Chapter 2.60
PLANNING COMMISSION

Sections:

2.60.010  Created—Membership.

2.60.020  Term limits—Vacancies.

2.60.030  Residency requirements.

2.60.040  Powers.

2.60.050  Quorum.

2.60.060  Position deemed vacant when.

2.60.070  Rules of procedure.

2.60.080  Reserved.

2.60.090  Recommendations to council.

2.60.100  Annual reports to council.

2.60.010 Created—Membership.

Pursuant to RCW 35A.63.020, there is created a planning agency to be known as the “Kelso planning commission.” Said agency shall serve in an advisory capacity to city officials and to the city council. The commission shall consist of seven regular members plus one ex-officio (nonvoting) member who is also a member of the Kelso parks and recreation board.

The seven regular members shall be appointed by the mayor subject to confirmation by the city council; provided, the ex-officio member shall be designated by the Kelso parks and recreation board to serve at the pleasure of said board. (Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 3299 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2959 § 1 (1), 1984)

2.60.020 Term limits—Vacancies.

The terms of the members shall be as follows:

A. Three members shall be appointed for a term of two years and the term shall expire November 1, 1986, or until their successors are appointed. One such office shall be designated Position No. 1, one Position No. 2 and one Position No. 3. Thereafter, the terms for such positions shall be four years and shall expire on the first day of November of each succeeding four-year period.

B. Four members shall be appointed for a term of four years and the term shall expire November 1, 1988, or until their successors are appointed. One such office shall be designated Position No. 4, one Position No. 5, one Position No. 6 and one Position No. 7. Thereafter, the terms for such positions shall be four years and shall expire on the first day of November of each succeeding four-year period.

C. Vacancies occurring otherwise than through the expiration of terms shall be filled for the unexpired term. Members may be removed, after a public hearing, by the appointing official, with the approval of the city council for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. (Ord. 3493 § 1, 2002; Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2959 § 1(2), (3), 1984)

2.60.030 Residency requirements.

At least five members of the planning commission shall be residents of the city. Up to two members need not reside in the city, but must reside within the city's urban growth area. In the event a planning commission member is serving who is not a resident of the city, such person shall not be authorized to serve as the planning commission chairman. In the further event that a duly appointed member shall move from within the city to outside the city, that person may remain on the commission with the consent of the mayor and approval by the council for the balance of the unexpired term. (Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 3325 § 1, 1996; Ord. 3187 § 1, 1992; Ord. 2984 § 1, 1985; Ord. 2959 § 1(4), 1984)

2.60.040 Powers.

The planning commission shall have all the powers and perform each and all of the duties specified by Chapter 35A.63 RCW, together with any duties or authority which may hereafter be conferred upon them by statute or ordinance. The performance of such duties and the exercise of such authority shall be subject to each and all of the limitations expressed in such legislative enactment or enactments. (Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2959 § 2, 1984)

2.60.050 Quorum.

A majority of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action taken by a majority of those present at any regular or special meeting of the commission shall be deemed and taken as the action of the commission. (Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2959 § 5, 1984)

2.60.060 Position deemed vacant when.

The position of a member shall be forfeited and become vacant for failure to attend three regular consecutive meetings of the commission, unless such absence is excused by a majority of the members of the commission. (Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2984 § 1, 1985; Ord. 2959 § 1(5), 1984)

2.60.070 Rules of procedure.

The commission is empowered to adopt its own rules of procedure. Such rules shall comply in all respects to any procedural steps required by state law or by city ordinance. (Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2984 § 1, 1985; Ord. 2959 § 1(6), 1984)

2.60.080 Reserved.

(Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2959 § 3, 1984)

2.60.090 Recommendations to council.

All subdivisions of land, all proposed additions, comprehensive plans and amendments thereto, binding site plans, zoning matters, as well as dedications of streets and alleys, offered to the council for acceptance shall first be submitted to the commission for its recommendation and report, which report shall be made to the council within any time frame established by statute or ordinance. (Ord. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2959 § 4, 1984)

2.60.100 Annual reports to 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 city 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. 3404 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2959 § 6, 1984)