Socorro City Zoning Code
ARTICLE II
Administration
§ 250-2.1 Administrative official; compliance required for permit issuance. [1]
A.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer or his/her designee shall:
(1)
Administer and enforce this chapter.
(2)
Receive applications.
(3)
Inspect premises for code compliance.
(4)
Issue permits and certificates.
(5)
Maintain records of all applications, amendments, permits, certificates, variances, public notices and minutes of Commission meetings for public inspection and purchase of copies.
B.
No permit or certificate shall be issued by the Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer except where compliance with the provisions of this chapter has been met.
§ 250-2.2 Planning and Zoning Commission. [1]
A.
Purpose. A municipal Planning and Zoning Commission, hereinafter called the "Commission," is hereby established for the purpose of interpretation of this chapter, approving certain actions, receiving requests for modifications to this chapter and rezoning, and making recommendations to the City Council concerning matters pertaining to zoning within the City.
B.
Administrative review and interpretation.
(1)
The Commission shall review an administrative action of the Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer when it is alleged that there is an error in the order, requirement, determination, or refusal made by the Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer and shall reverse, affirm, or modify the administrative action.
(2)
The Commission shall interpret this chapter when the Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer is in doubt as to the exact meaning of the text.
(3)
The Commission shall interpret the Zoning Map in accordance with the standards set forth in this chapter when the Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer is uncertain as to the exact boundary of a zone shown on the Zoning Map.
C.
Powers and duties. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall:
(1)
Recommend to the City Council either approval, denial, or modification of a request for annexation, historic district permit, special use permit, subdivision, vacation of a public street or right-of-way, rezoning, amendment of this chapter, or any land use consideration within the zoning jurisdiction of the City.
D.
Composition.
(1)
The Commission shall consist of not less than five members, each to be appointed by a simple majority vote of the City Council. Members shall serve staggered terms of two years each. Members appointed to the Commission shall be residents of the City of Socorro.
(2)
After a public hearing and for cause stated in writing and made part of the public record, a member of the Commission may be removed by a simple majority vote of the City Council.
(3)
Any Commission member who is present at less than 1/2 of scheduled Commission meetings within a calendar year shall be reported to the City Council during the following month of January by the Commission for consideration for removal.
(4)
A recording secretary, separate from the Zoning Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer, shall be provided to assist the Commission by the City. The recording secretary shall not be a member of the Commission and shall be only responsible for those duties requested by the Commission and approved by the City Clerk.
E.
Organization. The Commission shall elect a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman in April of each year. They shall serve for one calendar year following their elections.
F.
Voting. A simple majority vote of a quorum of the Commission is required for approval on all Commission activities. A quorum is a majority of the total membership. Any member having a conflict of interest should verbally abstain from voting.
G.
Criteria for recommendations and decisions. In considering all requests, the Commission shall review applicable plans to determine whether the request will:
(1)
Impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property.
(2)
Unreasonably increase the traffic in public streets.
(3)
Increase the danger of fire or endanger public safety.
(4)
Deter the orderly and phased growth and development of the community.
(5)
Unreasonably impair established property values within the surrounding area.
(6)
In any other respect impair the public health, safety or general welfare of the City.
(7)
Constitute a spot zone and therefore adversely affect adjacent property values.
(8)
Maintain the characteristics of an established and stable neighborhood.
H.
Report to the City Council. The Commission shall provide written minutes, with recommendations as necessary, to the City Council on all matters that are brought before the Commission.
§ 250-2.3 City Council.
The City Council shall make all final decisions concerning amendments to this chapter, rezoning, vacation of rights-of-way, and appeals.