A. 
This chapter provides processing procedures for amendments to:
1. 
Zoning Map. Zoning map amendment that has the effect of rezoning property from one zone to another;
2. 
Zoning Code. Zoning Code amendment that may modify procedures, requirements, or standards applicable to the development, and/or use of property within the City; and
3. 
Specific Plans. Specific plan amendment that may modify procedures, requirements, or standards applicable to the development and/or use of property within the boundaries of the specific plan area.
B. 
Approval of Amendments. The amendments may be approved by the Council whenever required by public convenience, health, interest, safety, or welfare of the City.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
An amendment may be initiated by:
A. 
City Council. Notification to the Development Services Director via a minute action of the Council;
B. 
Planning Commission. Notification to the Development Services Director via a minute action of the Planning Commission;
C. 
Development Services Director. Notification to the Council; or
D. 
Property Owners. Filing with the Director an application from one or more record owners of land that is the subject of the proposed amendment, or their authorized agents.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Application. For those amendments requested by owners of land or their authorized agents, the application shall be filed in compliance with Section 17.30.030 (Application Filing) and shall be accompanied by the information identified in the Department handout for amendment applications and by a fee established by the City's fee resolution.
B. 
Notice and Hearing.
1. 
Date of Hearing. Upon receipt of a complete application to amend the zoning map or this Zoning Code, or on initiation by the Director, Planning Commission, or Council, and following Director review, public hearings shall be set before the Planning Commission.
2. 
Notice. Notice of the hearing shall be given in compliance with Section 17.56.020 (Notice of Hearing) of this chapter.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Planning Commission Action. After the close of the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall forward a written recommendation to the Council whether to approve, approve in modified form, or disapprove the proposed amendment based on the findings contained in Section 17.58.060 (Findings and Decision). The recommendations of the Planning Commission on proposed amendments shall be adopted by a majority of the total voting members of the Planning Commission.
B. 
Planning Commission Report. The Planning Commission report of the hearing shall include a list of persons who testified at the hearing, a summary of the facts adduced at the hearing, the findings of the Planning Commission, and copies of maps or other data and documentary evidence submitted in connection with the proposed amendment. The recommendation shall include the findings of the Planning Commission constituting the basis for the recommendation.
C. 
Notice of Planning Commission's Action. The secretary of the Planning Commission shall transmit the recommendation (together with the staff report) to the Council.
D. 
Applicant's Copy. The applicant's copy of the recommendation shall be mailed to the address shown upon the application or provided to the applicant via electronic delivery.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Hearing. Following the receipt of either of the following, the City Clerk shall schedule a hearing in compliance with State law and this Zoning Code, and the Council shall conduct at least one public hearing on the amendment:
1. 
Approval. A written recommendation from the Planning Commission recommending the approval of the amendment; or
2. 
Disapproval. A written recommendation from the Planning Commission recommending disapproval of the amendment.
B. 
Effect of Commission's Recommendation to Disapprove Amendment. If the matter under consideration is an amendment to the Zoning Code to change property from one zone to another and the Planning Commission has recommended against the adoption of the amendment, the Council shall not be required to take further action on it unless otherwise provided by ordinance or unless an interested party requests a hearing before the Council by filing a written request with the City Clerk within 10 days after the Planning Commission files its recommendations with the Council.
C. 
Council's Action. The Council shall approve, approve in modified form, or disapprove the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
D. 
Referral to Planning Commission. If the Council proposes to adopt a substantial modification to the amendment not previously considered by the Planning Commission during its hearings, the proposed modification shall be first referred back to the Planning Commission for its recommendation, in compliance with State law, but the Planning Commission shall not be required to hold a public hearing on the referral. Failure of the Planning Commission to report within 40 days after the reference, or a longer period as may be designated by the Council, shall be deemed to be approval of the proposed modification.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)
A. 
Findings Required. An amendment to the zoning map or this Zoning Code may be approved only if the following findings of fact can be made in a positive manner, as applicable to the type of amendment. It is the responsibility of the applicant to establish evidence in support of the required findings.
B. 
Mandatory Findings Required for All Amendments.
1. 
The proposed amendment ensures and maintains internal consistency with the actions, goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan, and would not create any inconsistencies with this Zoning Code, in the case of a Zoning Code amendment;
2. 
The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or welfare of the City; and
3. 
The proposed project has been reviewed in compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City's environmental review procedures.
C. 
Additional Finding for Zoning Map Amendments. The site(s) is/are physically suitable (including access, provision of utilities, compatibility with adjoining land uses, and absence of physical constraints) for the requested zone and anticipated land use development(s).
D. 
Additional Finding for Zoning Code Amendments. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code.
(Ord. 688 § 1, 2006; Ord. 19-03 § 3, 2019)