This article addresses the duties and responsibilities of a planning commission, hereafter referred to as "the commission," and other officials and agencies with respect to the administration of this code.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

The planning and zoning commission shall consist of nine (9) members, including the mayor, a member of the board of aldermen selected by the board of aldermen annually at its first organizational meeting, and another city official, and six (6) citizens.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

The term of each of the citizen members shall be staggered and be for four (4) years. Any vacancy in the membership shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment as provided in this article. The board of aldermen may remove any citizen member for cause stated in writing and after public hearing.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

All members shall be appointed by the mayor and approved by the board of alderman of the jurisdiction served. Members of the commission shall be residents of the jurisdiction served. All citizen members of the commission will serve without compensation. Any vacancy for the unexpired term of any member whose term is not completed shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment. A member shall continue to serve until a successor has been appointed and approved by the board of alderman of the jurisdiction.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

The commission shall elect from its own membership a chairperson. It shall also establish and adopt rules for its organization and transaction of business and shall keep a public record of its proceedings.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

A secretary to assist the commission shall be selected from its membership. The secretary shall keep minutes of the commission meetings for public record and conduct correspondence including the notification of decisions. The secretary shall also certify records. The secretary shall also prepare and submit the minutes of commission meetings to the chairperson and the commission.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

(a)

The commission shall have the authority and duty to:

(1)

Prepare, adopt, and submit to the board of aldermen for its approval a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the city that includes official maps, growth and land use, commercial and industrial uses, transportation and utilities, community facilities, housing, the environmental attributes, and geologic and natural hazards.

(2)

Make recommendations in connection with the execution and detailed interpretation of the comprehensive plan and make such changes and adjustments in the plan as may be deemed desirable from time to time.

(3)

Act as a zoning commission in accordance with the provisions of present or future state zoning enabling acts.

(4)

Prepare and recommend to the board of aldermen rules controlling the subdivision of land.

(5)

Make recommendation regarding the approval or disapproval of plats for land subdivision. Such plats shall be referred to the commission before the board of aldermen takes any action. Failure of the commission to act within thirty (30) days shall be deemed as approval.

(6)

Recommend from time-to-time resolutions which may be desirable to further the purpose of city planning.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

(a)

It shall be the duty of the commission to develop and recommend to the board of alderman a zoning code in accordance with the guidelines of the comprehensive plan establishing zones within the jurisdiction. Such a code shall be made regarding the character of each district and the most appropriate use within the jurisdiction.

(b)

The commission shall make periodic reports and recommendations to the board of alderman.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

It shall be the duty of the commission to develop and certify regulations governing the division of land. All divisions of land shall be in accordance with the adopted regulations.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

It shall be the duty of the commission to review conditional use permit applications. The application shall be accompanied by maps, drawings, or other documentation in support of the request. The granting of a conditional use permit shall not exempt the applicant from compliance with other relevant provisions of related ordinances.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

The board of alderman shall adopt an official zoning map for all area included within the jurisdiction.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)

Any person with standing aggrieved by any decisions of the commission shall have the right to make such appeals as shall be permitted to be provided by this code or state law. Such appeals shall be based on record.

(Ord. No. 2021-112, § 1, 8-16-21)