TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM: Carl Stiehl, City Planner
PREPARED BY: Jarrett Ramaiya, Deputy Development Director
SUBJECT:
title
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure
end
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the following:
1. Adopt a Resolution of the Planning Commission Amending and Restating the Planning Commission Rules of Procedure.
2. Find that the action is not a “project” as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 for the reasons specified in this report.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On July 24, 1991, the Planning Commission adopted the Planning Commission Rules of Procedure (Rules) in Resolution No. 91-001, and subsequently amended the Rules related to meeting locations by Resolution No. 91-001.1, adopted on August 28, 1991, and related to meeting times by Resolution No. 95-003, adopted on May 10, 1995 (Vote: 5-0).
On September 8, 2010, the Planning Commission received and adopted amended Rules by Resolution No. 2010-20 (Vote: 3-1-1).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Maintain a high-performing organization that values fiscal sustainability, transparency, accountability, and organizational efficiency.
BACKGROUND
The Planning Commission governs the conduct of their meetings with Rules of Procedure as bound by Resolution Number PC-2010-20. As per Section 7.1 of the Rules, the Planning Commission shall review these Rules annually in July to determine whether an amendment is appropriate or necessary. Since there are new members of the Commission, staff is bringing this item forward earlier in the year for training and familiarity purposes. One proposed change is to Section 3.2 of the Rules related to order of presentation. Murrieta Municipal Code Section 3.3.2.A.2., states that “[i]f a request is made for continuance, a motion may be made and voted upon to continue the public hearing to a definite time and date. The Commission may elect to open the hearing and receive evidence prior to acting upon a request or motion to continue the matter.” Since this is addressed in another section of the Rules, Section 5.4, staff recommends streamlining the sentence to the following: “Requests made for continuance, shall be consistent with Section 5.4 of these rules.” Other minor changes are recommended to correct minor typographical errors.
CEQA DETERMINATION
Consideration and submission of the report is not a “project” as defined in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because the act being considered does not involve any commitment to a specific project which could result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment; and constitutes an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to receive and accept the amended report.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution of the Planning Commission Amending and Restating the Planning Commission Rules of Procedure