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)