Chapter 17.66 — AMENDMENTS TO ZONING REGULATIONS AND ZONING MAP

Any amendment to the zoning regulations or the Zoning Map that changes any property from one zone to another, imposes any regulation not previously imposed, or removes or modifies any regulation previously imposed, must be adopted in the manner set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 20-03 § 6)

A proposal to amend the zoning map or zoning regulations text may be initiated by:

• A. Resolution of the City Council;

• B. Resolution of the Planning Commission;

• C. Application by any person representing at least 50 percent of the assessed valuation of the property which will be affected by such amendment; or

• D. The Director.

• (Ord. 20-03 § 6)

All Zoning Map and zoning regulations text amendments require at least one public hearing by the Planning Commission and one public hearing by the City Council before adoption, followed by a second reading if the Code amendment is adopted. (Ord. 20-03 § 6)

• A. Recommendation to Council. Following a public hearing, the Planning Commission must make a written recommendation on the adoption or amendment of the zoning regulations or Zoning Map or any portion thereof based on the findings listed below. A recommendation for approval must be made by a resolution. The Director must promptly transmit to the City Council the Planning Commission’s written recommendation, together with any maps, charts, studies, or other materials, including any required environmental analysis.

• B. Required Findings. The Planning Commission must make all of the following findings in its recommendation to the City Council:

  1. The amendment is consistent with the General Plan, the requirements of State planning and zoning laws, and this Title.

  2. The amendment is in the interests of the general community welfare.

  3. The amendment is consistent with good zoning and planning practices.

4. Noticing. Notwithstanding subsection 17.52.050 , if an amendment affects the permitted uses of real property, hearing notice shall be given at least 20 days before the hearing.

(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 25-10, 12/2/2025)

• A. Action. After the conclusion of a public hearing, the City Council may approve, modify, or deny, or take no action regarding a proposed Zoning Map or zoning regulations text amendment. If the Council proposes any substantial modification not previously considered by the Planning Commission during its hearings, the proposed modification must first be referred back to the Planning Commission for its recommendation.

• B. Required Findings. Before making any amendments, the City Council must make all of the following findings:

  1. The amendment is consistent with the General Plan, the requirements of State planning and zoning laws, and this Title.

  2. The amendment is in the interests of the general community welfare.

3. The amendment is consistent with good zoning and planning practices.

(Ord. 20-03 § 6)