Chapter 23.155 — General Plan Amendments

As the city continues to grow and change over time, it is necessary to periodically update the General Plan. Amendments may be made to the General Plan text (e.g., goals, policies, or implementation programs) or map to change land use designations on any parcel(s) if the approval findings (RCMC § 23.155.040 , Approval authority) are met.

(Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.19.010); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

A General Plan amendment may include revisions to the text, diagrams, and/or mapping designations. (Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.19.020); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

An application for a General Plan amendment shall be filed in accordance with RCMC § 23.110.040 (Application requirements). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

General Plan amendments are a discretionary decision by the council pursuant to RCMC § 23.104.030 (Recommending and approval authority).

(Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

A public hearing and hearing notice shall be required for review and processing of a General Plan amendment in accordance with the following:

• A. Public Hearing Notice. A notice for public hearing shall be provided for pursuant to RCMC § 23.110.120 (Notice of public hearing).

• B. Public Hearing Procedure. A public hearing shall be held pursuant to RCMC § 23.110.130 (Public hearing procedures). (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The council may approve or approve with conditions an application for a General Plan amendment after finding all of the following. If the council does not make all of these findings, the General Plan amendment shall not be approved.

• A. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with the General Plan.

• B. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city.

• C. In the case of amendments to the General Plan map, the site is physically suitable (including absence of physical constraints, access, compatibility with adjoining land uses, and provisions of utilities) for the requested/anticipated land use developments.

D. The proposed project has been reviewed in compliance with the provisions of CEQA. (Formerly 23.155.040; Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 1.19.040); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

The approval authority may require modifications to a General Plan amendment to ensure the required findings can be made. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

General Plan amendments are not subject to appeal. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

General Plan amendments shall not expire. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Proposed changes to General Plan amendments following final action shall be processed as a new application. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Pursuant to Government Code Section 65358 , no mandatory element of the General Plan may be amended more frequently than four times during any calendar year. Subject to that limitation, an amendment may be made at any time and may include more than one change to the General Plan.

(Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))

Pursuant to Government Code Section 65352 , at least 45 days prior to council action on a proposed General Plan amendment, the community development director shall notify the County, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), and any area-wide planning agency or federal agency whose operations may be significantly affected by the proposed action, and each governmental body, commission, or board, including those of any school or special districts, whose jurisdiction lies wholly or partially within the city whose functions include recommending, preparing plans for, or constructing major public works projects. (Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B))