There is created the office of Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer who shall serve at the pleasure of the Council. The Council may appoint a City resident to such position or, if the Council determines that the expertise of a professional is warranted, may appoint such professional in its discretion.
(Ord. 1380 § 1(B), 2022)
The City Manager shall appoint a Zoning Secretary who shall keep minutes, post notices, and handle all such secretarial duties for the Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer and coordinate an alternate Zoning Secretary to serve in the absence of the Zoning Secretary.
(Ord. 1380 § 1(B), 2022)
All hearings conducted by the Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer shall be at such times as the Officer sets or at such other times as the City Council determines. All hearings shall be public and the Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer may administer oaths, take evidence, and compel the attendance of witnesses.
(Ord. 1380 § 1(B), 2022)
The Zoning Secretary shall keep minutes of the proceedings and shall file such minutes with the City Clerk.
(Ord. 1380 § 1(B), 2022)
The Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer shall, within five (5) days after the conclusion of the hearing, file a written recommendation with the City Council entitled "notice of decision" unless the Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer determines that additional evidence or testimony must be taken. In such a case, the Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer shall adjourn the hearing to a later date not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date of the initial hearing.
(Ord. 1380 § 1(B), 2022)
A. 
The Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer shall hold public hearings when necessary and make recommendations to the City Council on all matters concerning annexations, lot splits, special developments (see special development option), amendments to the zoning code or zoning map(s), including the creation of zoning districts, the boundaries of zoning districts, and appropriate regulations to be enforced in such districts, recommendations regarding nonconforming uses, design review in compliance with adopted design standards and Design Review Board member duties, subdivision plats, General Plan review, recommendations and adoptions, and any other matter within the scope of the zoning power. The Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer shall fix a reasonable time for hearings and give notice as required by A.R.S. Section 9-462.04, as amended, City code, and other law as applicable.
B. 
The Planning and Zoning Hearing Officer is also responsible for hearing and deciding applications for conditional use permits.
(Ord. 1380 § 1(B), 2022; Ord. 1381 § 1, 2022)