There is created and established in the city a planning commission, with membership, powers and duties as provided in this chapter. Wherever referred to as the "planning commission" in this code, or as the "commission" in this chapter, the same shall mean the planning commission.
(Ord. 1720 § 4, 2023)
The planning commission shall consist of five members who are residents of the city and shall be appointed directly by each individual member of the city council. All members must submit to and pass a LiveScan fingerprint check as a condition precedent to being appointed and serving on the commission.
(Ord. 1720 § 4, 2023)
A. 
Members of the planning commission shall be appointed for terms of four years, with the term commencing on the date of appointment and ending on the same date on which the term of office for the member of the city council that made the appointment ends.
B. 
Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, the term of the initial appointed members to the planning commission shall commence on September 1 of 2023, and shall end on the same date on which the term of office for the member of the city council that made the appointment ends.
C. 
No person shall be appointed by any individual member of the city council to serve more than three consecutive terms of office as a member of the planning commission; provided, however, that such person shall be eligible to be appointed and hold such office by a different member of the city council, or after a break in service of one full calendar year. For purposes of this subsection, the term a remaining term shall be counted as a term of office but an unexpired term shall not be so counted. The term limits established by this subsection shall be applicable only to terms of office commencing on or after July 17, 2023.
(Ord. 1720 § 4, 2023)
The planning commission shall have power, except as otherwise provided by law, to:
A. 
Approve, conditionally approve or deny permits and other entitlements for use regarding the regulation of the growth, development and beautification of the city with respect to private buildings and works, as provided in the zoning ordinance of the city;
B. 
Review and make recommendations and findings to the city council and other appropriate governmental agencies with respect to the city's general plan, and consistency of projects therewith;
C. 
Make recommendations to the city council of changes and modifications in the city's zoning and other ordinances dealing with the regulation of private works of improvement;
D. 
Conditionally approve or disapprove tentative maps or parcel maps in accordance with the provisions of the city's subdivision ordinance;
E. 
Serve as the advisory agency of the city in accordance with the provisions of California law relating to planning commissions;
F. 
Adopt such bylaws as the planning commission shall deem necessary to provide for the organization of the commission and its methods of administration, including but not limited to procedures for the conduct of meetings and hearings, not inconsistent with this code or state law;
G. 
Develop and formulate the general plan with the help of staff for the orderly development of the city;
H. 
Make findings related to environmental effects of development within the city in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act; and
I. 
Promote city core values of commitment, respect, integrity, communication, teamwork, excellence and equity.
(Ord. 1720 § 4, 2023)
The director of community and economic development, or his or her designee, shall serve as secretary to the planning commission and shall be the custodian of records and keep a permanent record of all minutes of the commission, conduct official correspondence, and coordinate the clerical and technical work in administering this chapter. A copy of the minutes of commission meetings shall be filed with the city clerk.
(Ord. 1720 § 4, 2023)
The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be selected in January of each calendar year pursuant to the manner and process established by written policy of the city council. The chairperson shall preside over each meeting of the planning commission, and the vice-chairperson shall preside over such meetings in the absence of the chairperson.
(Ord. 1720 § 4, 2023)
All meetings of the planning commission shall be conducted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950 et seq.). Regular meetings of the planning commission shall be held every month as determined by resolution of the planning commission. Special meetings may be scheduled as necessary.
(Ord. 1720 § 4, 2023)
Members of the planning commission shall receive a stipend of fifty dollars per attendance at any regular meeting of the commission.
(Ord. 1720 § 4, 2023)