A. 
The purpose this chapter is to provide procedures for initiating and processing amendments to the text of any of the following:
1. 
Title 17;
2. 
The city's general plan; and
3. 
Any specific plan.
B. 
This chapter does not apply to proposed text amendments submitted concurrently with an application for a statutory development agreement, subdivision map, a preliminary development permit or a conditional use permit ("entitlement applications"). Proposed text amendments submitted concurrently with entitlement applications shall be processed pursuant to Chapter 17.72.
(Ord. 889 § 1, 2004)
A. 
A proposal to amend the text of Title 17, the city's general plan, or any specific plan unaccompanied by a concurrent entitlement application may only be initiated by:
1. 
A city council member;
2. 
The city manager; or
3. 
Any department director.
B. 
Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, an eligible applicant, as defined in Section 17.36.040, subsection B, may apply for a text amendment, pursuant to Chapter 17.72 if the proposed text amendment is concurrently submitted with an entitlement application.
C. 
Nothing in this chapter is intended to limit, modify or eliminate the voters' initiative rights as set forth in California Elections Code Sections 9200, et seq.
(Ord. 889 § 1, 2004)
All proposed text amendments initiated pursuant to this chapter shall be submitted to the city council and processed as follows:
A. 
Proposed Ordinance. If the proposed text amendment requires the preparation of an ordinance, such ordinance shall be prepared in conformance with Chapter 1.04.
B. 
City Attorney Review. The city attorney shall review all proposed text amendments to determine whether the city has the authority to adopt the proposed amendment, the proposed amendment is constitutionally valid under the state and federal constitutions, and the proposed amendment is consistent with the general powers and purposes of the city, the city's charter, ordinances approved by the voters, and any applicable federal and/or state laws.
C. 
Public Hearing Requirement. If the proposed text amendment will have an affect on the use or intensity of the use of real property, the city council shall conduct a noticed public hearing pursuant to Chapter 17.74 before taking any formal action on the proposed amendment.
D. 
Environmental Review. All proposed text amendments shall be subject to environmental review in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations.
E. 
City Council Discretion. The city council may take any of the following actions on any proposed text amendment:
1. 
Reject the proposed text amendment;
2. 
Approve the proposed text amendment with modifications;
3. 
Approve the proposed text amendment;
4. 
Refer the proposed text amendment with or without a recommendation to a city council subcommittee or an advisory body, including but not limited to the planning commission, for further review and input as deemed necessary or appropriate by the city council; or
5. 
Take whatever other legal action deemed appropriate by the city council.
6. 
Failure of any advisory body to report back to the city council on any proposed text amendment, referred to that advisory body pursuant to this section, within the time frame established by the city council shall be deemed a recommendation for the approval of the proposed text amendment.
(Ord. 889 § 1, 2004)