The ordinance codified in this title may be amended by changing the boundaries of districts or by changing any other provisions herein whenever, in the judgment of the City Council, the public necessity, convenience and general welfare require such amendment. Any amendment which changes any aspect of zoning within the coastal zone shall not be effective until approved by the California Coastal Commission within the scope of its jurisdiction at the time of the amendment.
(Ord. 84-1 §38-1)
An amendment of this title may be initiated in any one of the following ways:
A. 
Upon application to the City of any owner(s) of property affected by the proposed rezoning together with the required application fee.
B. 
By the City Council upon its own motion.
(Ord. 84-1 §38-2)
An application for amendment by a property owner(s) shall be accompanied by maps, drawings and data necessary to demonstrate that the proposed amendment is in general conformance with the City general plan and that public necessity, convenience and general welfare require the adoption of the proposed amendment. An accurate legal description and a map of the property showing all existing buildings, streets, drainage, channels and property lines adjacent to or within the boundaries of subject property shall be submitted with the application.
(Ord. 84-1 §38-3)
Upon receipt of the findings and recommendations of the City staff, the City Council shall set the matter for public hearing and give notice of such hearing by at least one publication in a newspaper of general circulation at least 10 days prior to such hearing.
(Ord. 84-1 §38-4)
In the event new evidence is presented at the City Council hearing, which evidence has not been reviewed, or should the Council find that further consideration and recommendation by the City staff is necessary prior to final determination of the proposal, the City Council may refer the matter of the proposed amendment back to staff for further proceedings and report consistent with Council direction if any. The findings and recommendations of City staff shall be advisory only and same may be approved, modified or disapproved by the City Council. At the conclusion of all hearings, if it finds that the public necessity, convenience and general welfare so require, the City Council may adopt an ordinance affecting the amendment in such form as it may determine.
(Ord. 84-1 §38-5)
Where an application for amendment to the ordinance codified in this title is disapproved by the City Council, no new application for an amendment substantially the same as the one disapproved will be considered for a period of one year following such disapproval. This section shall not be construed as a limitation upon the right of the City Council or Planning Commission to initiate proposed zoning amendments even though the same or a similar proposal failed of adoption within any one year period.
(Ord. 84-1 §38-6)