A. This body shall be known as the Vernal City Planning Commission (hereafter referred to as the Commission). The purpose of the Commission is to guide and oversee comprehensive planning, land use, and development within Vernal City. The Commission aims to ensure sustainable growth and development that reflects the community's needs and values, preserving the integrity and enhancing the livability of the City. Powers and duties of the Commission shall include

1. The Commission shall develop and certify to the City Council a general plan for the City's physical development to which all public and private developments shall conform to. This includes advising on land use, transportation, environmental concerns, public services, and economic development.

2. The Commission shall be responsible for maintaining the general plan and may recommend to the City Council amendments, extensions, or additions to the general plan or detail any subject matter further after holding a property noticed public hearing. All public and private developments shall conform to the general plan or the general plan be approved for amendment by the Planning Commission and the City Council before development may occur.

3. The Commission, on its initiative or by City Council order, shall make and certify to the City Council all land use ordinances. This includes the full text of the land use ordinance, maps, and any amendments thereto, based on comprehensive planning accompanying a recommendation from the Planning Commission to the City Council on approval or denial of said ordinances.

4.The Commission shall act as a Land Use Authority and as an advisory body to the City Council on land use plans and holds authority over specific planning matters, balancing advisory and decision-making responsibilities.

5. The Commission is responsible for conducting public hearings on land use ordinances and significant planning initiatives to ensure community involvement and feedback.

6. The Commission will provide necessary reports to the City Council detailing meeting attendance, approvals, denials, and training activities when applicable.

7. The Commission may make recommendations to City officials, agencies, and citizens on City planning, development, and public improvement programs. This includes entering upon any land for examinations and surveys, as necessary.

8. The Planning Commission is hereby designated the Vernal City Economic Opportunity Advisory Board. In this capacity the Planning Commission shall fulfill all of the duties and responsibilities of an Economic Opportunity Advisory Board as delineated in Utah Code.

9. The Planning Commission of Vernal City shall perform such duties as prescribed by Title 10, Utah Code Annotated, 1953, as hereafter amended, and such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by law.

B. This chapter is enacted to ensure that the planning and development processes within Vernal City are conducted transparently, inclusively, and sustainably, reflecting a commitment to the health, safety and well-being of the community. The Vernal City Planning Commission stands as a pivotal body in guiding the City towards a future that respects its heritage, meets current needs, and anticipates future growth challenges and opportunities.

(PZSC § 03-03-001)

A. The Vernal City Planning Commission is structured to include nine (9) duly qualified electors of Vernal City. This means members must be registered voters within the City, showcasing a vested interest in the community's development and welfare. The composition of the membership should aim to ensure a broad representation of the City's interests and perspectives.

B. The Commission shall be organized into seven regular members and two alternates. Both regular members and alternates will be appointed for a term of four (4) years.

C. Duly qualified electors of Vernal City interested in serving on the Commission must submit a detailed application, which will be reviewed by City staff for qualifications and suitability. Appointments to the Commission are made by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council, reflecting a collaborative effort to select members who best represent the City's diverse needs.

D. Should a vacancy arise due to resignation, death, removal, or disqualification, the Mayor, with the City Council's approval, will promptly fill the position for the remainder of the term.

E. Vacancies are advertised on the City's website and in physical locations where public notices are traditionally posted, ensuring transparency and community awareness.

F. Members wishing to continue in their position on the board shall submit the required application and be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council.

G. Alternates wishing to fill the open position for a regular member shall submit the required application and be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council.

H. Members may be removed from their position for just cause including but not limited to absences of more than 2 meetings per calendar year or not completing the required training. This action requires written charges to be presented, and a public hearing must be held if the member requests it. This process ensures fairness and accountability.

I. Members of the Planning Commission may receive compensation or reimbursement for expenses. Such financial considerations are determined and approved by the City Council, based on the responsibilities undertaken and the expenses incurred in the service of the Commission.

(PZSC § 03-03-002)

A. A Chairman and Vice Chairman responsible for the conduct of meeting, enforcing adherence to Commission rules and overseeing the execution of the Commissions responsibilities shall be elected yearly from among the Commission members through a blind vote of the Commission members with a simple majority win.

B. Chairman serves as the presiding officer at Commission meetings and represents the Commission in all official capacities. The Chairman ensures that meetings are conducted efficiently and that the Commission's decisions are communicated effectively to both the City Council and the public. The Chairman shall sign on behalf of the Commission when necessary as well as set and approve the agenda for the meetings. Chairman shall not participate in the vote unless a tie breaker is needed. Chairman may however, make second motions to bring the motion to a vote of the commission. The Chairman shall liaison with City staff, managing the application review process, and upholding the Commission's commitment to the City's planning objectives.

C. Vice Chairman assumes the duties of the Chairman in their absence, ensuring no disruption in the Commission's activities and leadership continuity.

D. The Commission is supported by City staff within the budgetary allocations approved by the City Council. This support includes administrative, technical, and logistical assistance essential for the Commission's functions.

E. Access to legal advice is provided by either City staff or external legal counsel, as required. This ensures that the Commission's decisions and operations are compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

F. The Commission has the authority, through directing staff, or contract with City planners and other consultants as deemed necessary for its work. All such expenditures shall not exceed the funds appropriated by the City Council or provided to the Commission through gifts or other means. This allows the Commission flexibility in obtaining specialized expertise and support for its planning efforts.

(PZSC § 03-03-003)

A. The Vernal City Planning Commission conducts its meetings and affairs transparently and efficiently, fostering public trust and ensuring that the planning process reflects the community's needs. The Commission may not make decisions without a full Quorum consisting of four or more members or alternates. The Commission will conduct and facilitate:

1. Regular, special, and work sessions convened under the Chairman's direction or as decided by the Commission, promoting adaptability in addressing planning requirements. Except for executive sessions, these meetings are open to the public, ensuring transparency. Public participation may be initiated by the Chairman of the Planning Commission.

2. Public meetings are conducted regularly to discuss general Commission business. These meetings are designed to be accessible to the public, providing a platform for transparency and public oversight. These meetings will be open to the public for attendance with public participation initiated by the Chairman of the Planning Commission.

3. Public hearings are specially convened sessions that focus on specific planning issues, such as land use changes, zoning regulations, and development proposals. These hearings are crucial for gathering public input and ensuring that decisions reflect community views and interests. These hearings shall be property noticed with the intent to allow the public to give comments in an organized and respectful manner. The Commission not only encourages, but facilitates public involvement in all public hearings.

4. Detailed minutes of all meetings, including public meetings and hearings, are diligently maintained by City Staff. These documents, which record discussions, decisions, and attendance, are made available to the public.

B. Members are held to a high ethical standard, ensuring that all Commission activities are conducted with honesty, integrity, and respect for the public interest. This includes but is not limited to:

1. Commission members are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in relation to the matters under discussion. Members must recuse themselves from deliberations and decisions where such conflicts exist, ensuring that the Commission's actions are free from any undue influence.

2. To preserve the decision-making process's integrity, members must avoid ex-parte communications on pending applications or matters before the Commission. Should such communications occur, they must be disclosed in a public session, allowing all parties to respond.

3. Members are cautioned against "walking quorums," where informal discussions among a quorum of members outside official meetings could lead to consensus-building that circumvents public meeting laws. Such practices are discouraged to uphold the principles of open governance.

(PZSC § 03-03-004)