Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Ch. 2.18 Planning Commission

A planning commission in and for the city is established and created, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 65000 through 65906 of the Government Code, as now or hereafter amended.

(Ord. 547 § 3(B), 2003)

The commission shall consist of five members, who shall be qualified electors of the city, but who shall not otherwise be officials of the city. The mayor and each respective member of the council shall appoint a representative to the planning commission subject to approval by a majority of the council. All commission members shall serve at the pleasure of the council.

(Ord. 547 § 3(B), 2003)

Members of the planning commission shall serve a term ending the January 31st following expiration of the term of the respective appointing mayor or council member. Members of the planning commission may be removed by a majority vote of the council.

(Ord. 547 § 3(B), 2003)

Vacancies occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled in the manner set forth for appointments. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term only.

(Ord. 547 § 3(B), 2003)

The council delegates to the planning commission the authority to appoint its own chairperson and vice-chairperson from the commission membership. The community development director, or his/her designee, shall act as secretary to the planning commission. The terms of office of the chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be established by regularly adopted rules and regulations of the commission.

(Ord. 547 § 3(B), 2003)

(Ord. No. 697, § 1, 10-23-2018)

Absence from three consecutive regular meetings, or twenty-five (25) percent of the regular meetings during any one-year period beginning in July, without the formal consent of the council, shall constitute the resignation of such absent member and the position declared vacant.

(Ord. 547 § 3(B), 2003)

Regular meetings of the planning commission shall be held the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the city council chambers located at 215 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, during a time established in its bylaws.

(Ord. 547 § 3(B), 2003)

The planning commission shall be appointed, and the members thereof shall have the powers and duties provided for by Sections 65900 through 65906 of the Government Code, as now or hereafter amended.

In addition, the planning commission shall have the responsibility to:

1. Investigate and make recommendations to the city council regarding reasonable and practical means for implementing the general plan or any element thereof, so that it will serve as an effective guide for orderly growth and development, preservation and conservation of open space and natural resources, and for the efficient and effective expenditure of public funds relating to the subjects addressed in the general plan;

2. Provide annual reports to the city council on the status of the general plan and progress in its implementation;

3. Clarify ambiguities regarding Title 16 as set forth in Section 16.04.050;

4. Review and approve items as set forth in Section 16.08.060;

5. Make recommendations to the city council on items as set forth in Section 16.08.060.

(Ord. 547 § 3(B), 2003)

The planning commission may nominate places, properties, structures or areas, which they recommend be considered for local, state or national historical designation or considered as an important setting or contributing to the historic character of the surrounding environment.

(Ord. No. 695, § 3, 8-28-2018)

In reviewing potential designations, the planning commission shall be guided by the following purposes and intent:

A. To ensure consistency with the general plan and compliance with the provisions of Title 16 of this code;

B. Promote the designation, preservation, restoration, safety and use of historic structures to enrich the lives of future generations, providing opportunities to enjoy and learn about the community's history;

C. Improve the local economy by attracting tourism and other business to the community;

D. Foster a sense of community identity and pride;

E. Stabilize and improve the economic value of historic properties and neighborhoods;

F. Enhance the community's aesthetics, interest, and unique historic character;

G. Encourage and provide incentives to property owners to preserve and restore historic properties, and to sensitively rehabilitate them for adaptive re-use when necessary.

(Ord. No. 695, § 3, 8-28-2018)

The city council shall adopt bylaws, which shall establish rules, regulations, and procedures to conduct meetings.

(Ord. No. 2025-005, § 4, 4-22-2025)