(a)

Establishment and general procedures. The planning and zoning board is established by, and is operated pursuant to the provisions in sections 2-46 through 2-49, and 2-66 of this Code. These provisions are incorporated herein by reference and are binding on the operations of this board unless a specific provision of Florida law or chapter 58 of this Code requires otherwise.

(b)

Functions, powers and duties.

(1)

The functions, powers and duties of the board shall be, in general:

a.

To acquire and maintain in current form such basic information as is necessary to an understanding of past trends, present conditions, and forces at work to cause changes in these conditions;

b.

To prepare and keep current a comprehensive general plan for meeting present requirements and such future needs as may be foreseen;

c.

To establish principles and policies for guiding action affecting development in the city and its environment;

d.

To prepare and recommend to the city commission ordinances, regulations, and other proposals promoting orderly development along lines indicated as desirable by the comprehensive plan;

e.

To determine whether specific proposed developments conform to the principles and requirements for the comprehensive plan;

f.

To keep the city commission and the general public informed and advised as to these matters;

g.

To conduct such public hearings as may be required to gather information necessary for the drafting, establishment, and maintenance of the comprehensive plan and ordinances, codes and regulations related to it.

h.

To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any decision or determination made by the building and zoning official regarding interpretation and enforcement of this article.

(2)

In connection with its duties, the board may delegate to appropriate administrative persons within the government of the city the collection of necessary data, the preparation of the comprehensive plan, and the preparation and compilation of any other reports or studies deemed necessary to carry out its assigned functions. Such information shall then be reviewed and approved by the planning and zoning board.

(3)

All city employees shall, upon request and within a reasonable time, furnish to the board or its agents, such available records or information as may be required in its work. The board, or its agents, may in the performance of official duties enter upon lands and make examinations or surveys in the same manner as other authorized city agents or employees, and shall have such other powers as required for the performance of official functions in carrying out the purpose of the board.

(Ord. No. 2796-10, § 2, 2-22-10; Ord. No. 2843-11, § 3.c.F., 6-13-11; Memo of 2-22-12(Att. 3.c.F.))