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Palouse City Zoning Code

§ 17.04.140

Amendments.

A. 
Amendments – How Initiated. Whenever public necessity, health, safety or general welfare requires amendments to this zoning title, the procedure described in this chapter shall be followed. Amendments must be initiated at a public city council or planning commission meeting by:
1. 
Any person or group with an interest in the proposed amendment;
2. 
The planning commission;
3. 
The city council.
B. 
Planning Commission – Action Required – Procedures.
1. 
Public Hearing. The planning commission shall hold at least one public hearing for any change in this title, including changes to the official map. Notice of the public hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
2. 
Findings of Fact. Whenever a proposed amendment to this title or the official map is considered by the planning commission at a public hearing, the commission shall prepare findings of fact which shall support its actions. All relevant facts leading to the commission's decision shall be included in a list of facts which shall be transmitted to the city council with the commission's recommendation for or against the proposed amendment.
3. 
Voting. A recommendation for amendment shall be valid if passed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total members of the commission.
C. 
City Council – Action Required – Procedure.
1. 
Public Hearing. The city council shall hold at least one public hearing for any change in this title, including changes to the official map. Notice of the public hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
2. 
Findings of Fact. The city council must adopt a listing of factors considered in their decision on the proposed amendment. In preparing their list, they shall consult the findings of fact prepared and transmitted to them by the planning commission.
3. 
Action by the City Council. The city council shall consider the recommendation of the planning commission for amendment of this title or the official map. If the planning commission recommendation is satisfactory to the council, it may be adopted by ordinance. If the council wishes to substantially change the amendment as recommended by the planning commission, it must first transmit the proposed alternative to the planning commission for their review and comment. The council shall consider the comments of the planning commission concerning its proposed alternative prior to taking final action on the council-prepared ordinance.
4. 
Effect. Action by the council shall be final and conclusive, unless within 30 days from the date of the action the original application or a party adversely affected makes proper application to a court of competent jurisdiction for a writ of certiorari, a writ of prohibition, a writ of mandamus, or other action as may be provided and allowed by law to review the action of the city council.
(Ord. 922 § 1, 2014)