The City Council may from time to time, on petition, in form and content as prescribed by the City Council, or on its own motion, amend, supplement, change, or modify by ordinance the boundaries of districts, or the regulations or restrictions herein established. Any proposed amendment, supplement, change or modification shall first be submitted to the Commission. The Commission and City Council shall hold a public hearing, either jointly or separately. The Commission shall then make a report and recommendation to the City Council. The City Council shall not take action until it has received the report and recommendations from the Commission. Notice of required hearings shall be in accordance with state law. If the Commission does not make its report within thirty (30) days, it shall be considered to have made a report approving the proposed amendment, supplement, modification or change. Notice of such hearings shall be published in the official paper or a paper of general circulation at least one time. Such hearing shall not be held earlier than fifteen (15) days from the date of publication of such notice.

If a protest against such proposed amendment, supplement, change or modification shall be presented to the City Secretary, duly signed and acknowledged by the owners of twenty percent or more, either of the area of lots or land immediately adjoining the same extending 200 feet therefrom, such amendment, supplement, change or modification shall not become effective except by favorable vote of three-fourths of the members of the City Council.

Before any action shall be taken as provided in this article, the applicant for such action shall pay the fees prescribed in the Rockport Zoning and Platting Fee Ordinance.