Fowler Municipal Code Ch. 9.10 Administrative Responsibilities

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish and describe the respective administrative responsibilities of City officials and bodies (e.g., Community Development Director, Planning Commission, City Council) for purposes of this Title.

Government Code section 65100 requires each jurisdiction to establish a planning agency to carry out the land use and planning functions of the jurisdiction. The functions of the planning agency, as designated by this Title, shall be carried out by the following bodies. In the absence of an assignment, the City Council shall retain responsibility and authority as the legislative body of the City.

A. Community Development Director. The Director or designee shall have the responsibility and authority to administer and enforce this Title as follows:

1. Receive, review, and process all applications for development pursuant to this Title. Processing includes, but is not limited to, the certification of completed applications, the establishment of a permanent file, posting of public notices, collection of applicable fees, preparation of reports, processing of appeals, and presentation of staff reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council.

2. Hear and act on applications as provided by State law, this Title, or other City ordinances.

3. Hear and make recommendations to the Planning Commission on applications as provided by State law and this Title or other City ordinances.

4. Interpret the provisions and advise the public on the requirements of this Title consistent with Chapter 9.15 (Rules of Interpretation).

5. Initiate action for amendment of this Title when determined such amendment would better implement the General Plan goals and objectives, increase its effectiveness, and improve or clarify the contents of this Title.

6. Issue permits under this Title and certify that all such permits are in conformance with its requirements.

7. Refer and coordinate matters related to the administration of this Title with other agencies and City departments, and provide information on the status of all development permits.

8. Serve as the administrative zoning body and exercise that authority set forth in Government Code section 65900, et. seq.

9. Exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by State law or City ordinance, or as directed by the City Council.

B. Development Review Committee. The Development Review Committee (DRC) is established to provide a coordinated technical review process to ensure compliance with requirements of this Title. The City Manager shall appoint the members of the DRC that shall be composed of not less than three (3) members. The Director shall create appropriate rules and regulations for the conduct of the DRC. The DRC shall provide recommendations on discretionary development applications for murals, residential subdivision, multi-family residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.

C. City Manager. The City Manager, or their designee, shall oversee the work of the Director and shall exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by State law or City ordinance, or as directed by the City Council.

D. Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall have the responsibility and authority to administer and enforce this Title as follows:

1. Hear and act on appeals from the Director.

2. Hear and act on applications as provided by State law and this Title, including referrals from the Director.

3. Hear and make recommendations to the City Council on applications as provided by State law, this Title, or other City ordinances.

E. City Council. The City Council is the legislative body of the City and shall have the following land use responsibilities:

1. Hear and act on appeals from the Planning Commission.

2. Hear and act on applications as provided by State law and this Title or other City ordinances.

3. Direct planning-related policy amendments and special studies as necessary or desired.

4. Exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by State law or City ordinance.