Chapter 21.30
AMENDMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, ZONING CODE AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Sections:
21.30.010 Comprehensive plan subject to continuing evaluation.
21.30.020 Amendment limited to once a year.
21.30.030 Calendar for amendments to comprehensive plan.
21.30.040 Amendments to zoning code.
21.30.050 Amendment of other development regulations.
21.30.010 Comprehensive plan subject to continuing evaluation.
A. The comprehensive plan shall be subject to continuing evaluation and review, and suggested amendments shall be considered on at least an annual basis; provided, this shall not be deemed to require amendment at any time.
B. Suggested changes to the zoning code may be considered together with or separate from the comprehensive plan; provided, amendments to the official zoning map shall be made after or concurrent with amendments to the land use designation map of the comprehensive plan when such land use map is being considered, and shall be consistent therewith. (Ord. 827 § 1, 1998).
21.30.020 Amendment limited to once a year.
A. Amendments to the comprehensive plan shall be adopted not more frequently than once a year, except as provided in this section.
B. Amendments dealing solely with the following may be adopted more frequently than once a year:
1. The initial adoption of a subarea plan;
2. The adoption or amendment of a shoreline master program;
3. The amendment of the capital facilities element of a comprehensive plan that occurs concurrently with the adoption or amendment of a county or city budget;
4. The adoption of comprehensive plan amendments necessary to enact a planned action under RCW 43.21C.031(2); or
5. Any other amendment as provided in RCW 36.70A.130(2)(a).
C. Amendments may be adopted more frequently than once a year whenever an emergency exists, or to resolve an appeal of a comprehensive plan pending before a growth management hearings board or court.
D. All proposed amendments shall be considered and acted upon concurrently so the cumulative effect of the various changes can be ascertained. (Ord. 1203 § 16, 2018; Ord. 827 § 1, 1998).
21.30.030 Calendar for amendments to comprehensive plan.
A. Suggested changes to the comprehensive plan shall be considered and acted upon pursuant to the calendar established in this section; provided, the city council may by resolution alter or extend the calendar.
B. During the months of November and December, the director shall review and evaluate all suggested changes to the comprehensive plan, and prepare a written report to the planning commission containing the director’s recommendation as to each item whether it should be considered by planning commission during the current cycle. The report may also contain a recommended action upon such docket items.
C. The planning commission shall as its first order of business during the month of January establish a work program for the months of January through April inclusive for hearings, deliberation and action upon the comprehensive plan docket. The planning commission shall consider but not be limited by the recommendation of the director. The planning commission shall hold hearings as required by law, including at least one hearing in January prior to determining its work program, and one hearing in April prior to making its final recommendation to city council. The planning commission shall at its meetings further provide a continuing forum for on-going public involvement in the comprehensive plan amendment process. The planning commission shall report its recommendation for amendments to the comprehensive plan to city council not later than the last day of April. The recommendations of the planning commission may be summarized in a report prepared by the director, and certified by the chair of the planning commission as accurately stating the recommendations of the planning commission.
D. The city council shall deliberate and act upon the recommendations of the planning commission during the months of May and June. The city council shall consider but not be limited by the recommendations of the planning commission.
E. The failure to comply strictly with the calendar established in this section shall not affect the validity of amendments to the comprehensive plan. (Ord. 827 § 1, 1998).
21.30.040 Amendments to zoning code.
Amendments to the zoning code may be adopted by the city council at any time, after public notice and hearings, and planning consideration and recommendation, as provided by law, except as provided in this chapter with respect to amendments to the official zoning map. (Ord. 827 § 1, 1998).
21.30.050 Amendment of other development regulations.
Development regulations other than the comprehensive plan and zoning code may be amended by city council at any time, subject to required public notice and public participation; and further provided, city council may refer any proposed amendment to the planning commission for consideration and recommendation. (Ord. 827 § 1, 1998).