There is hereby created and established a commission to be known as the zoning and planning commission to make recommendations regarding annexations, recommend the boundaries of the various zoning districts and appropriate regulations to be enforced therein and general amendments to this chapter. The commission may grant specific permits or variances as provided herein.
(Ordinance 2018-07-16-02 adopted 7/16/18)
(a) 
The commission shall consist of seven members and two alternates who shall serve if members are unable to attend a meeting.
(b) 
Appointments to the board shall be made in the manner specified in city charter, section 7.01.
(c) 
Eligibility for membership on the commission is as specified in the charter.
(Ordinance 2018-07-16-02 adopted 7/16/18; Ordinance 2025-06-16-03 adopted 6/16/2025)
(a) 
City staff shall perform studies and prepare and submit a written report and recommendation regarding annexation and zoning of property in the ETJ to the zoning and planning commission using the criteria outlined below.
(1) 
Identify the planned use of the property, and whether it is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the future land use map.
(2) 
Identify the zoning or future land use of adjacent properties, and whether the proposed use is compatible with surrounding properties and uses.
(3) 
Identify relevant site development characteristics and whether the site is suitable for the proposed use without significant variances.
(4) 
Determine whether the proposed annexation is appropriate in terms of transportation, water and wastewater services, solid waste, road maintenance, and public safety services.
(5) 
Determine whether coordination with Travis County, the Village of Bee Cave, the City of Austin, or any other authority is required.
(6) 
Conduct a cost/benefit analysis of the proposed annexation to determine whether projected tax revenue will support the service plan.
(7) 
Determine whether a modified service plan is appropriate and if so, recommend the specific details of the plan.
(8) 
Evaluate review of the proposal by the city attorney and city staff.
(b) 
The zoning and planning commission shall then evaluate the information and make a formal recommendation to council.
(Ordinance 2018-07-16-02 adopted 7/16/18)
The term of office shall be one year, which shall end on June 30 each year. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as appointment.
(Ordinance 2018-07-16-02 adopted 7/16/18; Ordinance 2025-06-16-03 adopted 6/16/2025)
Before submitting a recommendation to the city council or before granting a permit or variance as provided for in this chapter, the commission shall hold a public hearing thereon. Written notice of all public hearings before the commission on proposed annexations, changes in classification and applications for variances or original special uses shall be sent to owners of real property lying within two hundred feet (200') of the property on which the action is proposed, such notice to be given not less than ten (10) days before the date set for hearing. Such notice may be served by depositing the same, properly addressed and postage paid, in the United States post office. Where property lying within two hundred feet (200') of the property proposed for action is located in territory which was annexed to the city after the final date for making renditions which are included on the last approved city tax roll, notice to such owners shall be given by publication in the manner provided by law.
(Ordinance 2018-07-16-02 adopted 7/16/18)
A quorum shall consist of four (4) members of the commission.
(Ordinance 2018-07-16-02 adopted 7/16/18)
(a) 
A commission member may be removed for cause, as found by the city council, on a written charge after a public hearing.
(b) 
A written charge asserting that cause exists to remove a board member from office may be filed by any resident of the city or any person doing business in the city (including city employees) and shall be in the form of a signed and sworn statement that shall state the reasons for the proposed removal and why those reasons amount to cause, and may include any relevant documentary evidence the charging party deems appropriate.
(c) 
The written charge shall be filed with the city secretary who shall distribute it to the city council, the city attorney, and the board member who is the subject of the written charge.
(d) 
Upon receipt of a written charge meeting the criteria set forth herein, the mayor shall place the matter on the next available council agenda.
(e) 
At the city council meeting at which the written charge is considered, the city council shall afford the charging party and the board member who is the subject of the written charge an opportunity to present their arguments for and against removal.
(1) 
The presentation by each side shall be no longer than 30 minutes unless the city council votes to allow more time.
(2) 
The presentations shall be heard by the city council in open session.
(3) 
The presentations may include offering documents for the city council to consider.
(f) 
Following the presentations, the city council shall consider and vote on the matter.
(Ordinance 2018-07-16-02 adopted 7/16/18; Ordinance 2025-08-18-01 adopted 8/18/2025)