Sec. 26-286. - Purpose.

(a)

The purpose of this article is to set forth the general provisions established by the City of West Covina for the administration of the Development Code and the implementation of the General Plan.

(b)

Whenever the public necessity, convenience, general welfare, or good zoning practice require, the council may amend, supplement, or change the regulations, zone boundaries, or classifications of property, now or hereafter established by this chapter.

(c)

Amendments, supplements or changes to this chapter and/or the official zoning map which:

(1)

Change any property from one zone to another; or

(2)

Add, modify, or remove any regulations pertaining to the use or development of property shall be initiated and adopted in accordance with the procedures stated in this article.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)

Sec. 26-287. - Initiation.

(a)

Amendments of this chapter and/or the official zoning map that change any property from one zone to another may be initiated by:

(1)

The verified application of one (1) or more owners of property proposed to be changed or reclassified, or by a purchaser or lessee with consent of the owner.

(2)

Resolution of the City Council.

(3)

Resolution of the Planning Commission.

(b)

Amendments, supplements, or changes to this chapter other than the change of property from one zone to another may be initiated by:

(1)

Applicant.

(2)

Resolution of the City Council.

(3)

Resolution of the Planning Commission.

(4)

Community Development Director.

(5)

City Attorney.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, § 41, 3-18-25)

Sec. 26-288. - Application.

(a)

A qualified applicant shall submit an application for a zoning amendment on a form prescribed by the Community Development Director or their designee accompanied by the required fee. The Community Development Director or their designee may require an applicant to submit such additional information and supporting data as considered necessary to process the application.

(b)

The Community Development Director or their designee may allow any necessary applications for amendments to zoning regulations or for approval under the requirements of this Ordinance to be processed simultaneously with the proposed zoning amendment.

(c)

A General Plan amendment application shall be submitted for concurrent processing for zoning amendments that are not in conformance with the General Plan.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)

Sec. 26-289. - Noticing and public hearing procedures.

Notice and hearings regarding an application for an amendment shall be provided in compliance with article VI, division 1.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)

Sec. 26-290. - Planning Commission action.

(a)

The Planning Commission shall conduct a public hearing in conformance with article VI, division 1.

(b)

Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation on the proposed zoning amendment to the City Council. Such recommendation shall include the reasons for the recommendation, and the findings related to the criteria for zoning amendments in section 26-292 (findings) and shall be transmitted to the City Council.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)