17.155.030 Procedure for amendments to the zoning code.
(1) Proposed amendments to this title, including changes in the zoning district maps or boundaries, shall be referred to the planning commission for review and public hearing except that the city council may at its discretion assume the planning commission’s authority to conduct the review and public hearing in the following instances:
(a) When zoning text amendments involve corrections, or minor updates that do not require further study and review; or
(b) When zoning text amendments implement a clear policy direction already determined by the city council and the need for additional study and recommendation is not indicated.
(2) Upon submission of a complete application for an amendment to this title, as provided in SMC 17.155.080, the city shall schedule a public hearing, which shall be not less than 10 and not more than 60 days from the date the city provides notice that the application is complete. At the meeting, interested parties and citizens shall have the opportunity to be heard.
(3) For a zoning map amendment, the commission shall receive in writing statements from the relevant city of Stanwood departments to inform them as to the availability and capacity of all required infrastructure, including roadway, water, wastewater, stormwater, and electrical power systems to accommodate the level of development that could occur if the zoning map amendment were to be granted. If statements are not available prior to the public hearing, those departments shall have an opportunity to make oral statements at said hearing. If no statement, written or oral, is given by any department or government agency, it shall be assumed that they concur with the requested amendment.
(4) Having taken into account the conditions and requirements set forth in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, as well as all requirements of Chapter 17.157 SMC when applicable, the commission shall render a recommendation on the zoning amendment request to the city council.
(5) The city council shall consider a recommendation from the planning commission on a request to amend any portion of this code, within 30 days after receiving the planning commission recommendation. The council shall then render a decision on said request and issue findings and conclusions and a final notice of decision on the proposal. (Ord. 1419 § 15, 2016; Ord. 1316 § 9, 2012; Ord. 1110 § 3, 2002; Ord. 1084 § 3, 2000; Ord. 1024, 1998; Ord. 929 Ch. 11(C), 1995).