Chapter 17.67
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Sections:
17.67.020 Types of amendments.
17.67.030 Application timeline and review period.
17.67.040 Application requirements.
17.67.045 Exceptions to yearly amendments.
17.67.060 Review and approval criteria.
17.67.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to provide for the annual amendment of the Milton comprehensive plan and to ensure those amendments are consistent with state, county and local laws and plans. (Ord. 1741 § 35, 2009; Ord. 1689 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1611 § 1, 2004).
17.67.020 Types of amendments.
A. Map amendments are any proposed amendments to the Milton comprehensive plan land use map.
B. Text amendments are any amendments to the Milton comprehensive plan that do not constitute a map amendment. (Ord. 1741 § 35, 2009; Ord. 1689 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1611 § 1, 2004).
17.67.030 Application timeline and review period.
A. Applications for amendment requests shall be submitted to the city no earlier than January 1st and no later than February 28th of each year. When these dates fall on a day when city offices are closed, the due dates shall be the next business day when city offices are open.
B. Requests for amendments that arise during other parts of the year shall be recorded and retained on the docket for application during the next amendment cycle. Parties that initiated the docket item shall be notified of the upcoming application period by first class mail no later than December 1st prior to the application filing period. Docket items must be submitted as a formal application during the next amendment cycle or they will be removed from the docket. Amendment requests that were denied in the previous cycle may not be docketed or submitted in the cycle immediately following. Docket items that are not submitted for application in the next available cycle shall be removed from the docket; however, the item may be listed on the docket for the following cycle if requested.
C. Amendment requests may be submitted by private parties; however, requests for map amendments by private parties may only be submitted by the owner or an authorized agent. Amendment requests may also be initiated by the commission or council upon a formal motion and approval by the body.
D. Applications shall be considered as a group for purposes of analysis and processing. At the first regular meeting of the planning commission in March of each year, staff shall present a list and brief description of each application received during the application period. The planning commission shall set an estimated schedule for review of the applications, including the public hearing and special meetings in order to prepare and forward a recommendation to council in a timely fashion.
E. Upon completion of the SEPA process, public meeting, state review, and council consideration, the council shall adopt an ordinance incorporating the proposed amendments, in whole or in part or as modified by the council, into the Milton comprehensive plan. At the same meeting, the council shall also adopt an ordinance for any concurrent rezones necessary for consistency. (Ord. 1837 § 3, 2014; Ord. 1741 § 35, 2009; Ord. 1689 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1663 § 25, 2006; Ord. 1611 § 1, 2004).
17.67.040 Application requirements.
In addition to submittal requirement under Chapter 17.70 MMC, applications shall include the following:
A. A detailed statement of the proposed change and why it is to be changed;
B. A statement of anticipated impacts of the change, including geographic area affected and issues presented;
C. A statement of how the request is or is not consistent with the adopted Milton comprehensive plan, pertinent subarea and functional plans and countywide planning policies, and the goals of the GMA; and
D. A description of any changes to development regulations, modifications to capital improvement programs, subarea, neighborhood, and functional plans required for implementation so that these will be consistent with the plan. (Ord. 1741 § 35, 2009).
17.67.045 Exceptions to yearly amendments.
A. There are six exceptions to the rule of considering comprehensive plan amendments only once per year. The process for adoptions of these six exemptions is the same as stated in MMC 17.67.030. These six exceptions are:
1. For the initial adoption of a subarea plan that does not modify the comprehensive plan policies and designations applicable to the subarea; or
2. For amendment of a shoreline master program; or
3. For the amendment of the capital facilities element of the comprehensive plan occurring concurrently with the adoption or amendment of the city’s budget; or
4. For an amendment to resolve a Growth Management Hearings Board appeal or other court order; or
5. In the event of an emergency; or
6. The adoption of comprehensive plan amendments necessary to enact a planned action under RCW 43.21C.031(2), as outlined in RCW 36.70A.130(2)(v).
B. Findings must be made indicating that the amendment is in the public interest and not detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. The planning and community development director shall prepare written findings for approval of the Milton planning commission.
C. Applications shall be considered as a group for purposes of analysis and processing. Staff shall present a brief description of each application. The commission shall set an estimated schedule for review of the applications, including the public hearing and special meetings, in order to prepare and forward a recommendation to council in a timely fashion. (Ord. 1741 § 35, 2009; Ord. 1689 § 1, 2007. Formerly 17.67.040).
17.67.050 Review process.
The planning commission shall review applications for comprehensive plan amendments pursuant to Process Type VI of Chapter 17.71 MMC (Permit Decision and Appeal Processes). The planning commission shall forward its recommendation to the city council for final decision. (Ord. 1741 § 35, 2009; Ord. 1689 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1611 § 1, 2004).
17.67.060 Review and approval criteria.
The city council may adopt any comprehensive plan amendment if it (1) is in the public interest and complies with the Growth Management Act, and (2) is in the public interest and not contrary to the public health, safety and welfare. In making this determination, the council shall weigh the following factors:
A. Consistency with the adopted Milton comprehensive plan;
B. Consistency with pertinent plans for adjacent jurisdictions and countywide planning policies;
C. Eliminates conflicts with existing elements or policies;
D. Establishes a logical, compatible extension of existing land use designations;
E. Clarifies or amplifies existing policy or accommodates new policy directives of the city council;
F. Change in conditions. (Ord. 1741 § 35, 2009; Ord. 1689 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1611 § 1, 2004).