The Planning Commission shall conduct such hearings as are required by Chapter 36.70A RCW or Pierce County Code, relating to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations. The Planning Commission shall make recommendations to the County Council on Comprehensive Plan amendments as defined in Chapter 19C.10 PCC. The Planning Commission shall also make recommendations on Development Regulations or programs which are consistent with and implement the Plan. In formulating its recommendations, the Commission shall conduct at least one public hearing, except for emergency amendments.

The Planning and Public Works Department (PPW) shall give public notice of the time and place of such hearing in at least one newspaper of general circulation in Pierce County at least ten days prior to the date of such hearing.

The Planning Commission shall make Findings of Fact and Conclusions supporting its recommendation and shall, within ten days, transmit its recommendation, along with any comments from PPW and report, to the County Council. The Council may accept or reject, in whole or in part, the recommendation of the Planning Commission and may modify any proposed Plan amendment or Development Regulations or Development Regulation amendment without further reference to the Planning Commission, as long as the action taken conforms with the requirements of Chapter 36.70A RCW, and is consistent with and implements the County's Comprehensive Plan.