[Amended 2-18-2014 by L.L. No. 2-2014]
This chapter or any part thereof may be amended, supplemented or repealed, from time to time, by the Common Council on its own motion or on petition, as provided by law. Every such proposed amendment shall be referred by the Common Council to the Planning Board for a report before the public hearing. Unless the Planning Board fails to render such report within 30 days after the next regularly scheduled meeting of such Board following the time of such referral, the Common Council shall not take action on any such amendment without a recommendation from the Planning Board. Upon approval of any such amendment, copies thereof shall be forwarded to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals by the City Clerk.
A. 
Report of the Planning Board. In making such report on a proposed amendment, the Planning Board shall make inquiry and determination concerning the items specified below:
(1) 
Concerning a proposed amendment to or change in text of the chapter:
(a) 
Whether such change is consistent with the aims and principles embodied in the chapter as to the particular districts concerned.
(b) 
Which areas, land uses, buildings and establishments in the City will be directly affected by such change and in what way they will be affected.
(c) 
The indirect implications of such change in its effect on other regulations.
(d) 
Whether such proposed amendment is consistent with the aims of the Comprehensive Plan of the City.
[Amended 4-20-2004 by L.L. No. 3-2004]
(2) 
Concerning a proposed amendment involving a change in the Zoning Map:
(a) 
Whether the uses permitted by the proposed change would be appropriate in the area concerned.
(b) 
Whether adequate public school facilities and other public services exist or can be created to serve the needs of any additional residences likely to be constructed as a result of such change.
(c) 
Whether the proposed change is in accord with any existing or proposed plans in the vicinity.
(d) 
The effect of the proposed amendment upon the growth of the City as envisaged by the Comprehensive Plan.
[Amended 4-20-2004 by L.L. No. 3-2004]
(e) 
Whether the proposed amendment is likely to result in an increase or decrease in the total zoned residential capacity of the City and the probable effect thereof.
B. 
Each petition for a zoning amendment shall be accompanied by a fee as established by the Common Council payable to the City Clerk upon the filing thereof. If petition is withdrawn before publication of notice of public hearing, the fee shall be refunded in full to the petitioner. No fee shall be required for petitions filed in favor of or against a pending application.
[Amended 4-20-2004 by L.L. No. 3-2004]
C. 
By resolution at a meeting or by Clerk's notice, the Common Council shall fix the time and place of a public hearing on the proposed amendment and cause notice thereof to be given as provided by law. All notices of public hearing shall be published in the official newspapers of the City and shall specify:
[Amended 9-21-1993 by L.L. No. 9-1993]
(1) 
The nature of any proposed amendment.
(2) 
The land or district affected.
(3) 
The date when and the place where the public hearing will be held.
D. 
No amendment to this chapter which shall be adopted by local law shall be required to be published in its entirety prior to becoming effective.
[Added 11-17-1981 by L.L. No. 9-1981]