ARTICLE XLIX. POWERS OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR, THE PLANNING COMMISSION, AND THE HISTORIC HERITAGE COMMITTEE

30.49.10 Powers of the zoning administrator.

The zoning administrator shall have the power to decide any question involving the interpretation of any provision of this chapter and to determine the appropriate zoning classification of uses not specifically mentioned in this chapter. The zoning administrator’s decision shall be final unless an appeal is taken to the planning commission, as provided in Article LI, and the planning commission overrules the zoning administrator’s decision. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)

30.49.11 Duties.

The duties of the zoning administrator shall be undertaken by the planning director of the City of Gilroy. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)

30.49.20 Powers of the planning commission.

The planning commission shall have the power to decide any question involving the interpretation of any provision of this chapter forwarded by the zoning administrator. The planning commission’s decision shall be final unless an appeal is taken to the city council, as provided in Article LI, and the city council overrules the planning commission’s decision by a majority vote. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)

30.49.21 Interpretation of uses.

Whenever the planning director is in doubt as to the classification of a use not specifically mentioned in this chapter, the determination shall be made by the planning commission. The referral shall include a detailed description of the proposed use and such other information as may be required. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)

30.49.22 Other policies, rules and regulations.

The planning commission shall have authority to establish from time to time such policies, rules and regulations not in conflict with other laws as it may deem necessary to assure the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)

30.49.30 Powers of the historic heritage committee.

The purpose and intent of the historic heritage committee is to act as an advisory board to the city council and planning commission on issues relating to the identification, protection, retention and preservation of historic sites and historic neighborhoods in the City of Gilroy. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)

30.49.31 Committee membership.

The historic heritage committee shall consist of five (5) members, each appointed by the city council. Terms shall be for two (2) years, and shall be staggered. Members may serve up to a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. The members shall consist of:

(a) One (1) member of the planning commission.

(b) One (1) member of the city council.

(c) One (1) citizen member with training or experience in structural rehabilitation.

(d) Two (2) citizen members knowledgeable in local history or architecture. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)

30.49.32 Committee powers.

The historic heritage committee shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) To recommend to the planning commission and council any building, structure or other physical object or group of buildings, structures or other physical objects that it has determined from review and investigation should be designated as a historic site or neighborhood combining district. The recommendation shall contain a brief written description of the building, structure or other physical object, and the reasons for the recommendation, drawn from the criteria specified by section 30.27.30.

(b) To maintain and update a local register of historic neighborhoods and historic sites within the city.

(c) To review and investigate architectural and site review requests for property located within a historic site or neighborhood combining district, as specified by section 30.27.40.

(d) To review and investigate requests for demolition permits for any building, structure or other physical object in the city, as specified by section 30.27.50.

(e) To review all applications for permits, environmental assessments, environmental impact reports and other similar documents pertaining to historic sites and historic neighborhoods.

(f) To make recommendations to the city’s street naming committee regarding possible new street names from Gilroy’s cultural and historical past.

(g) To institute and support such programs and projects as will help make the citizens of the city and its visitors aware of its origin, development, and historic significance.

(h) To perform such other duties relating to city history and historic sites and neighborhoods as the city council requires. (Ord. No. 2013-08, § 2 (Exh. A), 8-5-13)