A. Notice of public hearing. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Petaluma, at least ten (10) days prior to said public hearing, or by mailing, postage prepaid, a notice of the time and place of the hearing to all persons whose names appear on the latest adopted tax roll of Sonoma County as owning property within five hundred (500) feet of the boundaries of the property that is the subject of the hearing.

B. Action by the Planning Commission at conclusion of hearing. If, at the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Commission shall find the amendment to be in conformance with the Petaluma General Plan, and consistent with the public necessity, convenience, and general welfare, it may recommend amendment of this Ordinance. The recommendation shall be by resolution of the Planning Commission, carried by the affirmative votes of a majority of the total members present, including any member disqualified to vote for reason of conflict of interest. Denial of an application shall in all cases, except an amendment initiated by the City Council, terminate the proceedings unless such decision is appealed to the City Council as provided below.

C. Modification by Planning Commission. After a public hearing, the City Planning Commission may modify any proposed amendment by changing the wording of a proposed text amendment, reducing or enlarging the area, or changing the proposed district classification initially considered if it shall deem such modification necessary or desirable in the light of the required findings set forth in subsection (B) of this section. If such a modification is recommended, the reasons therefore, along with a statement as to the initial proposal, shall be transmitted to the City Council with the recommendation. (Ord. 2811 § 4, 2022.)