There is hereby created and established the planning and zoning commission of the city in order to accomplish those purposes, among others, as follows:
(1) 
To identify the needs of the community and to advise the city council of their short-and long-range implications for the total development of said city;
(2) 
To recommend achievable community goals as a basis for long-range planning and development programs;
(3) 
To recommend plans, programs and policies that will aid the entire community in achieving its defined goals; and
(4) 
To interpret the adopted plans and programs to concerned citizens in order that private activities and desires may be accomplished in harmony with public needs and policies.
(1990 Code, sec. 14.101)
Said planning and zoning commission shall be composed of nine (9) members who shall be qualified electors of said city and appointed to the same by said city council. Said city council may consider for appointment to membership thereon only those persons who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, independent judgment, interest in planning and zoning, and availability to prepare for and attend the meetings of said commission. It is hereby declared to be the intent of said city council that the members of said commission shall, by reason of diversity of their individual occupations, constitute a commission which is broadly representative of the community.
(1990 Code, sec. 14.102; Ordinance adopting Code)
The members of such commission shall be identified by place numbers 1 through 9. The terms of the members of said commission shall be staggered so that the terms of one-third (1/3) of the members shall expire on the thirtieth (30th) day of June of each year. Place 1 through 3 shall make up one-third (1/3) of the members, place 4 through 6 shall make up one-third (1/3) of the members and place 7 through 9 shall make up one-third (1/3) of the members. The members of said commission shall serve during the term for which they are appointed or until their successors shall have been appointed and qualified, and the members thereof may be appointed to succeed themselves. Vacancies thereon shall be filled for unexpired terms. No member of said commission shall be appointed for a term in excess of three (3) years.
(Ordinance 09-037 adopted 6/23/09)
Such commission shall hold an organizational meeting annually following the qualification of the newly appointed members thereto. It shall elect or appoint a secretary and such other officers as it deems necessary either from its membership or from staff representatives assigned by the city manager to work with said commission. Such commission shall meet regularly and shall designate the time and place for its meetings. It shall also adopt its own rules of procedure and keep a record of its proceedings consistent with the provisions of this division and the requirements of law.
(1990 Code, sec. 14.104)
Such commission is hereby charged with the duties and invested with the authority to:
(1) 
Inspect property and premises at reasonable hours where required in the discharge of its responsibilities under the laws of the state and ordinances of said city;
(2) 
Formulate and recommend to said city council for its adoption a comprehensive plan for the orderly growth and development of said city and its environs and, from time to time, recommend such changes in said plan as it finds will facilitate the movement of people and goods, and the health, recreation, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of said city;
(3) 
Formulate a zoning plan as may be deemed best to carry out the goals and objectives of said comprehensive plan, and conduct public hearings and make recommendations to said city council relating to the creation, amendment and implementation of zoning regulations and districts as provided for in chapter 211 of Vernon’s Texas Codes Annotated, Local Government Code, as amended; the powers granted and authorized therein being hereby specifically adopted and made a part hereof;
(4) 
Study and recommend as to the location, extension and planning of public rights-of-way, parks or other public places, and as to the vacating, abandoning or closing of same;
(5) 
Conduct studies and make recommendations as to the general design and location of public buildings, bridges, viaducts, street fixtures and other structures, public structures and appurtenances;
(6) 
Conduct studies and make recommendations as to the design and alteration and as to the location or relocation of works of art which are, or may become, the property of said city;
(7) 
Initiate, in the name of said city, all proposals for the opening, vacating or closing of public rights-of-way, parks or other public places, original zoning of annexed areas, and change of zoning district boundaries on a areawide basis; provided, however, that no fee shall be required for the filing of any application therefor in the name of the city;
(8) 
Formulate and recommend to said city council for its adoption of policies and regulations consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan governing the location or operation of utilities, public facilities, and services owned or under the control of said city; and
(9) 
Keep itself informed with regard to the progress of urban planning in the United States of America and other countries, and make recommendations as to improvements in the adopted plans of said city.
(1990 Code, sec. 14.105)
A quorum for the conduct of business of such commission shall consist of five (5) members thereof. The members of such commission shall regularly attend the meetings of and public hearings conducted by said commission and shall serve without compensation except for reimbursement of authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties.
(1990 Code, sec. 14.106)
(a) 
A motion may be made by any member of such commission other than the presiding officer thereof.
(b) 
A motion to approve any matter before such commission or to recommend approval of any request requiring action by said city council shall require favorable votes of a majority of the members present. Failure of such commission to secure such a majority of concurring votes to approve or recommend approval shall be recorded in the minutes as a denial of the proposal under consideration.
(1990 Code, sec. 14.107)
(a) 
A member of such commission shall disqualify himself or herself from voting whenever he or she finds that he or she has a personal or monetary interest in any matter under consideration by such commission, or that he or she will be directly affected by the decision of such commission thereon.
(b) 
A member of such commission may disqualify himself or herself from voting on any matter pending before such commission whenever any applicant before the same, or any agent thereof, has sought to influence the vote of such member relative thereto other than during the course of a meeting of such commission.
(1990 Code, sec. 14.108)