(a)

Organization of planning and zoning commission. There is hereby created a planning and zoning commission. The commission shall be composed of five regular members, all of whom shall be residents and real property taxpayers of the City of La Marque, and none of whom shall hold any other position in the city government. Three members of the first commission shall be appointed for a term of two years and two for a term of one year, and service shall be without pay. Thereafter, new members shall be appointed for a term of two years. Any vacancy shall be immediately filled for the unexpired term. A chairperson shall be elected from among the appointed members to serve for a term of one year. The city council shall appoint two alternate members of the commission for a term of two years who shall serve in the absence of one or more of the regular members when requested to do so by the chairperson of the commission. 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. Three members, regular or alternate, shall constitute a quorum. The council member representing district "C" shall be an ex-officio non-voting member of the planning and zoning commission, and shall be allowed to sit at the dais with the commission.

(b)

Duties and powers. The planning and zoning commission is hereby charged with the duty and invested with the authority to:

(1)

Inspect property and premises at reasonable hours where required in the discharge of its responsibilities under the laws of the state and of the city.

(2)

Recommend to the city council approval or disapproval of proposed changes in the zoning plan.

(3)

Formulate and recommend to the city council, for its adoption, a city plan for the orderly growth and development of the city and its environs and from time-to-time recommend such changes in the plan as it finds will facilitate the movement of people and goods, and the health, recreation, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city.

(4)

Formulate a zoning plan as may be deemed best to carry out the goals of the city plan; hold public hearings and make recommendations to the city council relating to the creation, amendment, and implementation of zoning regulations and districts as provided in V.T.C.A. Local Government Code § 211.007. All powers granted under said section are specifically adopted and made a part hereof.

(5)

Exercise all the powers of a commission as to approval or disapproval of plans, plats, or re-plats set out in V.T.C.A. Local Government Code § 212.006.

(6)

Study and recommend the location, extension and planning of public rights-of-ways, parks or other public places, and on the vacating or closing of same.

(7)

Study and recommend on the general design and location of public buildings, bridges, viaducts, street fixtures and other structures appurtenances. Study and recommend on the design or alteration and on the location or relocation of works of art that are, or may become, the property of the city.

(8)

Initiate in the name of the city, for consideration at public hearing, all proposals:

a.

For the opening, vacating or closing of public rights-of-way, parks or other public places; or closing of public rights-of-way, parks or other public places;

b.

For the change of zoning district boundaries on an area-wide basis.

No fee shall be required for the filing of any such proposal in the name of the city.

(9)

Formulate and recommend to the city council for its adoption policies and regulations consistent with the adopted city plan governing the location and/or operation of utilities, public facilities, and services owned or under the control of the city.

(10)

Submit each May, a progress report to the city council summarizing its activities, major accomplishments for the past year, and a proposed work program for the coming year.

(Ord. No. 953, 12-12-2005; Ord. No. 957, § 1, 1-23-2006; Ord. No. O-2014-0023, 12-15-2014; Ord. No. O-2017-0023, § 3, 1-8-2018)