A. Commission – Established. The Planning Commission of the City shall consist of five (5) members. Each member shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years. The terms shall be staggered so that no more than three (3) terms expire in a single year.

B. Membership – Eligibility. The Planning Commission shall consist of individuals who have an interest in planning, land use, transportation, capital infrastructure and building and landscape design as evidenced by training, experience or interest in the City. At least three (3) members shall reside within the City limits, one (1) member may be a business owner who resides outside of the City limits, but who owned and operated a business within the City limits for at least one (1) year before appointment to the Planning Commission and continues to own a business in Moses Lake during the appointment, and one (1) member may reside within a one (1) mile radius of the City limits during the appointment.

C. Meetings. The Planning Commission shall devote such time as may be necessary to properly discharge all duties devolving upon them. Regular Planning Commission meetings are held on the Thursday following the second Tuesday of the month regular Council meeting.

D. Powers and Authority. The Planning Commission shall have all of the powers and perform each and all of the duties specified by Chapter 35A.63 RCW, together with any other duties or authority which may hereafter be conferred upon them by the laws of the state, the performance of such duties and the exercise of such authority to be subject to such and all the limitations expressed in each legislative enactment or enactments, unless otherwise delegated by City Council, e.g., Hearings Examiner.

E. Function and Duties – Recommendations on Proposed Legislation. The City Council may refer to the Commission, for its recommendation and report, any ordinance, resolution, or other proposal relating to any of the matters and subjects referred to in Chapter 35A.63 RCW, and the Commission shall promptly report to the City Council thereon, making such recommendation and giving such counsel as it may deem proper in the premises. (Ord. 2972, 5/25/21)