18A.95.050 Review.
A. Initial Review. The Department shall conduct an initial review of any rezone application in accordance with the provisions outlined in Chapter 18.60 PCC, Development Regulations – General Provisions.
B. Public Hearing Required. The Department shall set a date for a public hearing before the Pierce County Hearing Examiner after all requests for additional information or plan correction, as set forth in PCC 18.60.020 C., have been satisfied and a SEPA threshold determination has been issued. The public hearing shall follow the procedures set forth in Chapter 18.80 PCC, Development Regulations – General Provisions and Chapter 1.22 PCC.
C. Decision Criteria. The Hearing Examiner may approve an application for a rezone only if all of the following criteria are met:
1. The proposed rezone is consistent with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan, respective community(ies) plan, PDD approval criteria contained in PCC 18A.75.050, and other applicable regulations;
2. The proposed rezone bears a substantial relation to public health, safety, or welfare;
3. The proposed rezone is in the best interest of the residents of Pierce County and the surrounding community(ies); and
4. The proposed rezone is appropriate because of one of the following:
a. Conditions in the immediate vicinity have so markedly changed since the property was given its present zoning and that under those changed conditions a rezone is within the public interest; or
b. The rezone will correct a zone classification or zone boundary that was inappropriate when established.
D. Time Period for Final Decision. The provisions for issuing a notice of final decision on any rezone application filed pursuant to this Chapter are set forth in Chapter 18.100 PCC, Development Regulations – General Provisions.