A change of zone or the establishment of a zone in an unclassified zone may be initiated by the planning commission, or pursuant to a petition filed as provided in this chapter. (Ord. O-02-25 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. O-01-05 § 2 (part))

Any resident of the county or owner of property in the county may petition the planning commission in person or in writing to initiate action to change the zoning map. The review authority shall give due consideration to any and all such requests and any petition will follow the Type III land use process per Chapter 17.94. (Ord. O-02-25 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. O-01-05 § 2 (part))

Petition to change the zoning map (rezone) shall include:

A.    Date existing zoning became effective;

B.    Changed conditions alleged to warrant the change in zoning;

C.    Facts to justify the change on the basis of advancing the public welfare;

D.    Effect the change will have on adjacent property and upon the comprehensive plan;

E.    Such other information which the planning commission may deem necessary. (Ord. O-02-25 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. O-01-05 § 2 (part))

A.    Following an open record public hearing, an amendment to the zoning title or map may be recommended by the hearing examiner to be adopted, amended, or supplemented by resolution based on the following criteria:

1.    The proposal is aligned with the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan;

2.    The effect of the proposal will not be materially detrimental on the surrounding properties;

3.    Conditions should be imposed in order to mitigate any adverse impacts from the proposal;

B.    The hearing examiner’s recommendation to approve, approve with modifications and/or conditions, or reject the petition based on its findings shall be forwarded to the board of county commissioners for final action. (Ord. O-02-25 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. O-01-05 § 2 (part))

Any recommendation of the hearing examiner regarding a petition for reclassification of property may be appealed by a party of record in accordance with the procedure in Chapter 17.94. (Ord. O-02-25 § 1 (Exh. A))