Division II. Administration
Chapter 18.10
PLANNING AGENCY
Sections:
18.10.010 Composition of planning agency.
18.10.020 Powers and duties of planning commission.
18.10.030 Zoning administrator.
18.10.040 Procedural rules for conduct of duties of zoning administrator.
18.10.050 Duties of zoning administrator.
18.10.070 Duties of city planner.
18.10.100 City planner to notify planning commission of intent to take action.
18.10.010 Composition of planning agency.
Under Section 65100 et seq. of the Government Code, there is created the planning agency of the city consisting of the following component members:
A. City council;
B. Planning commission;
C. Zoning administrator; and
D. Planning staff. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.10.020 Powers and duties of planning commission.
The planning commission shall:
A. Exercise the powers and duties prescribed by statute and ordinance and as assigned by the city council;
B. Initiate preparation of general plans, specific plans, regulations, programs and legislation to implement the planning and zoning power of the city;
C. Be generally responsible for advising the city council of matters relating to planning which, in the opinion of the commission, should be studied;
D. Hear and decide each application for a land use permit referred by the zoning administrator and each application for rezoning;
E. Hear and decide each application for a variance referred to it by the zoning administrator;
F. Be the advisory agency for the purpose of administering the laws and ordinances governing review and approval of subdivisions;
G. Act as the board of appeals to hear and decide each appeal from an order, requirement, decision or determination made by the zoning administrator in the administration and enforcement of the zoning regulations;
H. Hear and decide each proposal for the revocation of a land use permit or variance; and
I. Hear and decide each proposal for design review. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.10.030 Zoning administrator.
The office of the zoning administrator is established. The zoning administrator or their designee is the city planner. [Ord. 23-1509 § 16, 2023; Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.10.040 Procedural rules for conduct of duties of zoning administrator.
The city council shall by resolution adopt rules and regulations for the transaction of business by the zoning administrator. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.10.050 Duties of zoning administrator.
The zoning administrator shall, after notice pursuant to PMC 18.14.020(E) and (F) and notice to the planning commission, hear and decide each application for a variance, land use permit or other permit authorized under this title to be issued by the zoning administrator unless the zoning administrator determines that, because of the probable controversial nature of the proposal or because of its significance to the city, the planning commission should hear and decide the application. [Ord. 15-1390 § 3 (Exh. C), 2015; Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.10.060 Planning staff.
There is in the city government a group of employees known as the planning staff. The administrative officer of the planning staff is the city planner. Subject to approval of the city council, the city manager shall determine which city employees comprise the planning staff. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.10.070 Duties of city planner.
The city planner is the chief administrative officer of the planning staff. The city planner shall advise the city council and planning commission; conduct investigations and make reports and recommendations on matters relating to planning and land use, zoning, subdivisions, design review, development plans, and architectural and environmental controls. The city planner shall review such other matters as directed. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.10.100 City planner to notify planning commission of intent to take action.
Where the city planner is authorized either by a provision in this title or by direction of the planning commission to exercise discretion in connection with a specific land use matter, the city planner shall first give notice to the planning commission of intent to exercise the authority granted. Any member of the planning commission may elect to have the matter considered by the entire commission. In this case, the city planner shall schedule the matter for consideration by the planning commission at the earliest reasonable time. The planning commission may make the determination itself or refer the matter back to the city planner. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. C), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]