There is hereby created a Planning Commission for the city.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
(1) 
The Planning Commission shall consist of seven members, to be appointed by the Mayor and Council, two of whom may be non-residents of the city. Non-residents must have their primary residence within the Springfield urban growth boundary.
(2) 
No more than two appointed members shall be engaged principally in buying, selling or developing real estate for profit as individuals, or be members of any partnership, or officers or employees of any corporation that is engaged principally in buying, selling or developing of real estate for profit. No more than two voting members shall be engaged in the same kind of business, trade, profession or occupation.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
Any vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by the Mayor and Council for the unexpired portion of the term of the member creating the vacancy. The Council may declare an office of an appointed Commission member vacant whenever the Commission member has two consecutive unexcused absences.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
At the beginning of each calendar year, the Planning Commission shall elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson who shall hold office for one year.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
The Development and Public Works Director, or a duly authorized representative, shall keep an accurate and legally sufficient record of all proceedings before the Commission.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
A majority of appointed members shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is present, all matters shall be decided by a vote of the majority.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
The Planning Commission shall meet at least once a month, at such times and places as may be fixed by the Commission. Special meetings may be called in accordance with the public meeting laws by the chairperson or vice-chairperson. All meetings shall comply with state public meeting laws. Public hearings shall be held in accordance with section 5.2.100 of the Springfield Development Code.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
(1) 
The principal staff to the Planning Commission shall be the Development and Public Works Director and the Development and Public Works Department staff.
(2) 
Members of the Planning Commission shall receive no compensation but may receive incurred expenses.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
(1) 
The Planning Commission shall be responsible for making recommendations to the Council concerning the legislative adoption of land use plans and land use regulations, in accordance with state law. Such plans and regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan), Springfield Comprehensive Plan, refinement plans and functional plans, the Springfield Development Code, and any other plans or regulations that implement or are subservient to the Metro Plan or Springfield Comprehensive Plan.
(2) 
The Planning Commission shall also be responsible for the review of development proposals in the manner prescribed in the Springfield Development Code. In making such quasi-judicial land use decisions, the Planning Commission shall act impartially and in accordance with land use plans and regulations that have been adopted by the Council.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
All recommendations to the Council by the Planning Commission shall be in writing and shall include findings and reasoning in support of the recommendation.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)
The Planning Commission shall have no authority to make expenditures on behalf of the city or to obligate the city for the payment of any sums of money.
(Ord. No. 6477, 5/6/2024)