Chapter 20.48
AMENDMENTS

Sections:

20.48.010    Purpose.

20.48.020    Who may initiate.

20.48.030    Procedure.

20.48.040    Review criteria for site specific rezones.

20.48.045    Review criteria prezones, area wide rezones and text amendments.

20.48.050    Record of amendments.

20.48.060    Limits on reapplication.

20.48.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish the procedures to amend the zoning text and/or map when the proposed change will benefit the general welfare of the community and is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan as amended.

A. From time to time a change in circumstance or condition may warrant a change in the Zoning Code consistent with any changes made in the Comprehensive Plan.

B. There are four types of zoning related amendments:

1. Area Wide Rezone. Legislative approval of land reclassification in an area. An “area wide rezone” is a change in the Official Zoning Map.

2. Site-Specific Rezone. A reclassification of land from one zoning district to another, allowing a change in the range of permitted uses on a specific piece of property. A “site-specific rezone” is a change in the Official Zoning Map.

3. Zoning Code Text Amendment. A change of the text, standards, procedures or other provisions of this code.

4. Prezone. A prezone provides a zone designation for land to be annexed to the city. Upon annexation the official zoning map is changed to reflect the addition. (Ord. 2008-06 § 66, 2008).

20.48.020 Who may initiate.

A. Amendments may be initiated by:

1. The City Council;

2. The City Manager;

3. The Planning Commission;

4. The Zoning Administrator;

5. Any person requesting amendment to the text of this Code;

6. Any property owner or contract purchaser or authorized agent requesting a rezone of his property; or

7. Any property owner(s) requesting annexation to the City.

20.48.030 Procedure.

A. A site-specific rezone is a quasi-judicial process which requires a Level IV development authorization. Applications shall follow the processing procedures prescribed in Chapter 20.27. Area wide rezones and text amendment are legislative processes which require a Level V action.

B. The hearing examiner is the reviewing body/hearing body for a site-specific rezone. Following a public hearing on the proposal, the hearing examiner’s recommendation will be sent to the city council for its consideration. The planning commission is the reviewing body/hearing body for a text amendment or an area wide rezone. Following a public hearing on the proposal, the planning commission’s recommendation will be sent to the city council for consideration and final decision.

C. The city council is responsible for the approval or denial of a rezone or text amendment. When considering a rezone request or a text amendment, the city council will act on the request at a public meeting upon the hearing record of the initial reviewing body.

D. Prezones require two public hearings at least thirty days apart before the city council. (Ord. 2008-06 § 67, 2008: Ord. 00-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 97-14 § 46, 1997: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).

20.48.040 Review criteria for site specific rezones.

The decision on a proposed amendment shall be based on findings as they relate to the following:

A. The proposal is consistent with and implements the Walla Walla Urban Area Comprehensive Plan as amended and the intent of this code.

B. The property in question is suitable for uses permitted under the proposed zoning amendment.

C. Public facilities such as roads, sewer and water and other public facilities are adequate to support the proposed amendment.

D. The proposed zone change and associated uses are compatible with neighboring land uses. (Ord. 2008-06 § 68, 2008: Ord. 00-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 97-14 § 47, 1997).

20.48.045 Review criteria prezones, area wide rezones and text amendments.

The decision on a prezone, area wide rezone, or text amendment shall be based on a legislative finding upon whether or not the proposal is consistent with and implements the Walla Walla Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. (Ord. 2008-06 § 69, 2008).

20.48.050 Record of amendments.

All amendments to the zone code will be recorded and indexed in the development services department according to Section 20.14.100 of this code. (Ord. 2008-24 § 14, 2008).

20.48.060 Limits on reapplication.

No application for a text or map amendment shall be considered within one year of denial of the same or similar request, unless in the opinion of the Planning Commission or the City Council new evidence or circumstances warrant reconsideration within that time.