A. 
This Chapter establishes procedures for the amendment of this Code, the Zoning Map, and the General Plan in compliance with Government Code § 65853 et seq.
B. 
Land proposed for annexation shall be addressed in Chapter 18.04 (Annexations).
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Initiation. An Amendment may be initiated as follows:
1. 
Council. An Amendment may be initiated by the Council;
2. 
Commission. An Amendment may be initiated by the Commission; or
3. 
Property owner. An application from the property owner or authorized agent of the property for which the amendment is sought. If the property is under more than one ownership, all owners or the authorized agents shall join in filing the application.
B. 
Urgency Measure. The Council may also adopt, as an urgency measure, an interim ordinance in compliance with Government Code § 65858, and the standards of this Chapter shall not apply in that case.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Application Filing. An Amendment request shall be filed in compliance with Chapter 17.504 (Application Processing Procedures).
B. 
Public Workshops. The Director may require public workshops or other forms of public involvement to obtain community feedback prior to completing staff review and scheduling a public hearing on an Amendment request.
C. 
Public Hearings Required. The Commission and Council shall each hold one or more public hearings regarding the Amendment in compliance with Chapter 17.608 (Public Hearings and Noticing).
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11; Ord. 1710, 2/6/2024)
A. 
Commission Resolution.
1. 
Following the closing of the hearing held in compliance with Chapter 17.608 (Public Hearings and Noticing), the Commission shall adopt a resolution, carried by a majority of the Commission's total membership, setting forth its findings and recommendations on the proposed Amendment based on the findings contained in Section 17.604.060 (Required Findings).
2. 
The resolution shall be transmitted to the Council consistent with Subsection 17.608.020.E, unless otherwise provided by law.
B. 
Modifications. In making the recommendation to the Council, the Commission may recommend modifications which are consistent with the notice of public hearing. Recommendations for other modifications, such as rezoning a greater area or to apply a different zone must be based upon new hearings in compliance with Chapter 17.608 (Public Hearings and Noticing).
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A. 
Council Hearing.
1. 
Upon receipt of the recommendation of the Commission, the Council shall conduct a public hearing regarding the Amendment in compliance with Chapter 17.608 (Public Hearings and Noticing). The date set for hearing shall be as early as possible after receipt of the Commission resolution described in Section 17.604.040 and shall be not more than 60 days after the filing of the Commission's resolution with the City Clerk.
2. 
The Council is not required to take further action regarding Zoning Map Amendment if the Commission recommends against rezoning, unless an appeal in compliance with Chapter 17.612 (Appeals).
B. 
Council Decision and Reference Back to Commission for Report.
1. 
The Council may approve, modify, or deny the Amendment based on the findings contained in Section 17.604.060 (Required Findings).
2. 
If Council proposed to adopt substantial modification to the Amendment not previously considered by the Commission during its hearing, the proposed modification shall first be referred back to the Commission for its report and recommendation in compliance with Government Code §§ 65356 and 65857.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
An Amendment may be approved only after all of the following findings are made, as applicable to the type of Amendment.
A. 
Mandatory Findings for All Amendments.
1. 
The proposed amendment is internally consistent with all other provisions of the General Plan;
2. 
The proposed amendment is internally consistent with any applicable specific plan;
3. 
The proposed amendment serves the public necessity, convenience and general welfare; and
4. 
The proposed amendment is in compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
B. 
Additional Finding for Zoning Code Amendments. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the Code.
C. 
Additional Findings for Zoning Map Amendments.
1. 
The affected site is physically suitable in terms of design, location, shape, size, operating characteristics, and the provision of public and emergency vehicle (e.g., fire and medical) access and public services and utilities (e.g., fire protection, police protection, potable water, schools, solid waste collection and disposal, etc.);
2. 
If located within or adjacent to residential areas, the requested zone change is compatible with the character of the residential neighborhood.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11; Ord. 1710, 2/6/2024)
A. 
A Zoning Code or Zoning Map Amendment (adopted by ordinance) shall become effective on the 30th day following the date the ordinance is actually adopted by the Council.
B. 
Council action to adopt or amend a General Plan (adopted by resolution) shall become effective on the actual date the decision is rendered by the Council.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)