14.27.050 Staff report – SEPA review – Public participation – Transmission to Washington State Department of Commerce.
The Community Development Director shall review all applications to determine whether the information necessary to review and decide upon an amendment application is complete. The Director may reject any complete application that is clearly inconsistent with the City’s comprehensive plan, and will notify the applicant of the decision in writing. For those privately initiated applications that are complete and appear to be consistent with the City’s comprehensive plan, and for any City-initiated amendment proposals, the Director shall complete the following:
(1) Staff Report. The Director shall prepare a staff report on the proposed amendment to be presented to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation. The staff report should contain:
(a) Findings of fact;
(b) An evaluation as to how the amendment meets the prescribed criteria;
(c) A summary of public comment on the amendment; and
(d) A description of any alternatives or proposed changes to the amendment;
(2) SEPA Review. The Director or SEPA official shall conduct a SEPA review and notify applicants as to the need for a SEPA checklist and environmental impact statement. Applicants will be responsible for any fees associated with SEPA analysis;
(3) Public Participation. The City shall provide notice and opportunity for public comment, as deemed appropriate given the nature of the proposed amendment; and
(4) Transmission to Washington State Department of Commerce. The Director shall transmit the proposed amendment to the Washington State Department of Commerce at least 60 days prior to the expected date of final City Council action on the proposed amendment. (Ord. 25-08 § 1 (Exh. 1))