Section 25.06.222 Records and decisions.

1. The transcript of testimony, if any; the minutes of the secretary; all applications, requests, exhibits and papers filed in any proceeding before the planning and zoning commission; and the decision and report, or reports, of the commission shall constitute the record.

2. Every recommendation of the planning and zoning commission upon an application for an amendment of this title or upon an application for a planned development shall include findings of fact, shall refer to the exhibits, plans or specifications upon which such recommendation is based, and shall specify the reason or reasons for such recommendation. In the event that the planning and zoning commission neither approves as presented, nor denies in its entirety, an application to amend either the text of this title or the official zoning map, approve a subdivision, vacate right-of-way, or for any other purpose, but rather approves such an application in an amended, altered, or otherwise changed form, an ordinance reflecting the commission's recommendations shall be presented to the city council for action. Until approved by council, that ordinance shall be acknowledged to be no more than a recommendation.

3. In reaching its decision on any such application, the planning and zoning commission may rely on the personal knowledge of its members, on its inspections of the property, and on any reports available to it. All staff and commission reports shall be made available for study to interested parties at the earliest possible date prior to the public hearing.

4. In any case where this title provides that the failure of the planning and zoning commission to act within a fixed period shall be deemed a grant or denial of an application, such failure shall, notwithstanding the absence of required findings and conclusions, be considered to be a decision of the commission rendered on the day following the expiration of such fixed period. Such decision shall be appealable in the same manner as any other decision but, on such appeal, shall be entitled to no presumption of correctness.

5. The secretary shall immediately file any decision of the commission in the office of the commission. Within seven days following any decision of the commission the secretary shall mail notice thereof to each person entitled to such notice pursuant to Section 25.22.020-2 of this title.