[R.O. 2004 § 420.340; Ord. No. 2.56 § 4, 1-9-2001]
A.
A proposal for an amendment of the text
of the zoning or subdivision regulations is initiated by either the
Planning and Zoning Commission or the Governing Body of the City of
Mount Vernon. A citizen may also begin the amendment process by submitting
the proposed change to the Zoning Administrator, with a request for
consideration by either the Planning and Zoning Commission or Governing
Body, on the next regular meeting agenda.
1.
If the text amendment is initiated
by either the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Governing Body:
a.
A public hearing may be scheduled
immediately.
b.
The office of the Zoning Administrator
shall be responsible for having an official notice of the public hearing
published in a newspaper of general circulation at least fifteen (15)
days prior to the hearing and for following the administrative procedures
for a text amendment as prescribed in the adopted zoning or subdivision
regulations.
c.
The notice shall fix the time and
place of the hearing and describe in general terms the proposed change.
d.
At the public hearing, citizens and
parties of interest shall have an opportunity to be heard.
2.
If the change is initiated by a private
citizen and taken before the Planning and Zoning Commission:
a.
The individual shall be allowed to
present the proposed amendment at a regular meeting.
b.
The Planning and Zoning Commission,
based on the information presented, shall determine whether the proposal
should be considered as an amendment.
c.
If it is determined that the proposal
has merit, the Planning and Zoning Commission may set a date for the
public hearing and authorize the publication of the necessary public
notice.
3.
The public hearing may be adjourned
from time to time and upon its conclusion the Planning and Zoning
Commission shall prepare and adopt its recommendation to the Governing
Body. The recommendation shall be submitted along with an accurate
record of the public hearing.
4.
The Governing Body shall consider
the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation and may either
approve the recommendation; override the Planning and Zoning Commission's
recommendation by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership of
the Governing Body; or return the proposed amendment to the Planning
and Zoning Commission for reconsideration, as prescribed in the adopted
zoning or subdivision regulations. If received for reconsideration,
the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the Governing Body's
reasons for failure to approve or disapprove and may resubmit its
original recommendation or a revised recommendation. Upon receipt
of the recommendation, the Governing Body may approve or disapprove
the proposed zoning or subdivision text amendment.
5.
If the Governing Body approves the
requested change, it shall adopt an ordinance to that effect.
