have an interest in environmental affairs, planning, land use, and residential and commercial development as evidenced by training, experience or actions. An intent of the selection process shall be to evenly represent the areas of interest as stated herein. Membership in the planning commission shall be limited to residents or owners of property within the city. No member shall serve longer than two consecutive terms.
B. Number of Members – Terms. The planning commission shall consist of seven members, each of whom shall be appointed for a term of four years. Terms shall expire March 31st in even-numbered years.
C. Appointment. Members of the planning commission shall be appointed by majority vote of the city council subject to an open recruitment process. Commissioners shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and will be entitled to such compensation as provided by the city council in the biennial budget. Members may also be reimbursed for reasonable expenses pursuant to city ordinances and policies.
D. Removal. Members of the commission may be removed by the city manager, with the concurrence of the city council, for neglect of duty, conflict of interest, malfeasance in office, or other just cause, or for unexcused absence from more than three consecutive regular meetings. Failure to either reside or own property in the city shall constitute a forfeiture of office. The decision of the city council regarding membership on the planning commission shall be final and there shall be no appeal therefrom. Members finding themselves unable to attend regular meetings are expected to tender their resignation.
E. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired terms in the same manner as for appointments as provided in this chapter.
F. Conflicts of Interests. Members of the planning commission shall fully comply with Chapter 42.23 RCW, Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers, Chapter 42.36 RCW, Appearance of Fairness, and such other rules and regulations as may be adopted from time to time by the city council regulating the conduct of any person holding appointive office within the city. [Ord. 978 § 1(A)(1), 2023; Ord. 665 § 1, 2013; Ord. 572 § 1, 2010; Ord. 36 § 2, 1995]
2.20.030 Meetings – Rules.
A. The planning commission shall organize and elect from its members a chair, who shall preside at all meetings of the commission, and a vice-chair. A majority of the commission members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority vote of those present shall be necessary to carry any proposition.
B. The commission shall determine a regular meeting schedule (time, place and frequency), as necessary, but no less frequent than once every two months. All meetings shall be open to the public.
C. The commission shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary for the conduct of its business and shall keep an audio recording of its proceedings and such written notes as the commission may from time to time direct. The audio recording and any written notes shall be a public record. [Ord. 665 § 2, 2013; Ord. 36 § 3, 1995]
2.20.040 Staff support.
Administrative staff support to the planning commission shall be provided by the city manager or designee. [Ord. 36 § 4, 1995]
2.20.050 Rezone hearings.
Repealed by Ord. 665. [Ord. 36 § 5, 1995]
2.20.060 Duties – Responsibilities.
A. The planning commission shall direct the preparation of a comprehensive plan and development regulations in compliance with Chapter 36.70A RCW. This includes establishing procedures providing for early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of the comprehensive land use plan for the city and the development regulations implementing the plan and make recommendations concerning these matters to the city council.
B. The planning commission shall review land use management, shoreline management and environmental protection ordinances and regulations of the city and make recommendations regarding them to the city council.
C. The planning commission shall review potential future service annexation areas to the city as requested by the city council, and make recommendations concerning them.
D. Where design review is required by land use ordinances of the city, the planning commission shall perform such design review unless that review is delegated to some other appointed body or city staff.
E. The planning commission shall recommend, establish priorities for, and review studies of geographic subareas in the city.
F. The planning commission shall submit written periodic reports annually to the city council setting forth its progress in completing its work program for the current fiscal year.
G. The planning commission shall be encouraged to maintain liaison with the planning staff of the city.
H. The planning commission may hold public hearings in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities as it deems necessary.
I. Repealed by Ord. 621.
J. The planning commission shall have such other duties and powers as may be conferred upon the commission from time to time by ordinance, resolution or motion of the city council.
K. Unless otherwise assigned by ordinance to another body, all public hearings required to be held in the course of adoption or amendment to the comprehensive plan, the zoning code, or adoption or amendment of regulations for shorelines management and environmental protection regulations shall be heard by the planning commission. [Ord. 665 § 4, 2013; Ord. 621 § 1, 2011; Ord. 36 § 6, 1995]