Before a city council of a home rule city can adopt a general zoning scheme, what must it appoint to study relevant issues and recommend zoning district boundaries?

The correct choice is the Zoning Commission. In home rule cities, before adopting a general zoning scheme, it is essential for the city council to appoint a body that specifically focuses on the nuances of zoning issues. A Zoning Commission is typically tasked with studying potential zoning regulations, land uses, and the broader implications of zoning on the community. This commission conducts research, gathers public input, analyzes data regarding land use, and ultimately makes recommendations regarding zoning district boundaries to the city council.

The role of the Zoning Commission is critical because it serves as a specialized group of individuals who are often knowledgeable in land use planning and zoning law. Their recommendations are vital for informed decision-making by the city council, ensuring that the adopted zoning scheme aligns with community needs and state regulations.

In contrast, an engineering firm might offer technical expertise on infrastructure or design, but they do not typically handle zoning policy or community planning recommendations. The city council is responsible for governing, not for studying zoning issues directly; their role comes after the commission provides its recommendations. A Board of Adjustments generally handles appeals and variances related to zoning regulations rather than studying and recommending new zoning schemes. Thus, the Zoning Commission is the appropriate entity for this task.