Hempstead City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 7
Planning and Zoning Commission
§ 7.01 Planning and Zoning Commission Established.
There is hereby created a Hempstead Planning and Zoning Commission. The composition and activities of the Commission shall be in accordance with Chapters 211 and 212, respectively, of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended. The Commission shall be composed of seven (7) regular members, and two (2) alternate members, all of whom shall be residents of Hempstead, nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Each appointed member of the Commission shall hold that office for a period of three (3) years or until his/her successor takes office. However, during the initial creation of the Commission, three (3) members shall be appointed for three (3) years; two (2) members for two (2) years; and one (1) member for one (1) year. The members of the Commission shall be appointed solely with reference to their fitness and without reference to party affiliation, and shall serve without compensation. Members may be removed by the City Council only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of terms shall be filled only for the unexpired term by the Mayor with confirmation by the City Council.
(Ordinance 00-107 adopted 6/22/2000; Ordinance 02-104, sec. A, adopted 4/29/2002)
§ 7.02 Commission Officers.
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall elect a chairperson and an associate chairperson and may create and fill other offices as may be deemed necessary. The term of the chairperson and associate chairperson shall be for one (1) year with eligibility for reelection.
(Ordinance 00-107 adopted 6/22/2000)
§ 7.03 Meetings of the Commission.
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall hold at least one (1) regular meeting each month. Said meeting shall be open to the public.
(Ordinance 00-107 adopted 6/22/2000)
§ 7.04 Rules of Operation and Records.
The Commission shall adopt rules of operation and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which shall become items of public record.
(Ordinance 00-107 adopted 6/22/2000)
§ 7.05 Commission Quorum.
Four (4) members of the Planning and Zoning Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(Ordinance 00-107 adopted 6/22/2000; Ordinance 02-104, sec. B, adopted 4/29/2002)
§ 7.06 Responsibilities of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
7.06.01
The Comprehensive Plan:
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the responsibility for the preparation and maintenance of the City's comprehensive plan. As a part of its Annual Report, the Commission shall include an overview of the status of the comprehensive plan and the steps taken during the preceding year to implement the plan. Such an overview shall include, but shall not be limited to the subjects of land use, streets, public facilities and infrastructure, housing, city image, and public policies.
7.06.02
Zoning:
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity on matters concerning amendments to the Hempstead Zoning Ordinance text or map, on matters concerning the granting or denial of specific use permits, and on matters pertaining to Planned Unit Designation under the terms of the Zoning Ordinance.
(Ordinance 00-107 adopted 6/22/2000; Ordinance 21-111 adopted 9/20/2021)
§ 7.07 Financial Support of the Commission.
As a part of the City's regular budgetary process the City Council shall provide funds for the necessary and appropriate expenses of the Planning and Zoning Commission. A public accounting of the Commission's expenditures for the fiscal year shall be provided in the Commission's Annual Report. The Commission may recommend to the City Council the employment of professionals such as engineers, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, and other individuals to assist in the performance of the Planning and Zoning Commission's duties.
(Ordinance 00-107 adopted 6/22/2000)
§ 7.08 Annual Report Required.
7.08.01
On or before the first day of September of each year, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall produce and disseminate to the City Council and the citizens of Hempstead, a report on the activities of the Commission during the past year. Said report shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:
A.
The status of the City's comprehensive plan, including activities directly related to the implementation of the plan.
B.
The number, nature, location, and record of approvals/denials of requests for amendments to the zoning ordinance text and map.
C.
The number, nature, location and record of approvals/denials of requests for specific use permits.
D.
The number, nature, location and record of approvals/denials of requests for subdivision plats.
(Ordinance 00-107 adopted 6/22/2000)