City Code

Section 805 - Planning Commission

805.01 Establishment. The Planning Commission (the "Commission") of the City is to continue. It shall serve as the planning agency within the meaning of M.S. 462.351 through 462.364. In such capacity, the Commission shall be advisory to the Council.

805.02 Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities. The Commission shall:

Subd. 1 Comprehensive Plan. Prepare, review, and make recommendations to the Council as to the Comprehensive Plan of the City, as defined in Section 810 of this Code, or any other sections of this Code, including, but not limited to, a land use plan, a transportation plan, a community facilities plan, a capital improvements program, a parks and open space plan, and a housing plan, with recommendations as to plan execution.

Subd. 2 Platting. Review and make recommendations to the Council as to all proposed plats and subdivisions, as defined in Section 810 of this Code, in accordance with the provisions of Section 810 and State law.

Subd. 3 Zoning. Review and make recommendations to the Council as to all proposed amendments to Section 850 of this Code, in accordance with the provisions of Section 850 and State law.

Subd. 4 Heritage Preservation. Review and make recommendations to the Council as to the reports and recommendations of the Heritage Preservation Board regarding preservation of lands and buildings of historical, architectural, cultural, and educational significance pursuant to Section 801 of this Code.

Subd. 5 Low and Moderate Cost Housing. Review and make recommendations to the Council as to matters referred to it by the Council relating to the provision of low and moderate cost housing.

Subd. 6 Commercial, Industrial, or Residential Redevelopment. Review and make recommendations to the Council on matters the Council may request relating to major commercial, industrial, or residential redevelopments in the City.

805.03 Representatives to Zoning Board of Appeals.  All members of the Commission except student members are to continue as representatives of the Commission to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Any such representative is authorized to review and report, for or on behalf of the Commission, to the Zoning Board of Appeals on matters coming before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

805.04 Membership.  The Commission shall consist of nine residents of the City appointed by the Mayor with the consent of a majority of the members of the Council. In addition, to the nine voting members, one member of the Commission may be a high school student, who shall be a non voting member.  Commission members shall be appointed with due regard to their fitness for the efficient dispatch of the functions, duties, and responsibilities vested in and imposed upon the Commission.  Members shall be appointed for terms of three years commencing on February 1, except that a student member shall be appointed for a term of one year, commencing on a date determined by the Mayor with the consent of the Council.  A Commission member, following expiration of that member's term, may be reappointed by the Mayor with the consent of a majority of the members of the Council.  Upon expiration of a term, a member shall continue to serve until that individual's successor is appointed.  Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which that individual's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term.  Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation and may resign voluntarily or be removed by majority vote of the Council or pursuant to Section 180 of this Code.  Commission members who discontinue legal residency in the City shall be automatically removed from office effective as of the date of such discontinuance. One member of the Commission shall also be a member of the Energy and Environment Commission.

805.05 Organization.

Subd. 1 Chair and Vice Chair. The Commission shall elect a chair and vice chair from among its members for a term of one year.

Subd. 2 Bylaws. The Commission shall adopt bylaws as shall be necessary or desirable for the conduct of its business.

805.06 Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public, be governed by Roberts Rules of Order, and otherwise be held pursuant to its bylaws. The Commission shall hold its regular meetings on such fixed date and in such fixed place as it from time to time shall determine. The minutes of all meetings shall be recorded and a copy of it transmitted to each member of the Council.

805.07 Staff. Staff services, including secretarial services, shall be furnished and coordinated by the Planning Department. Additional advisory staff may be assigned to the Commission by the Manager. Staff shall keep and maintain a written record of the Commission's actions, resolutions, recommendations, and findings which shall be a public record.

History: Ord 803 adopted 8-3-77; amended by Ord 803-A1 9-14-77; Ord 803-A2 9-28-77; Ord 903-A3 1-18-78; Ord 803-A4 5-16-90; Ord 1995-10 12-4-95; Ord 2005-07 7-19-05; Ord 2007-05; 04-03-07