Gilroy Municipal Code Art. VIII Department of Community Development

The department of community development is hereby created.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

The community development director shall be the head of the department of community development and shall be appointed by the city administrator, with the consent of the council.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

Under the direct supervision of the city administrator, the director organizes and administers the operations of the community development department, which involves the activities of the engineering, planning, and building, life and environmental safety divisions.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

The department of community development shall be responsible for the following functions:

(a) Engineering:

(1) Public Improvements. Supervise and perform the preparation of all required plans and specifications relating to any and all public improvements, including the designing, drafting and estimating;

(2) Staking, Mapping and Inspection. Provide the staking, mapping and inspecting of work in progress in the field and perform other related work as required;

(3) Changes on Public Works Projects. Engineer and process for approval any essential changes on public works projects found to be necessary while work is in progress;

(4) Filing of Documents. Prepare and file all necessary permanent official maps, records, reports, documents and data in connection with the completed work as performed;

(5) Prepare Documents. Prepare all the necessary forms, notices and contract documents for public works and other projects to be let by bid and make necessary reports for payment;

(6) Lands, Easements and Rights-of-Way. Supervise and perform the acquisition of all lands, easements and rights-of-way required by the city and maintain suitable maps and records showing these holdings;

(7) Subdivision Maps and Agreements. Certify approved subdivision maps, prepare and process subdivision improvement agreements, and supervise, coordinate and inspect the required installation;

(8) Contract Services. Any of the above listed services may be performed under contract with a public or private firm or agency;

(9) Public Works and Utilities. Supervise the construction of all the city’s infrastructure systems;

(10) Laws and Regulations. Enforce the laws, ordinances and regulations relating to work done in public streets, easements and rights-of-way, and administer all rules and regulations governing the connection to and use of the sewer, storm drain and water supply systems;

(11) Engineering Work. Perform or direct all phases of public works engineering work required in connection with the functions of the city;

(12) Contract Work. Approve for acceptance after proper inspection all contract work let by the city affecting streets/alleys, and the sewer, storm drain, or water supply systems;

(13) Oversee all authorized construction projects for the extension, widening, rebuilding or other improvements to the street or alley system;

(14) Oversee all authorized projects for the extensions, improvements and betterments to the sewage disposal, storm drain, and water systems;

(15) Provide accurate infrastructure mapping and record keeping.

(b) Traffic.

(1) Traffic Devices. Provide for authorized installation of traffic-control signs which includes traffic signals, stop signs, warning devices, center stripes on streets and highways and pedestrian crosswalks;

(2) Traffic Surveys. Conduct traffic analyses and surveys which includes the taking of speed surveys, ascertaining traffic volume and making studies for crash/collision prevention;

(3) Studies and Recommendations. Make street system studies which includes reports and recommendations as to the city’s existing system and the need for future street extensions, widening and new installations;

(4) Coordination with Police Department. Coordinate activities with department of police traffic safety functions;

(5) Contract Services. Any of the above listed services may be performed under contract with a public or private firm or agency, such contract to be signed by the city administrator on behalf of the city with the advice of the community development director.

(c) Building Inspections and Building Plan Review.

(1) Inspect Plans. Review and inspect all preliminary and final plans, drawings, and tracings which are submitted for approval prior to the construction, erection or alteration of any building or structure to insure compliance with the applicable building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire and other pertinent codes adopted by the council;

(2) Issue Permits. Issue the proper permits for the construction, erection or alteration as specified in the approved plans;

(3) Make Inspections. Make required inspections during the various stages of work progress to insure that all construction meet the demands and requirements of the applicable code;

(4) Condemn Buildings. Condemn unsafe buildings and enforce the correction of hazardous conditions, or cause their removal by the use of proper legal procedure in accordance with the code for abatement of dangerous buildings or other applicable laws;

(5) Licensing of Contractors. Enforce all laws and ordinances relating to the proper licensing of contractors and subcontractors;

(6) Maintain Records. Maintain proper and adequate files and records as required;

(7) Inspections. Inspect new and existing businesses to assure compliance with codes and business license procedures, including hazardous material permits.

(d) Housing and Community Development.

(1) CDBG. Apply for and administer the federal community development block grant for community support services, fair housing program implementation, and activities promoting housing and economic development opportunities for low income residents.

(2) Housing Trust Fund. Administer the housing trust funds for the creation and maintenance of affordable housing, the development of housing opportunities for special needs populations, and homebuyer assistance programs.

(e) Pretreatment Programs.

(1) Supervise the pretreatment program function under state law and pursuant to South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) Ordinance 93-1 and chapter 19 of this Code, as those ordinances, laws and regulations may be amended from time to time.

(f) Planning.

(1) General Plan. Prepare and administer a general plan for the orderly development of the city, including such precise plans and policy plan as may be deemed essential.

(2) Studies and Surveys. Conduct studies, surveys and other investigations considered necessary to prepare for the city’s future development.

(3) Subdivision Review. Make recommendations, together with the division of engineering, on the acceptability of proposed subdivisions and their compliance with minimum requirements for public facilities, street and traffic patterns, land use regulations and necessary dedications.

(4) Environment Impacts. Consider and make recommendations on environmental impacts of any plans and studies, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Review and make recommendations to insure a high quality environment in and around the city. Administer the environmental clearance and environmental impact report processes.

(5) Zoning Ordinance. Administer the zoning ordinance together with the building division, investigate and report on requests for variances, use permits and applications for zoning changes.

(6) Planning Commission. Provide all necessary staff assistance to the planning commission, attend all meetings, and act as its secretary.

(7) Historic Heritage Committee (HHC). Provide all necessary staff assistance to the HHC, attend all meetings, and act as its secretary.

(8) Development Applications. Administer and facilitate all development applications outlined under the city’s zoning ordinance.

(9) Code Enforcement. Administer and facilitate zoning ordinance and city code research, field investigations, and enforcement duties.

(10) Special Studies. Administer and facilitate special studies and/or work groups as directed by the city administrator and city council.

(g) Other Duties. Perform such other duties as may be required by the city administrator.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

§ 2.64. through § 2.66. (Reserved)