HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/06/1999, 6 - COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT AGENDA TOPICS FOR THE APRIL 27, 1999 JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING council q--(,_qy
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Arnold B. Jonas, Community Development Director ( �
SUBJECT: COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT AGENDA) TOPICS FOR
THE APRIL 27, 1999 JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING
COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
MEETING
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Consider the suggested agenda topic areas outlined below, and direct staff to construct an agenda
based on those items, or others as the Council may desire.
DISCUSSION
Council has expressed a desire to meet jointly with the Planning Commission (PC) and
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) to discuss areas of mutual interest and interaction; to
more clearly express Council expectations of both of the Commissions and their respective
operations; and, to provide an opportunity for Commission feedback and suggestion to the
Council-
To
ouncilTo further clarify and focus the potential discussion areas, Mayor Settle and Councilman
Schwartz have provided suggestions, and staff solicited cotes from the members of the PC
and ARC. All of those ideas are listed below, grouped into several general areas of simlar
interest. Staff suggests that the Council review the list, add or delete items as you feel
appropriate, and direct staff to prepare an agenda incorporating the major topic headings.
SUGGESTED TOPICS
* Self Introductions:
Council and Commission members provide a short commentary on their background, interest in
community service, and other governmental experience(if any).
• Group Interaction:
1. Clarification of the responsibilities and authority of each body.
2. Clarification of the responsibilities of individual CC,PC,and ARC members in the community
development process.
3. Clarification of the relationship of staff to each of the regulatory bodies.
4. Study sessions with other advisory bodies;e.g.: Parks and Recreation Commission; Cultural
Heritage Committee;Tree Committee;etc.
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Council Agenda Report—Joint Meeting Agenda
Page 2
•Process:
5. How are new ideas(Commission initiated studies,policy recommendations, etc.) introduced
into the process?
6. How and to what degree are economic considerations take into account in project review?
7. Compliance with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance;exceptions and variances.
8. Judgment.
9. Legal ramifications.
10. Gifts.
11.Lobbying by development and/or anti-development interests.
•Enhancement:
12. Expectations of and opportunities for commissioner attendance at educational conferences.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Planning Commission ia3plementmg ordinance.
2. Architectural Review Commission implementing ordinance.
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ORDINANCE'N0.:25A(.N Series)
1 AN-ORDINANCE EsmAar-TSMNG-..AND-aCBEATING..A:p'r-nMi TG
C016t8SION FOR THE 'IcItY OF SAN:.I,VIS flBI5P0:
2
,. : BE IT ,ORDAINED by the-Council..of the.City of San Luis .
g ' Obispo as follows:
4 SECTION 1.. A City Planning Commission in and .
5 for the City of San Luis Obispo, is hereby established and created
8 under and by authority of Chapter 838, Statutes of 1929, State
7 of California, as amended.
8 SECTION 2. The Gitg..Planntng Commis4ion shall
9 consist of nine mE"Pr9; .sia members gip:-:be appointed by the Magor,
10 with the approval of said Council, one 'member-to be the City
11 Engineer or his de,sl`gn4ed deputy,. one member to be -the City ,
12 Attorney, and one member to be selected from the-City Council.
.13 The three members last referred to shall be ea-officio members.
14 SECTION 3. The City Planning Commission shall
15 be appointed and said-CoTmission and all the members thereof shall
16 have the powers and duties provided for by Chapter 838, Statutes
17 of 19299 and amendments thereto or other ststutss of the State
18 of California.
19 - SECTION 4. This ordinance, together with -the +
20 ayes and noes shall be published for two days before its final
21 passage in the Telegram-Tribune, a :daily newspaper printed,
22 published and circulated in said city, and the same shell take
23 effect and be in force thirty •days after its final passage.
?4 INTRODUCED iM PASSED TO PRINT, this 21st flay
25 of February, 19". .by the following vote:
W AYES: 8.P4408U, Ralph C.. $ennedye F. 0..Kimball
27 NOES; TosepY>?.ear9
. 28 ABSENT: Clog If A
f .
29
31 -
32 City Clerk
..
Finally passed this 3rd dayof April, 1944 upon the
following roll call vote:
=YE,3: R.P.Fowell, Ralph C. Kennedy, F.C.limball, Cly e T. O'I�an
NOBS : Joseph Leary
!Absent: None
Mayor
ity C er
6-4
TTACffiMENT 2
ORDINANCE NO. 600 (1973 Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ESTABLISHING AN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW C0MLMISSION
AND DUTIES THEREOF.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows :
SECTION 1. The Municipal Code of the City of San Luis
Obispo is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 9500 and
subsections thereof as follows:
(See seven pages attached hereto.)
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SECTION 9500. TITLE.
This Ordinance shall be known as the "Architectural Review
Ordinance of the City of San Luis Obispo. "
SECTION 9500.01. DEFINITIONS.
The following words and phrases shall have the meaning
indicated when used in this Ordinance:
(A) "Commission" shall mean the Architectural Review Commission.
(B) "Commissioner" shall mean a member of the Architectural Review
Commission.
(C) "Council" shall mean the City Council of San Luis Obispo.
(D) "Director" shall mean the Planning Director, his assistant, or
other person authorized by him; pursuant to law, to act in his
stead.
(E) "Ph sical Improvement" shall mean:
( Drainage
(2) Exterior Lighting
(3) Land Improvements : grading or filling of land; removal
of natural ground cover, vegetation or trees, installation
of fences, retaining walls , walkways, sidewalks, curbs ;
filling and modification of existing waterways .
(4) Landscaping
(5) Painting
(6) _Parkin and Loading Areas : driveways , curb cuts or other
street connections .
(7) *Signs: when submitted simultaneously with plans for any of
the improvements to bereviewed hereunder.
(8) All other exterior ornamental or functional features .
(F) "Plans" shall mean those items (architectural plans , elevations ,
sections, etc.) as required by this ordinance to be submitted
for review by the Commission.
(G) "Schematic" shall mean those narratives.,._sketches , and drawings
for a proposed structure or physical improvement, which precede
preliminary and final working drawings .
(H) "Structures" shall mean all buildings and structures which by
code require •a building permit.
SECTION 9500 .02. GENERAL PROVISIOiIS.
(A) FINDINGS A_M POLICY. The City Council Finds and Declares :
That the City of San Luis Obispo is a City with unique
characteristics, ideal climate conditions , spectacular natural
vistas, and dynamic natural features . It is these characteristics
which attract a significant number of visitors to San Luis Obispo
and which enhance the quality of life of the permanent residents;
(2) That all of these factors constitute an important economic
base for the City, both ror those who earn their living here and
for those who visit the City;
6-6 �.
. (3) That the appearance of buildings , structures , and the
land, as visible from public streets, places and ways , has a
material and substantial relationship to property values and the
taxable value of property in the City.
(4) That to' protect the economic welfare of the community,
it is the policy. of the City Council to protect, maintain and
enhance the social and economic values created by past and
present investments in the community by requiring all future
development to respect these traditions and require that all
buildings and structures placed on the land respect the natural
land forms , and become a compatible part of the total community
environment, both in the local neighborhood and the City as a
whole;
(5) That said policy will be furthered by the creation of
an architectural review commission to develop appropriate standards
and guidelines for the use of persons planning future developments ,
to advise and assist both the developers and the City in applying
said standards , and to review all proposals for future develop-
ments to assure conformance with said policy.
(B) PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Ordinance is :
(1) To recognize the interdependence of land values and
aesthetics , and to provide a method by- which the City may imple-
ment this interdependence to its benefit, and to the benefit of
its individual citizens .
(2) To preserve and enhance the beauty and environmental
amenities of the City by:
(a) Stimulating creative . design for individual buildings ,
groups of buildings and structures , and other physical improve-
ments;
(b) Encouraging the innovative use of materials , methods
and techniques ;
(c) Preserving balance and harmony within neighborhoods ;
(d) Integrating the functions , appearance, and locations
of buildings and improvements so as to best achieve a balance
between private prerogatives and preferences and the public
interest and welfare.
(3) To promote and protect the safety, convenience, comfort,
prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of the City by: ,
(a) Preserving and enhancing the natural beauties of the
land and of the man-made environment, and the enjoyment thereof;
(b) Maintaining and improving the qualities of, and relation-
ships between, individual buildings, structures , and physical
develouments in such *Wanner as to best contribute to the amen-
ities erd attractiveness Of the City-.
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(c) Protecting and insuring the adequacy and usefulness
of public and private developments as they relate to each
other and to the neighborhood or area.
(C) ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMIlaSSION:
(1) Creation of Architectural Review Commission: .
There is hereby established the San Luis Obispo Architectural
-Review Commission consisting of seven (7) members appointed by
the Council. Commissioners shall serve without compensation.
(2) Qualifications of dommissioners :
The Commissioners shall be persons who have demonstrated their
sincere interest in the physical environment of San Luis Obispo,
and are able, because of their background, training, expertise,
and experience, . to make positive and fair aesthetic evaluations
of the projects which will come before them.
(3) Term of Office:
Commissioners shall be appointed for terms of four years and
shall serve at the pleasure of the Council. Initial appointments
to be as follows :
(a) The terms of three (3) Commissioners shall expire
June 30, 1975.
(b) The terms of four (4) Commissioners shall expire
June 30, 1977.
Commissioners may be reappointed at the pleasure of the Council.
(4) Filling Vacancies and Removal of Members :
Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms . The Council,
by majority action, may remove any Commissioner as provided in
the City Charter.
(5) Selection of Officers :
The Commission shall select a Chairman and Vice Chairman from
among its members to serve for a one year term beginning July 1
of each year.
(6) Duties of Officers :
The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Commission.
The Vice Chairman is Chairman in the absence of the Chairman or
in case of inability of the Chairman to act.
(7) Secretary: . .
The secretary shall be a representative of the Planning ,and
Building .'Disp rr--ei t , and shaii `:eep minutes of each meeting and.
6-8
shall record the official action taken. The records of all
proceedings and the basis for all findings shall be available
to the Council and to the public.
(8) Meetings :
The Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting each
month and shall schedule other meetings at such intervals as to
promptly dispose of all applications for review. The Commission
shall establish the time for such regular meetings and all the
meetings shall be held at City Hall.
(9) Quorum:
Four members of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the
transaction of business . No approval or other action of the
Commission shall become effective without receiving the affirm-
ative vote of a majority of the members present.
(10) Rules :
The Commission may adopt rules, regulations and procedures
as required for the transaction of its business . These rules
shall become effective upon approval by the Council.
(D) FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE COMMISSION.
(1) Functions of the Commission:
The function of the Architectural Review Commission shall •be
to administer the provisions cf t'his ordinance in a manner which
will:
(a) Develop and maintain a pleasant and harmonious
environment.
(b) Promote and enhance real property values .
(c) Conserve the City' s natural beauty.
(d) Preserve and enhance its distinctive visual character.
(e) Insure the orderly and harmonious development of the
City with attention to site planning and exterior appearance
of public and private structures .,
(2) Duties of the Commission:
(a) The Commission shall establish appropriate standards
and guidelines for the use of persons planning future develop-
ments which are subject to Architectural Review Commission
approval, said standards and guidelines to be set forth in
pictorial and/or narrative form and may illustrate undesirable
as well as desirable examples of design. A document containing
the standards and guidelines shall be available for public
reference in the Planning and Building Department. The Com-
mission shall periodically review these standards and guide-
lines aiaQ . ay =ake ar-ro— ate amandr encs.
(b) The Commission shall make itself available to advise
and assist both developers and City staff in the application
of its standards and guidelines to projects during schematic
and development stages .
(c) The C- mission shall review and approve plans for all
structures and physical improvements and for any relocation,
addition, or extension to or exterior change of or to existing
buildings , structures and physical improvements located in
districts as set forth in Section .02.E before a building
permit or other permit authorizing construction, alteration,
relocation, addition, or extension under the ordinances of
the City may be issued unless said Commission or the Planning
Director of the City shall certify that the nature of the
work is minor or incidental and need not be reviewed by the
Commission. When, in the opinion of the Planning Director,
an application for a use permit, variance, or rezoning may
create an architectural impact contrary to the objectives
of this ordinance, he may require a commission review prior
to the Planning Commission hearing.
(3) Procedure for Architectural Commission Review:
The Commission shall adopt a procedures document which sets
forth the procedures and criteria for Architectural Review. Said
document shall be published and dated and shall be approved by
the City Council. A record copy of the -current procedures docu-
ment shall be maintained in the office of the Citv Clerk and in
the Planning and Building Department. Copies shall be available
to the general public.
(E) DISTRICTS OF JURISDICTION:
Approval by the Commission shall be required for all structures
and physical improvements except individually built single family
dwellings . The exception to the individual single family dwellings
shall not apply if (1) architectural review is required as a
condition of a subdivision, or (2) when a developer proposes to
construct three or more units , or (3) " when the Director determines
the site is sensitive as set forth in the procedures document.
The Commission shall also review all City financed projects
including but not limited to municipal buildings , park and open
spaces, and street furniture.
(F) APPEALS:
The applicant may file an appeal to the City Council on any
ruling of the Architectural Review Commission within ten (10)
days of the Commission' s action. Appeals shall set forth in
detz11 811:=?d- ir.co slsc :nCi;:3 C= %O^-CCm:=OrII:llty S7=tR DrO^ECu=eS
or criteria set forth in or pursuant to this code. A public
640 G
hearing shall be held upon the appeal at the next regular Council
meeting held at least three (3) days after publication of notice
of the hearing, and the Council shall make its findings and con-
clusions no later than forty-five (45) days after the filing of
said appeal.
SECTION 9500 .04. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
(A) NOIT-COMI PLIANCE:
(1) In addition to any other fines, .penalties or enforcement
provisions set forth in this ordinance, failure to comply in any
respect with an approved architectural review application shall
constitute grounds for the immediate stoppage of the work involved
in said noncompliance until the matter is resolved.
(2) An occupancy permit shall not be issued in part or whole
for any building or group of buildings subject to architectural
review unless and until the work specified in the architectural
review approval has been completed.
(B) REVOCATION, M[P IRATION AND E=NSION' OF APPROVAL.
(1) In any case wherein demolition or removal of any existing
structure is a part of architectural review approval, said
demolition or removal shall be completed, and all debris removed
from the site, within the specific period of days designated in
the architectural review approval, or-the entire architectural
review approval shall be deemed to have expired for cause.
(2) Architectural review approvals shall automatically expire
in one year unless a different expiration date or unlimited ex-
piration is stipulated at the time of approval. Prior to the
expiration of an architectural review approval, the applicant
may apply to the Director for an extension of one year from the
original date of expiration. The Director shall grant the ex-
tension, and may make minor modifications of the approved design
at the time of extension, if he finds that there has been no
substantial change in the factual circumstances surrounding the
originally approved design. Any further extensions beyond one
year shall require Architectural Review Commission approval.
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SECTION 2. This ordinance, together with the ayes and
noes, shall be published once in full, at least threedays
prior to its final passage, in the Telegram-Tribune, a news-
paper published and circulated in said City, and the provisions
of this ordinance shall take effect at the expiration of thirty
days after the final passage of the ordinance except that the
provisions requiring the submittal of applications and the
provisions requiring review and approval of applications by the
Commission shall not be implemented until May 1, 1974.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED TO PRINT by the Council of the
City of San Luis Obispo at an adjourned meeting thereof held
on the 12th day of November, 1973, on motion of Councilman
Gurnee, seconded by Councilman Graham, -and on the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Brown, Graham, Gurnee, Mayor Schwartz
NOES: Councilman Norris
ABSENT: None
Mayor
ATTEST:
ULkr-Clerk
6-12 .
FI.1ULY P_'iSSM this 3rd day of DFCEMRPR
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Brown, Graham, Gurnee, and Mayor Schwartz
:TOES: Councilman Norris
ABSE7T: None
4UYOZ
ATTEST:
l�CITY
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ORDINANCE NO. 1139(1989 Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AMENDING
CHAPTER 2.12 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE, PLANNING COMMISSION,
TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENCY WITH THE ADVISORY BODY HANDBOOK
WHEREAS, in October 1988 the City Council amended the Advisory Body Handbook and
requested that all city commissions and committees submit amendments to pertinent
ordinances or bylaws needed to achieve consistency with the new handbook; and
WHEREAS, on February 8, 1989, the Planning Commission reviewed proposed amendments to
MC Chapter 2.12, and forwarded recommendations to the City Council.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as
follows:
SECTION 1. Amendments to Chapter 2.12, Section 2.12.030 (Terms of Office), as shown
on attached Exhibit "A' incorporated herein by reference, are hereby approved.
INTRODUCED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, at its meeting held on
the Z stday of March. 1989, on motion of Vice—Mayor Pinard, seconded by
Councilmember Rappa, "and =on 1 the- following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Pinard and Rappa, and Mayor Dunin
NOES: None
ABSENT. Councilmembers Reiss and Settle
Mayor RON DUNIN
7T:
tyerk ITy CLERK
6-14
1139 1
_ Ordinance No, 11-381989 Series)
Page'2
APPROVED:
City dm nistrative Officer
City ttor - .
Comnnpnity Development Director
6-15
EXHIBIT A -- Ordinance # 1139 (1989 Series)
2.48.060 Terms.
A. Commissioners shall be appointed for terms of four years which shall commence
immediately upon appointment by the council.
B. Commissioners shall serve at the pleasure of the council and may be reappointed;
provided that no appointee shall serve more than two consecutive full terms (eight
Years). Appointment to a partial term of office following an unscheduled vacancy shall
not preclude the appointee from serving two consecutive full terms following completion
of the partial term; provided that the partial term is less than two year.
2.48.080 Officers — Selection.
The commission shall select a chairman and vice chairman from among its members to serve
for a one-year term beginning April 1st of each year. No commissioner shall serve in the
office of chairman or vice chairman for more than two consecutive terms.
6-16
• r
ORDINANCE NO. 1139 (19 8 9 Series)
FINALLY PASSED this ' 4th day of Apr; 1 ,
19 89 on motion of Count; 1 m mhPr Rapp a , seconded by
Councilmember Reiss , and on the following roll call
vote:
AygS= Councilmembers Rappa, Reiss , Pinard, Settle and Mayor Dunir
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
a �
OwMffr
or Ron Darin
ATTEST:
City lerk Pam gee
6-17
RECEIVED
MEETINAGENDA
TE , APR - 61999
1V. peRmanen� SLO CITY CLERK
PURPOSE
The City of San Luis Obispo has a number of unique characteristics, including ideal climate,
spectacular natural vistas and an outstanding man-made environment that has evolved from historic
traditions of the community. The Architectural Review Commission has a vital role in the preservation
and enhancement of the beauty and visual character of the City.
STATUS
The Commission, usually referred to as the ARC, was established by city ordinance in
November, 1973. It is staffed by planners in the Community Development Department who do initial
evaluation of development plans, confer with designers, prepare meeting agendas and assist the
Commission in its duties. The Commission is responsible directly to the Council , which hears all
appeals of ARC decisions. (Ref: SLO M.C. Chapter 2.48, Ord. No. 600, 1973 Series; Guidelines
amended 4/5/83, Res. 5086; Ord. 1138, 1989 Series.) Commissioners are compensated at $25.00 per
meeting with a monthly maximum of$100.00. (Ref. Res. 6805, 1990 Series.)
MEMBERS
The ARC has seven citizen members appointed by the Council. The only special qualifications
for membership are a proven interest in the city's physical environment and the ability to make positive
and fair aesthetic evaluations.
MEETINGS-Semi-monthly: Refer to chart on page 30.
FUNCTIONS
The primary fimction of the ARC is to develop and maintain a pleasant and harmonious
environment, maintain property values, conserve the city's natural beauty, encourage public art,
preserve and enhance its distinct visual character and ensure the orderly and harmonious development
of the city with attention to site planning and exterior appearance of public and private structures. In
addition, the Commission is responsible for establishing (with Council approval) guidelines for
determining what is "good design." These guidelines are published in the form of a booklet with
pictorial illustrations to help applicants understand the Commission's goal of maintaining a high level
of architectural excellence in the city.
The Commission spends the majority of its time reviewing development plans, visiting project
sites, and working with designers to ensure that projects follow the established city guidelines. Good
design, obviously, is a subjective matter, and, for this reason, the
encourage creative designs and the innovative use of materials,meth =quer. ❑FIN DD R
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Because of the emp�;;is on flexibility and excellence, the Corbmission generally prefers not to
give a proposal a strict "yes" or "no." Instead, the Commissioners often engage in a "give and take"
discussion with designers to help create a project that is not only designed technically, but which
enhances and is compatible with the character of the immediate neighborhood and the city at large. It
is important to understand that the Commission does not seek to dictate any particular style of
architecture, but instead seeks a harmonious variety of compatible building styles.
SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
Most building projects in the City, including exterior remodeling, require ARC approval before
a building permit can be issued. The only three types that do not have these requirements are:
1. Individually built houses, with a few exceptions, as determined by the Community
Development Director,
2. Minor proposals and minor construction which are incidental to a larger project; and
3. Signs that meet the minimum standards of the sign ordinance (and are not part of a larger
project that does require ARC approval).
In reviewing a specific project, the ARC prefers to review the complete architectposture—
that is, all factors involving the project's exterior appearance and site design. While the ARC is
primarily concerned with the surface appearance of a structure, it may also review related factors, such
as site layout and parking. The ARC is not concerned with interior function and design, except where
it may impact the exterior appearance.
Occasionally, some of the factors considered by the ARC, such as site layout and parking, may
overlap with the jurisdiction of the Planning Commission. This overlap is to be expected and does not
necessarily mean that the two committees are duplicating work. The ARC is not concerned with
appropriate use of property, and the Planning Commission primarily concerns itself with general site
design only in connection with land-use decisions, leaving the details to the ARC. However, when a
specific site layout is approved by the Planning Commission, the ARC is expected to work with the
general layout established by the Planning Commission action.
ARC approval by itself does not entitle a developer to building anything. It does not take the
1 place of a building permit or other special approvals that might be required for a new project.
Complete architectural review guidelines and more information about the ARC are contained in
Architectural Review in San Luis Obispo, a booklet available at the Community Development
Department.
t
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e `, W
PURPOSE
The Planning Commission must regularly make decisions regarding land use policies and
specific development applications. Some are recommendations to the Council and some are final,
subject to appeal to the Council. The Commission also reviews and recommends long-range plans for
the City's growth and development.
STATUS
The Commission was established in the 1940s. It is staffed by planners in the Community
Development Department who prepare meeting agendas, meet with developers, and handle other
functions for the Commission. The Commission is responsible to the Council. (Ref: SLO M.C.
Chapter 2.12, Ordinance No. 254N. 1944 [1944 Series], Ordinance 1139 [1989 series].
Commissioners are compensated at $25.00 per meeting with a monthly'maximum of $100.00,
Resolution 6805 [1990 series].)
MEMBERS
The Planning Commission has seven members who are not necessarily planning professionals.
No special training is required for appointment. Members occasionally may be requested to attend
seminars and workshops to improve skills in planning.
MEETINGS-Semi-monthly; refer to chart on page 30.
FUNCTIONS
The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the Council in five areas:
1. General Plan - The Commission reviews proposals on long-range planning policies.
These may be in the form of new sections for the General Plan or amendments to the existing plan,and
are brought to the Commission by city planning sta$consultants,and private applicants.
2. Zoning - The Commission reviews proposals for changes in the zoning of land, or in
the zoning regulations, and makes recommendations to the Council. In some matters, such as use
permits,the Commission's decision is final,unless appealed to the Council.
3. Subdivisions - The Commission makes recommendations to the Council on the
subdivision of land.
4. Capital Improvement Program - The City's long-range financial plan for major
municipal construction projects, equipment purchases and planning studies is reviewed for General
Plan conformance by the Commission, and its recommendations are forwarded to the Council.
19
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5. City Services a,sd Resources - The Commission revie^/s the adequacy of city services
and resources needed for proposed development. When city facilities or resources are in danger of
being overburdened,the Commission offers recommendations to the Council on possible remedies.
In weighing decisions on the growth and development of the City of San Luis Obispo, the
Commission provides a sounding board for public opinion. Although commissioners do consider the
rights and desires of property owners/developers and the general public,they must make their decisions
pursuant to the General Plan, ordinances, and other standards and procedures set forth in state and city
law.
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