It is declared to be the general policy of the city, unless otherwise expressly provided by this chapter, that its municipal planning functions and responsibilities are distributed and assigned as follows:

(1)

Zoning administrator. The zoning administrator shall be responsible for administration and enforcement.

(2)

Planning and zoning commission. The planning and zoning commission shall study and make recommendations on policy and amendments to this chapter.

(3)

Board of adjustments and appeals. The board of adjustments and appeals shall be responsible for appeals and review.

(4)

Administrator. An administrative official designated by the city manager shall serve as the zoning administrator who shall administer and enforce this chapter. He may be provided with the assistance of such other persons as the city manager may direct.

(Code 2004, ch. 14, § 52; Code 2008, § 54-355)

(a)

Created and perpetuated. The planning and zoning commission, as heretofore duly created by ordinance and now performing its authorized duties, is hereby perpetuated.

(b)

Members. The commission shall consist of seven members, appointed by the city council for three-year staggered terms, who shall serve during their respective terms and until respective successors are appointed.

(c)

Organization and rules of procedure. The members of the commission shall organize and elect their own officers and shall hold meetings regularly and shall designate the time and place of such meetings. The commission shall have the power to adopt its own rules of procedure insofar as the same are consistent with the statutes of the state and the ordinances of the city, and shall keep a written record of all its proceedings. The zoning administrator shall have the duty of care, custody and control of all records of the commission. Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

(d)

Powers, jurisdiction and scope of activity.

(1)

The commission shall procure information and make recommendations to the city council on the creation or modification of zoning districts.

(2)

The commission shall serve as a recommending body to the city council regarding the approval or disapproval of all preliminary, final, and revised plats of land.

(3)

The commission shall discharge all functions involving city planning and zoning by law or this chapter, and shall investigate, study, and submit reports and recommendations to the city council on all such matters as it or the city council shall deem appropriate and which have any relation to municipal planning or zoning.

(Code 2004, ch. 14, § 53; Code 2008, § 54-356)