There is hereby established within and for the City a Planning and Zoning Commission which shall consist of not more than fifteen (15) nor fewer than seven (7) members, including the Mayor, if the Mayor chooses to be a member; a member of the City Council selected by the City Council, if the City Council chooses to have a member serve on the Commission; and not more than fifteen (15) nor fewer than five (5) citizens appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The term of each of the citizen members shall be for four (4) years, except that the terms of the citizen members first appointed shall be for varying periods so that succeeding terms will be staggered. Any vacancy in a membership shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment as aforesaid. The City Council may remove any citizen member for cause stated in writing and after public hearing.

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall elect a Chairman and Secretary from among the citizen members. The term of Chairman and Secretary shall be for one (1) year, with eligibility for re-election. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall hold such regular and special meetings as they may provide by rule; adopt rules for the transaction of business; and keep a record of its proceedings, which shall be public records.

In general, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall have all powers necessary to enable it to perform its functions, promote municipal planning and zoning, and discharge all duties imposed upon it by this Code or by other ordinance or resolution of the City Council; and the Planning and Zoning Commission shall have and perform all of the functions of a Zoning Commission and of a Planning and Zoning Commission as provided for all municipalities in Chapter 89, RSMo.

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall appoint the employees and staff necessary for its work, and may contract with City planners and other professional persons for the services that it requires. The expenditures of the Commission, exclusive of grants and gifts, shall be within the amounts appropriated for the purpose by the City Council.

All City departments, offices and agencies shall cooperate with the Planning and Zoning Commission and shall, upon request, furnish to the commission, within a reasonable time, all available information it requires for its work. The Planning and Zoning Commission, its members and employees, in the performance of their duties, may enter upon any land to make examinations and surveys.