As the general plan for Visalia is implemented, there may be a need for amendments to land use boundaries and policies of the general plan. Such amendments shall be made in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this chapter. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7650)

   A.   An amendment to the land use boundaries of the general plan may be initiated by any interested person or the owners of the property within the area for which the amendment is proposed. The area of a proposed land use amendment and/or policy amendment may be expanded in scope by the planning commission in the resolution of intention.

   B.   An amendment to land use boundaries and/or policies may be initiated by the city planning commission or the city council by adoption of a resolution of intention. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7651)

   A.   An application for an amendment shall be filed by the applicant with the city planning commission on a form prescribed by the commission. Said application shall include the following data:

   1.   Name and address of the applicant;

   2.   Statement that the applicant is the owner of the property for which a land use boundary amendment is proposed or the authorized agent of the owner. In the case of a policy amendment the statement shall indicate the interest of the applicant;

   3.   Address and legal description of the subject property, if applicable;

   4.   The application shall include material deemed necessary by the city planner to clearly show the applicant's proposal.

   B.   The application shall be accompanied by a fee set by resolution of the city council to cover the cost of processing the application. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9605 § 30 (part), 1996: prior code § 7652)

   Notice of the public hearing shall be given not less than ten days or more than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the city, and by mailing notice of the time and place of the hearing to property owners within three hundred (300) feet of the boundaries of the area under consideration if an amendment to the land use element is under consideration. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2001-13 § 4 (part), 2001: prior code § 7653)

   The city planning staff shall make an investigation of the application or the proposal and shall prepare a report thereon that shall be submitted to the city planning commission. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7654)

   At the public hearing, the city planning commission shall review the application or the proposal and may receive pertinent evidence regarding the proposed amendment. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7655)

   Within forty-five (45) days following the public hearing, the city planning commission shall make a specific recommendation and shall transmit a report to the city council. The report shall include a resolution recommending either approval or denial of the proposed amendment, together with pertinent information and the report of the city planning staff. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7656)

   A.   Upon receipt of the resolution and report of the city planning commission, the city council shall hold at least one public hearing with public notice as prescribed in Section 17.54.040. Following the noticed public hearing, the city council shall approve, deny or modify the city planning commission recommendation.

   B.   If the element or amendment has been approved by the city planning commission, the city council shall not modify the recommendation until the proposed change or modification has been referred back to the city planning commission for a report and a copy of the report has been filed with the city council. Failure of the city planning commission to report within forty (40) days after the reference, or such longer period as may be designated by the city council shall be deemed to be approval of the proposed change or modification. It shall not be necessary for the city planning commission to hold a public hearing on such proposed change or modification.

   C.   The adoption of a general plan element, or amendment, shall be by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7657)