There is hereby created a Planning and Zoning Commission which shall be organized, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council and function as follows:
(a) 
Membership.
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall consist of five (5) members who are residents of Grayson County, or reside in a place that is within ten (10) miles of the City’s boundaries and is in a county bordering Grayson County, however, the majority shall be residents of the City of Bells, each to serve for a term of two (2) years and removable for cause by the appointing authority upon written charges and after public hearing. Appointees shall fill positions which shall be designated by place numbers (e.g., place 1, place 2, etc.). Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term of any member whose place becomes vacant for any cause in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
(b) 
Terms.
The terms of members filling places 1, 3, and 5 shall expire on June 30 of each odd-numbered year and the terms of members filling places 2 and 4 shall expire on June 30 of each even-numbered year. Planning and Zoning Commission members may be appointed to succeed themselves. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms, but no members shall be appointed for a term in excess of two (2) years. Newly appointed members shall be installed at the first regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting after their appointment.
(c) 
Organization.
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall hold an organizational meeting in each quarter. The commission shall meet on-call and shall designate the time and place of its meetings. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure and keep a record of its proceedings consistent when the provisions of this ordinance and the requirements of law. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall elect a chairman from its own membership at its annual organizational meeting.
(d) 
Quorum and Compensation.
A quorum for the conduct of business shall consist of three members [of the] Planning and Zoning Commission. The members shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement of authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
The Planning and Zoning Commission is hereby charged with the duty and invested with the authority to:
Formulate and recommend to the City Council for its adoption a city plan for the orderly growth and development of the city and its environs and from time to time recommend such changes in the plan as it finds will facilitate the movement of people and goods, and the health, recreation, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city.
Formulate a zoning plan as may be deemed best to carry out the goals of the city plan; hold public hearings and make recommendations to the City Council relating to the creation, amendment, and implementation of zoning regulations and districts as authorized under state law.
(a) 
Exercise all powers of a Planning and Zoning Commission as to approval or disapproval of plans, plats, or replats as authorized under state law.
(b) 
Study and recommend the location, extension, and planning of public rights-of-way, parks, or other public places, and on the vacating or closing of same.
(c) 
Study and make recommendations regarding the general design and location of public buildings, bridges, viaducts, street fixtures, and other structures and appurtenances.
(d) 
Initiate, in the name of the city, proposals for the opening, vacating, or closing of public rights-of-way, parks, or other public places and for the change of zoning district boundaries on the area-wide basis.
(e) 
Formulate and recommend to the City Council for its adoption policies and regulations consistent with the adopted city plan governing the location and/or operation of utilities, public facilities, and services owned or under the control of the city.
(f) 
Submit quarterly a progress report to the City Council summarizing is activities for the past quarter and a proposed work program for the upcoming quarter.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)