Article III — Planning Commission

Editor's note— Ord. No. 473, § 1, adopted March 20, 2012, repealed Art. III and enacted a new article as set out herein. The former Art. III, §§ 2-11—2-20, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 447, § 1, adopted April 21, 2009.

Pursuant to the provisions of California Government Code Section 65100 et seq., there is hereby established a planning commission which shall have the powers and duties and serve the purposes enumerated by state law and this chapter.

(Ord. No. 473, § 1, 3-20-2012)

The planning commission shall consist of five members, who shall serve at the pleasure of the city council. At least three members of the planning commissioners shall be residents of the city at the time of appointment and during his/her term, and shall not be officers nor employees of the city. Up to two members of the planning commission may be residents of Colusa County, but the members must reside within two miles of the boundaries of the city at the time of appointment and during his/her term, and shall not be officers nor employees of the city.

(Ord. No. 473, § 1, 3-20-2012)

A.

The members of the planning commission shall be appointed by the city council and shall serve individual terms of four years. The city council shall ensure that the members terms are staggered so that no more than three planning commission terms expire in any single calendar year. Each member, unless sooner terminated, may serve until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.

B.

No limit is established on the number of terms an individual may serve as a planning commission.

C.

A planning commissioner may be removed from office by majority vote of the city council without cause, notice or hearing.

D.

In the event of a vacancy, the city council shall appoint a new planning commissioner to fill the unexpired portion of the existing term.

(Ord. No. 473, § 1, 3-20-2012)

A.

The planning commission shall hold regular meetings during each calendar year at such time and place in the city as the city council may fix by resolution.

B.

The planning commission may adopt, consistent with applicable laws and subject to city council approval, rules of procedure which shall govern the conduct of hearings and other business of the planning commission.

C.

Three members of the five-member planning commission shall constitute a quorum, and a quorum is required for the planning commission to take action on any item on its agenda.

(Ord. No. 473, § 1, 3-20-2012)

The planning commission shall approve a quarterly report that is forwarded to the city council. The report shall inform the city council of the number of meetings held that quarter, the attendance record for each planning commissioner and a brief report on the activity of the commission. The commission may delegate the drafting and approval of the report to city staff. The quarterly report should list the accomplishments of the commission that quarter, including a brief list of those permits or projects approved or denied, as well as any other information that would be of importance to the city council.

(Ord. No. 473, § 1, 3-20-2012)

At its regular meeting in April of each year, or as soon thereafter as possible, the members of the planning commission shall appoint one of its members as a chairperson and one of its members as a vice- chairperson for the commission. The city clerk or his/her designee shall serve as secretary to the planning commission. Vacancies in the position of chairperson and/or vice-chairperson shall be filled at the planning commission's next regularly scheduled meeting, or as soon thereafter as possible.

(Ord. No. 473, § 1, 3-20-2012)

The planning commission shall have the duties and functions specified in the Colusa City Code and applicable law. Specifically, the planning commission shall:

A.

Serve as the planning agency for the City of Colusa as provided by the requirements of the California Government Code.

B.

Promote public interest in, and understanding of, the general plan, specific plans and regulations relating to such plans.

C.

Consider and provide recommendations to the city council on amendments to the general plan, zoning code and specific plans.

D.

Consider subdivision matters arising under the Subdivision Map Act and this Code.

E.

Consider appeals as required by this Code.

F.

Perform such other duties as the city council shall prescribe.

(Ord. No. 473, § 1, 3-20-2012)

Planning commissioners shall serve without compensation.

(Ord. No. 473, § 1, 3-20-2012)