Tenino Municipal Code, Section 2.36.050 Statutory Powers and Duties of the Planning Commission.

A. The planning commission shall have all of the powers and shall perform all of the duties specified by the laws of the state, including, but not limited to, Chapter 35A.63 RCW, and by the ordinances of the City.

B. The purpose of the planning commission is to serve as the principle advisory body to the city council.

C. The planning commission is entrusted to make recommendations reflecting the broad interests of the community.

D. Conduct and Fairness. All Commissioners shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers, chapter 42.23 RCW. In formulating its recommendations to the City Council, the Planning Commission and its advisory committees may conduct public hearings; however, in any event all meetings of the Commission or its advisory committees shall be open to the public pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act pursuant to 42.30 RCW.

E. Relation to Council and Planning Staff. The Commission shall be advisory only and may communicate directly with the Council. City planning staff shall assist the Commission in the normal course of events and shall be responsible for the administrative functions of the Commission. At the request of the Commission, staff may serve as liaison between the Commission and Council.

F. General Duties.

1. The primary responsibility of the Planning Commission is to review the Comprehensive Plan, carry out work activities in the Council-adopted work program, and to solicit public input for and to advise the City Council on land use planning matters pursuant to TMC 18 Development Standards - General Provisions, Table 18.40-1.

2. To recommend programs for public works and civic improvements to the council for consideration.

3. To publish and distribute copies of status reports of activities of the commission which may include plans and official recommendations made by the commission in the regular exercise of its duties.

4. To exercise such authority as may be necessary to enable it to fulfill its functions, promote planning and carry out the purposes of the municipal code.

5. To conduct, upon request by the council, an investigation and submit a report, plan, map or recommendation in connection with any matter relating to the physical development of the city.

6. Prepare, review, and maintain the comprehensive plan of the city by determining if the city’s plans, goals, and policies are promoting orderly and coordinated development within the city. The planning commission shall consider applications for amendment of the plan in accordance with chapter TMC 18A.

7. Prepare, review, and maintain the development regulations of the city by reviewing and determining if the city’s regulations are promoting orderly and coordinated development within the city consistent with the comprehensive plan. The planning commission shall consider applications and proposals for legislative amendment of development regulations pursuant to TMC Title 18A.

8. Provide opportunities for public comment through public hearings, workshops or other forums in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities as necessary and as required by city code or state law.

9. The planning commission shall also hold hearings on and development of a comprehensive plan for the city and make recommendations to the city council on amendments to the comprehensive plan, development regulations and the zoning map of the city.

10. Such other advisory duties as may be assigned by the city council.

G. In exercising its duties, the planning commission shall gather and review relevant information, and evaluate alternative proposals.