VII. 1. Review Planning & Zoning Commission Bylaws
MEMO
To: Planning Commission Chair and Members
From: Ryan Krzos, AICP
Date: June 28, 2022
Subject: Review Planning and Zoning Commission Bylaws
Proposed Action – Review Planning and Zoning Bylaws.
Overview
The formation, powers and duties of a planning commission are established in state law, the City
Charter and Section 2-68 of the City Code. Generally, the establishment and organization of a
planning commission is left to the local government, while the powers and duties are detailed in
state statute. The current Planning & Zoning Commission Bylaws were adopted on January 26,
1988 and were last updated in 2016 to address changes in State Statute that occurred up to that
time.
In May of 2021, Section 2-68 of the City Code was updated to allow for appointment of non-
voting student members to the Commission. However, the Commission Bylaws were not
modified to include this change. Staff prepared suggested revisions to the Bylaws to reflect this
change; shown in the attached redlined document. The draft document also proposes further
revisions to reflect the Commission’s current practices and operation. Specifically the draft
makes the following changes:
• Removes the secretary officer position whose duties are now handled by staff;
• States that the term of Commissioners is a period of two years as reflected in Section 2-
68 of the City Code;
• Revises the time limits for speakers during public hearings from 30 minutes to two
minutes, unless otherwise arranged prior to the hearing, or by vote of the Commission.
A review period of 30 days is to be provided prior to amending the Bylaws. The Bylaws may be
amended by a two-thirds vote of the Commission with City Council review and approval
required prior to taking effect.
Alternatives
1. Discuss proposed amendments to the Planning & Zoning Commission Bylaws and bring
these amendments back to the Commission for further review and action.
2. Continue for further information. If the Planning Commission indicates that further
information is needed, the item should be continued.