To correct any error in the regulations or map.

To recognize changed or changing conditions or circumstances in a particular locality.

To recognize changes in technology, style of living, or manner of doing business.

Upon filing of an application for an amendment to the zoning ordinance and map, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council shall hold a public hearing on said application.

Written notice of such hearings shall be sent to the owner of the property or his agent and to all owners of real property lying within two hundred (200) feet of the property on which the change in classification is proposed, such notice, mailed first-class return receipt requested, to be given not less than ten (10) days before the date of such hearing, to all owners who have rendered their said property for City taxes as the ownership appears on the last approved City tax roll. Such notice may be served by depositing the same, properly addressed and postage paid, in the City Post Office. Where property lying within two hundred (200) feet of the property proposed to be changed is located in territory which was annexed to the City after the final date for making the renditions which are included on the last approved City tax roll, notice to such owners shall be given by one publication in the official newspaper at least fifteen (15) days before the time of the hearing. Also, the City Secretary shall have the property, lot or tract posted with a sign at least eighteen (18) by twenty-four (24) inches in size which shall state “Zoning change Requested for information call City Hall” and the telephone number shall be listed. Failure of owners to receive notice of hearing shall in no way affect the validity of the action taken.

If, at the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends amendment of this ordinance to the City Council, said recommendation shall be by resolution of the Planning and Zoning Commission carried by the affirmative votes of not less than a majority of its total membership present and voting. A copy of any recommended amendment shall be submitted to the City Council and shall be accompanied by a report of findings, summary of hearing and any other pertinent data.

The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend denial of an application with or without prejudice against the applicant to refile the application. If the Commission recommends denial of the application and fails to clearly state the same is being denied with prejudice, then it shall be deemed that said application is being recommended for denial without prejudice against refiling. If it is later determined by the Commission that there has been a sufficient change in circumstances regarding the property or in the zoning application itself, it may waive the waiting period and grant a new hearing. Newly annexed land which has been given Agricultural zoning is exempt from the one (1) year waiting period.

If the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval or denial of an application, the City Council shall set said application for public hearing and shall give notice of the time and place of the hearing by one (1) publication in the official newspaper at least fifteen (15) days prior to such hearing, and in addition shall send written notices to the owner of the property or his agent, and to all property owners of real property lying within two hundred (200) feet of the subject property pursuant to Section 36.3.2.

If the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended to the City Council that a proposed amendment be disapproved, the City Council may refuse to adopt the amendment by a simple majority vote of the Councilmen present and voting. However, in order to adopt the amendment which has been recommended for disapproval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the amendment shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of a simple majority of all members of the City Council of the City of Troup present and voting.

When the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended to the City Council that a proposed amendment be approved, the City Council may disapprove the petition or application for amendment by a simple majority vote of the City Councilmen present and voting. In the event of a tie vote of the City Councilmen present and voting, the Mayor may cast the deciding vote.

In the case of a protest against an amendment to the ordinance signed by the owners of twenty percent (20%) or more either of the area of the lots or land immediately adjoining the area included in the proposed change and extending two hundred (200) feet from that area, such amendment shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of a simple majority of all members of the City Council of the City of Troup.

In making its determination, the City Council shall consider the following factors:

In considering a motion to deny a zoning application, or upon voting to deny a zoning application, the City Council shall further consider whether said application shall be denied with or without prejudice against refiling. If the City Council shall deny the application and fail to clearly state the same is being denied with prejudice, then it shall be deemed that said application is being denied without prejudice against refiling. If an application is denied with prejudice, no application may be filed for all or part of the subject tract of land for a period of one (1) year from the date of denial by the City Council. If it is determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission that there has been a sufficient change in circumstances regarding the property or in the zoning application itself, it may waive the waiting period and grant a new hearing. Newly annexed land which has been given Agricultural zoning is exempt from the one (1) year waiting period.