§ 21-461. Planning commission.

(a)

Functions, powers and duties.

(1)

Act as local planning agency pursuant to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act, Ch. 163, Part II, Florida Statutes, and perform all functions and duties prescribed in the statute.

(2)

The planning commission shall have the power to review and approve special use requests in order to allow uses that are specifically designated as an "S" in Table of Land Uses, Table 21-32(A) of this Code. The procedure for filing an application for a review is found in Article VII, section 21-412, "special use approval."

(3)

Review information on population, property values, the land economy, land use and other information necessary to assess the amount, direction and type of development to be expected in the City.

(4)

Advise and make recommendations to the City Commission regarding applications for amendments to the official zoning map and requests for conditional uses or other special designations on property within the City.

(5)

At the request of the planning and community development director, interpret and determine the intent of provisions of this Code that are unclear or in conflict with other regulations.

(6)

Consider the need for revision or addition of regulations in this Code, and recommend changes to the City Commission.

(7)

Consider the need for revision of the comprehensive plan and recommend changes to the City Commission.

(b)

Appointment of members.

(1)

The planning commission shall have nine (9) members, to be appointed by the City Commission.

(2)

Each member of the planning commission shall reside or be a property owner in the City.

(3)

Each member shall be appointed to a three-year term. In the event that all members are appointed at the same time, three (3) members shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year, three (3) members shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years, and three (3) members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years.

(4)

When the unexpired term of any member becomes vacant for any reason, the City Commission shall fill the vacancy by the appointment of a new member.

(5)

All members shall serve until their successors are appointed.

(6)

Members may be removed without notice and without assignment of cause by a majority vote of the City Commission.

(7)

At the first meeting held after January 1 of each year, the planning commission shall elect a chairman, vice-chairman and such other officers as deemed necessary. The chairman, or in his absence the vice-chairman, shall preside over all meetings of the planning commission. Officers terms shall be in accordance with the by laws of the planning commission.

(8)

The chairman will establish subcommittees and appoint members as needed to carry out the purposes of the planning commission.

(9)

Members shall not be compensated, but may be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred on planning commission business.

(10)

If any member fails to attend three (3) successive meetings, the planning commission may declare the member's office vacant and notify the City Commission.

(c)

Procedures.

(1)

The planning commission may adopt procedures to carry out its purposes. All rules must conform to this Code, other City ordinances, and State law.

(2)

The planning commission shall meet at least once each month, unless a meeting is canceled by a decision of the planning commission at a regular meeting or by decision of the chairman.

(3)

The commission shall keep minutes of its proceedings, indicating the attendance of each member, and the decision on every question.

(4)

Five (5) members shall constitute a quorum.

(5)

Each decision of the planning commission must be approved by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting in which a quorum is present and voting.

(Ord. No. O-00-09, Art. 8 (8.03.01), 4-24-00; Ord. No. O-00-28, § 1(N), 10-2-00; Ord. No. O-02-32, § 2, 8-12-02)