Chapter 2.24
PLANNING COMMISSION

Sections:

2.24.010    Created.

2.24.020    Organization.

2.24.030    Powers – Duties.

2.24.040    City planner – Office created.

For statutory provisions pertaining to the planning commission, see Chapter 35.63A RCW.

2.24.010 Created.

(1) Authority – Membership – Terms. Pursuant to the authority conferred by Chapter 44 of the Session Laws of 1935 of the State of Washington, as well as authority conferred by the Constitution of the State of Washington, particularly Article II, Section 11, there is created a city planning commission consisting of five members, none of whom shall be a member of the city council or board of adjustment, to be approved by the mayor of the city and confirmed by the council. One ex officio member of the city council shall be appointed by the mayor, whose term shall coincide with his/her term of office on the council, but who will not have a vote on the planning commission. The terms of office of the other five members are to be four years.

(2) Vacancies. Vacancies on the planning commission shall be filled by appointment by the mayor, confirmed by the city council, for the remainder of the unexpired term. Members may be removed, after public hearing, by the mayor, with the approval of the city council, for inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance or misfeasance in office. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliations and shall serve without compensation. (Ord. 1106 § 1, 1997; Ord. 930 § 1, 1993; Ord. 394 § 1, 1971; Ord. 299 § 1, 1964)

2.24.020 Organization.

(1) Rules of Procedure. The planning commission shall adopt rules of procedure consistent with state law to guide its activities and shall designate one of its members to serve as chairperson for a term to be specified in the rules of procedure.

(2) Officers. There shall be, elected by the membership of the planning commission, the following officers of the planning commission, whose election, term of office, and duties shall be further specified in the rules of procedure: chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary.

(3) Resolutions – Quorum. A majority of the members of the planning commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All resolutions shall be numbered in consecutive order.

(4) Actions. Official action of the planning commission shall be taken by resolution, which shall require a quorum and a majority vote of planning commission members present.

(5) Report to the Council. The planning commission, at or before its regular first meeting in February of each year, shall make a full report in writing to the city council of its transactions and expenditures, if any, for the past and upcoming year, with such general recommendation as to matters covered by its prescribed duties and authority as may to it seem proper. (Ord. 1106 § 2, 1997; Ord. 930 § 2, 1993; Ord. 299 § 2, 1964)

2.24.030 Powers – Duties.

(1) The planning commission shall have all of the powers and shall perform all of the duties specified by the laws of the state of Washington including, but not limited to, Chapter 35.63A RCW.

(2) The planning commission may prepare a comprehensive plan for the physical and other generally advantageous development of the town.

(3) For any and all such purposes the town council, on recommendation of its commission, may divide the municipality or any portion thereof into districts of such size, shape and area or may establish such official maps or development plans for the whole or any portion of the municipality as may be deemed best suited to carry out the purposes of this chapter and within such districts as may regulate and restrict the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or use of buildings, structures or land.

(4) The expenditures of the commission, exclusive of gifts, shall be limited to appropriations made to the planning commission by the town council for the planning function of the town.

(5) The 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 authorized by state law. The commission shall promptly report to the council all of such matters referred to them, making such recommendations as it may deem proper.

(6) Requests for zoning amendments in accordance with Chapter 17.48 WMC.

(7) 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 to it seem proper. (Ord. 1479 §§ 2, 3, 2010; Ord. 299 § 3, 1964)

2.24.040 City planner – Office created.

There is hereby created the office of city planner, which office shall be filled by appointment by the mayor and approved by the city council and which shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor and the city council.

(1) Qualifications. The following are the minimum qualifications for the individual filling the position of city planner:

(A) Education. Completion of the requirements of a B.A. or B.S. or Master’s degree in urban planning, geography or the equivalent thereof.

(B) Training and Experience. Two years of planning experience in a position equivalent to city planner, assistant planner or associate planner in a similar sized or larger organization; or, substituting course work or training in local government planning for up to one year of experience.

(C) Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills.

(i) Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of urban planning, including the fundamentals of current and long-range land use planning.

(ii) Ability to maintain effective communications with various officials and agencies, as well as with the public.

(iii) Skill in preparing reports, letters and other documents.

(iv) Excellent communication skills.

(v) Ability to deal with the public courteously, tactfully and professionally.

(vi) Ability to use a PC-computer-based word processor and a familiarity with PC computer usage in an office environment.

(vii) Knowledge of governmental processes, land development processes, principles and practices of planning, grant writing and administration.

(viii) Ability to conduct research in complex and varied governmental subjects.

(2) Scope of Authority. Under the direction of the city administrator, the city planner shall provide professional planning services to the city. More particularly, the city planner shall:

(A) Provide professional planning services to the mayor, city council, planning commission, hearing examiner other departments of the city, and the general public;

(B) Direct the preparation, maintenance and administration of the city’s comprehensive plan, subdivision regulations, zoning ordinance, and related laws and regulations;

(C) Prepare research and planning studies, including recommendations on planning objectives, policies and procedures;

(D) Attend city council and council committee meetings as assigned by the city administrator;

(E) Attend planning commission meetings;

(F) Serve as the responsible official/administrator for the city’s administration of the State Environmental Policy Act and the Shoreline Management Act;

(G) Provide staff assistance and serve as the primary staff for the city planning commission and the hearing examiner. Represent the planning commission in its dealings with the city council;

(H) Review proposed development and construction for code conformance;

(I) Be responsible for interpreting, administrating and enforcing the regulations of the Westport zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, shoreline management regulations and other land use regulations;

(J) Revise and update the city comprehensive plan and its elements;

(K) Work closely with the code enforcement official to interpret and enforce provisions of the zoning ordinance and building code;

(L) Assist the city administrator in preparing and submitting applications for grants; and

(M) Perform other duties as assigned.

(3) Selection. The city administrator will screen and interview applicants and make recommendations as to the most qualified finalists. Final selection will be made by the mayor and approved by the city council.

(4) Compensation. The city planner shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by the city council at the time salaries are set by ordinance, as provided by law.

(5) Termination. In the event the city planner chooses to terminate his/her position with the city, he/she shall provide the city with a written statement of resignation at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the termination of employment. (Ord. 1253 §§ 1 – 6, 2001)