Chapter 2.16
PLANNING COMMISSION

Sections:

2.16.010    Planning commission created.

2.16.020    Members—Terms of office.

2.16.030    Filling of vacancy—Removal of member.

2.16.040    Selection of members—Compensation.

2.16.050    Planning commission powers.

2.16.060    Referral by town council.

2.16.070    Submission of plats or plans for subdivisions.

2.16.080    Secretary.

2.16.090    Quorum.

2.16.100    Report to town council.

2.16.110    Creation—Community development department.

2.16.200    City planner.

2.16.010 Planning commission created.

Pursuant to the authority conferred by Chapter 35A.63 RCW, there is created a planning commission consisting of five members who shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. (Ord. 576 § 1, 2009: Ord. 267 § 1 (part), 1987)

2.16.020 Members—Terms of office.

The term of office for the first appointive members appointed by the mayor shall be designated from one to six years to expire in rotation on the second Monday in January in each succeeding year so that the fewest possible terms will expire in any one year. Thereafter the term of office for each appointive member shall be six years. (Ord. 267 § 1 (part), 1987)

2.16.030 Filling of vacancy—Removal of member.

Vacancies occurring otherwise than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired terms. Members may be removed, after public hearing, by the mayor, with the approval of the town council, for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Notice of the charge and pendency of the hearing with respect to the removal of a member of the planning commission shall be given by mail addressed to the residence of the accused member at least five days before the date of said hearing. (Ord. 267 § 1 (part), 1987)

2.16.040 Selection of members—Compensation.

Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and they shall serve without compensation or reimbursement of expenses incurred in performing their official duties. (Ord. 267 § 1 (part), 1987)

2.16.050 Planning commission powers.

The planning commission shall have all of the powers and perform each of the duties of the “Planning Agency” as provided in Chapter 35A.63 RCW. (Ord. 576 § 2, 2009: Ord. 267 § 2, 1987)

2.16.060 Referral by town council.

The town council may refer to the planning commission, for its recommendation and report, any ordinance, resolution or other proposal relating to any of the matters and subjects referred to in said Chapter 44, Laws of 1935, as amended (Chapter 35.63 RCW, as amended), and the commission shall promptly report to the council thereon, making such recommendations and giving such counsel as it may deem proper in the premises. (Ord. 267 § 3, 1987)

2.16.070 Submission of plats or plans for subdivisions.

All plats or plans for subdivisions of land within the town or proposed additions, as well as dedications of streets and alleys, offered to the town council for acceptance, shall first be submitted to the planning commission for its recommendation and report, which report shall be made to the council within thirty (30) days after submission, or at such earlier date as the council shall direct. (Ord. 267 § 4, 1987)

2.16.080 Secretary.

The planning commission may designate one of its members to act as secretary without salary, or, if requested by the commission, the mayor shall designate a member of the paid staff of the town to serve as such secretary, who shall serve without additional compensation. (Ord. 267 § 5, 1987)

2.16.090 Quorum.

A majority of the membership of the planning commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action taken by a majority of those present when those present constitute a quorum, at any regular or special meeting of the planning commission shall be deemed and taken as the action of the commission. (Ord. 267 § 6, 1987)

2.16.100 Report to town council.

The planning commission, at or before its first regular meeting in February of each year, shall make a full report in writing to the town council of its transactions and expenditures, if any, for the preceding year, with such general recommendations as to matters covered by its prescribed duties and authority as may seem proper to it. (Ord. 267 § 7, 1987)

2.16.110 Creation—Community development department.

There is hereby created a planning agency, to be called the community development department of the town of Rainier. The community development department shall be organized and governed, and shall have the membership, powers and duties, as now provided for and exercised under Sections 2.16.010 through 2.16.100 of the Rainier Municipal Code, as it now exists or is amended hereafter. (Ord. 462 § 1, 2002)

2.16.200 City planner.

There shall be a city planner appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. Along with such assistants or employees otherwise provided by the city, the planner shall be responsible for the administration of all planning and land use activities in the city and shall provide technical assistance and advice to the community development department, planning commission, zoning board of adjustment and city council concerning all land use matters in the city and perform such other and further duties as may from time to time be assigned by the mayor. (Ord. 576 § 3, 2009)