The city has an application process that must be followed for anyone requesting a change in zoning. Emporia Area Metropolitan Planning Commission Secretary Kevin Hanlin provided a list of requirements that must be met, and the sequence in which a request is considered:
• Make application to the planning commission, including providing names of property owners within 200 feet of any boundaries of the property. Names must be collected through certified abstractor or licensed title agent.
• Set public hearing before planning commission.
• Planning Commission Secretary sends out notices to identified property owners at least 22 days before the public hearing.
• Legal notice published on public hearing at least 22 days before the hearing.
• Planning commission, at the public hearing, receives information from the applicant for the zoning change, as well as people who are in favor and people who are opposed to the application.
• Planning commission votes on application, makes recommendation whether to approve or deny.
• Planning commission recommendation, along with minutes of the hearing and other information about the application, sent to city commission. City commission also can hear comments from the public, though that is an option, rather than a requirement.
• City commission votes on application.
• The commission can: approve, deny, or send the application back to the planning commission for additional consideration.
• Overruling a planning commission recommendation requires a “supermajority,” or two-thirds majority of the total membership of the city commission.