The governing body, after due public notice and hearing, may amend the Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the provisions of Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.).

Proceedings for an amendment may be initiated in the following manner:

Prior to the hearing on adoption of the Zoning Ordinance or any amendments thereto, the Municipal Council shall refer any such proposed ordinance or amendment thereto to the Planning Board. The Planning Board shall transmit a report on the proposed ordinance or amendment to the Municipal Council within 35 days after referral. The Municipal Council shall review the report of the Planning Board and may disapprove or change any recommendation by a vote of the majority of its full authorized membership and shall record, in its minutes, the reason for not following such recommendations. Failure of the Planning Board to transmit its report within the thirty-five-day period shall relieve the Municipal Council from the requirement to review the Planning Board's recommendations.

A protest against any proposed amendment or revision of the Zoning Ordinance may be filed with the City Clerk, signed by the owners of 20% or more either of the area of the lots or land included in such proposed change or the lots or land extending 200 feet in all directions therefrom, inclusive of street space, whether within or without the municipality. Such amendment or revision shall not become effective following the filing of such protest except by a favorable vote of 2/3 of all the members of the Municipal Council.