Chapter 15.03
ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY
Sections:
15.03.010 Town Council – Powers and duties.
15.03.020 Planning Commission – Created.
15.03.030 Planning Commission – Meetings and rules.
15.03.040 Planning Commission – Powers and duties.
15.03.050 Town Planner – Powers and duties.
15.03.010 Town Council – Powers and duties.
In addition to the powers and duties described in existing Town ordinances, the Town Council is vested with the authority to:
A. Approve, approve with conditions, or deny applications for subdivision preliminary plat approval, final plat approval, short subdivision, variances, conditional use permits, amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, amendments to WMC Titles 15 through 19, rezones, site plans, and boundary line adjustments after considering the findings and recommendations of the Town Planner and/or Planning Commission;
B. Base all decisions on criteria established in WMC Titles 15 through 19 or other applicable laws;
C. Require any applicant granted final plat approval to deposit an acceptable security with the Town and sign a security agreement to assure that the applicant and/or his successors in interest will adhere to the approved plan and all conditions attached to the final plat approval;
D. Review and act upon any recommendations of the Town Planner or Planning Commission for amendments to or revisions of the Comprehensive Plan or the provisions of WMC Titles 15 through 19;
E. Initiate proceedings for civil infraction violations; and
F. Perform other duties as outlined in WMC Titles 15 through 19. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].
15.03.020 Planning Commission – Created.
Ordinance No. 2691 created the Wilkeson Planning Commission and prescribes its duties, authority, and procedure. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].
15.03.030 Planning Commission – Meetings and rules.
A. The Planning Commission meets on call by its chairperson beginning at a time specified at Wilkeson Town Hall. The Planning Commission may hold special meetings upon the request of the Chairperson or of a majority of the Planning Commission if all State law notice requirements for a special meeting are met.
B. The Planning Commission will adopt rules for the transaction of business and keep a written record of its meetings, resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, which will be a public record. In addition:
1. The meetings of the Planning Commission are open to the public.
2. Members of the Planning Commission must disqualify themselves from any Planning Commission actions in which they have a financial interest, other conflict of interest, or in which they are in violation of Chapter 42.36 RCW (Appearance of Fairness). The Chairperson or Vice Chairperson may request an opinion from the Town Attorney regarding whether a member should be disqualified from participating in a particular matter. The member must abide by the opinion of the Town Attorney.
C. A majority of the appointed and qualified members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action taken by a majority of those present, when those present constitute a quorum, will be taken as the action of the Planning Commission.
D. Any number less than a quorum is authorized to convene a regular or special meeting at the time set and to adjourn, recess, or continue the regular or special meeting to a date and time certified and entered upon the minutes without providing further notice. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].
15.03.040 Planning Commission – Powers and duties.
In addition to the authority granted in Ordinance No. 2005.11, the Planning Commission has the following authority and duties:
A. Exercising all of the powers of a planning commission as authorized in Chapters 58.17 and 35A.63 RCW, and other provisions of State law;
B. Making studies and recommendations to the Town Council concerning goals, objectives, and policies governing all elements of the Comprehensive Plan and the provisions of WMC Titles 15 through 19 regarding development in Wilkeson’s corporate area and urban growth area;
C. Developing and making recommendations to the Town Council concerning policies, ordinances, administrative procedures, and any other means for carrying out Comprehensive Plan elements in a coordinated and efficient manner;
D. Holding public reviews on development applications, considering the testimony of affected individuals, considering the recommendations of the Town Planner, and making recommendations to the Town Council concerning applications for permits and approvals as authorized in WMC Titles 15 through 19;
E. Performing other duties at the request of Town Council;
F. Conduct public hearings on development applications, revisions to the development regulations, and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan;
G. The Planning Commission may establish operating procedures for the effective utilization of time, while at the same time allowing public participation. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].
15.03.050 Town Planner – Powers and duties.
A. The Town Planner or his/her designee is vested with overall administrative responsibility of WMC Titles 15 through 19;
B. The duties and responsibilities of the Town Planner include:
1. Establishing procedures and preparing forms necessary for the administration of WMC Titles 15 through 19;
2. Advising interested citizens and applicants of the regulations and procedures set forth in WMC Titles 15 through 19;
3. Determining that an applicant provides all applications for development and other required materials;
4. Compiling an official file on each application submitted;
5. Reviewing all information submitted by an applicant and preparing a report that summarizes his/her findings, conclusions, and recommendations involving an application;
6. Submitting the report in subsection (B)(5) of this section to the Planning Commission or Town Council, depending on the application, for consideration and official action. The Town Planner will assure that all relevant information and testimony regarding an application is made available to the Planning Commission and/or Town Council during their review;
7. Assuring that proper notice is given to appropriate persons, agencies, and the public for all hearings;
8. Investigating, developing, and proposing amendments to WMC Titles 15 through 19 as necessary;
9. Seeking remedies for alleged violations of WMC Titles 15 through 19, or of violations of conditions of any permit or approval issued by the Town; and
10. Coordinating information with other departments of the Town and affected agencies. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].
See Chapter 2.45 WMC for establishment of Planning Commission.