All materials and information submitted in support of a proposed amendment shall be submitted to the planning division, which shall provide technical and other assistance to the planning board. The planning division shall solicit comments on the proposed amendment from other relevant town departments, officers, and commissions, and shall evaluate the potential impact of the amendment on the environment, resources, and facilities of the town.

If the proposal would amend the text of the zoning ordinance, the planning division and planning board shall consider the following:

(1)

Whether the amendment is consistent with the aims and principles embodied in the ordinance;

(2)

Whether the amendment is consistent with the town comprehensive plan;

(3)

How and where the amendment will affect the town's land uses, buildings, and facilities;

(4)

How and where the amendment will affect the town's natural land and water resources;

(5)

Whether and how the amendment will affect other regulations.

If the proposal would amend the official Narragansett zoning map, the planning division and planning board shall consider the following:

(1)

Whether the uses permitted by the proposed amendment are appropriate in the affected area;

(2)

Whether existing public facilities, utilities, and services, including streets, are adequate to serve the demand that may result from the proposed amendment; and, if not, whether adequate public facilities, utilities, and services are likely to be created;

(3)

Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with existing or proposed plans in the vicinity of the affected area;

(4)

Whether the proposed amendment will promote the development of the town as contemplated in the town comprehensive plan.

Following its review, the planning board shall prepare a written report and recommendation for the town council. The report shall include a discussion of the above factors and of the reasons supporting the recommendation.

The report shall include:

(1)

A statement on the general consistency of the proposal with the Town of Narragansett comprehensive plan, including the goals and policies statement, the implementation program, and all other applicable elements of the comprehensive plan; and

(2)

A demonstration of recognition and consideration of each of the applicable purposes of zoning, as presented in section 1 of the zoning ordinance.

If the planning board recommends that the town council adopt the amendment, the report also shall describe any changed conditions which warrant the amendment. The failure of the planning board to submit a report to the town council shall be deemed to constitute a recommendation for adoption of the proposed amendment.