The governing body, after due public notice
and hearing, may amend the Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the
provisions of Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.).
Proceedings for an amendment may be initiated
in the following manner:
A.
By the filing with the City Clerk of a verified petition
of an owner or owners of real property within the City, which petition
shall be on a standard form prescribed by the City;
B.
By motion of a member of the governing body that a
proposed amendment be adopted; or
C.
By the adoption by the Planning Board of a resolution
recommending the proposed amendment to the governing body.
Prior to the hearing on adoption of the Zoning
Ordinance or any amendments thereto, the Municipal Council shall refer
any such proposed ordinance or amendment thereto to the Planning Board.
The Planning Board shall transmit a report on the proposed ordinance
or amendment to the Municipal Council within 35 days after referral.
The Municipal Council shall review the report of the Planning Board
and may disapprove or change any recommendation by a vote of the majority
of its full authorized membership and shall record, in its minutes,
the reason for not following such recommendations. Failure of the
Planning Board to transmit its report within the thirty-five-day period
shall relieve the Municipal Council from the requirement to review
the Planning Board's recommendations.
A protest against any proposed amendment or
revision of the Zoning Ordinance may be filed with the City Clerk,
signed by the owners of 20% or more either of the area of the lots
or land included in such proposed change or the lots or land extending
200 feet in all directions therefrom, inclusive of street space, whether
within or without the municipality. Such amendment or revision shall
not become effective following the filing of such protest except by
a favorable vote of 2/3 of all the members of the Municipal Council.
