Chapter 21.10 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY

La Mirada Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · La Mirada

21.10.010 Composition of planning agency .

(a) California 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, may be any one of the following, as further defined in this chapter and title. In the absence of an assignment, the city council shall have planning agency responsibility and authority.

  • (1) City council.

  • (2) Planning commission.

  • (3) City manager.

  • (4) Community development director.

  • (5) Permit review board.

  • (b) Responsible agencies shall have such duties as assigned by this title, and specifically Chapter 21.82.

  • (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.10.020 Responsibilities of the city council .

The city council shall have the following responsibilities:

  • (1) Appoint members of the planning commission.

  • (2) Hear and act upon appeals of decisions of the planning commission.

(3) Hear and act upon applications for final subdivision maps, zoning code amendments, general plan amendments, specific plans, development agreements, and planned unit developments. In the event that applications for other land use permits are requested in conjunction with these entitlements, the city council shall also be the final decisionmaking body for the other land use permits.

  • (4) Direct planning-related policy amendments and special studies as necessary or desired.

  • (5) Exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by state law or local ordinance.

  • (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.10.030 Responsibilities of the planning commission .

The planning commission shall have the following responsibilities:

  • (1) Hear and act upon appeals of decisions of the community development director.

  • (2) Hear and act upon applications for conditional use permits, variances, certificates of compatibility, and tentative parcel maps.

  • (3) Hear and make recommendations to the city council on applications or proposals for amendments to this title.

  • (4) Initiate studies of amendments to this title, and make recommendations to the city council for amendments to this title.

  • (5) Hear and make recommendations to the city council on applications for tentative subdivision maps, general

plan amendments, development agreements, planned unit developments, specific plans, and other related planning studies.

  • (6) Exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by state law, local ordinance, or as directed by the city council.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.10.040 Responsibilities of the city manager .

The city manager shall have the responsibility and authority to administer and enforce this title as follows:

  • (1) Hear and act upon appeals of the permit review board for temporary use permit applications.

  • (2) Exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by state law, local ordinance, or as directed by the city council.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.10.050 Responsibilities of the community development director .

The community development director shall have the responsibility and authority to administer and enforce this title as follows:

  • (1) Maintain the sections of this title, zoning map, and all records of zoning actions and interpretations.

  • (2) Advise the city council, planning commission, and city manager on planning matters.

  • (3) Provide administrative services for and staff meetings of the planning commission.

  • (4) Conduct administrative functions authorized by this title, including distribution and receipt of permit

applications and corresponding fees; application review and public noticing; determination and issuance of administrative permits and approvals; and preparation of staff reports with recommendations, proposed findings, and proposed conditions for quasi-judicial and legislative actions by designated planning agencies.

  • (5) Provide information to the public, and facilitate public participation on planning matters.

  • (6) Exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by state law, local ordinance, or as directed by the city manager.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.10.060 Permit review board .

A permit review board is established consisting of representatives of the city manager's office, the planning division, the finance and community development department, and public safety. The permit review board shall have the responsibility and authority to administer and enforce this title as follows: Consider and act upon temporary use permit applications.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.10.070 Planning commission policies .

(a) Eligibility for Office. Members of the planning commission shall be residents of the city and citizens of the United States. If a member of any commission moves his or her residence outside of the city, such member shall automatically be removed from office.

(b) Membership and Term. The planning commission shall consist of five members. Each council member shall appoint one planning commission member, whose term shall run concurrently with that of the appointing council member.

(c) Compensation. Planning commission members may receive compensation for meeting attendance and reasonable traveling expenses as determined by resolution of the city council.

(d) Vacancies. If a member of the planning commission is unable or unwilling to complete his or her term, the city council shall fill the vacancy by appointing a qualified person to serve the remainder of the term.

(e) Removal. Members of the planning commission serve at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed from their position by a vote of a majority of the members of the city council. No public hearing need be held prior to removal, and no cause for removal need be shown.

(f) Meetings. The planning commission shall meet at least once each month on a regularly scheduled time and day, and at such other times, as the chairperson deems necessary to perform the duties of the commission.

(g) Appointment of Officers. The planning commission shall appoint a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among its members. The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall serve at the pleasure of the commission. The chairperson shall call an election annually in accordance with the adopted by-laws of the commission.

(h) Rules. The planning commission shall adopt rules (by-laws) for the transaction of its business, including rules for the election of officers.

(i) Record of Proceedings. The planning commission shall maintain summary minutes and a taped recording of its proceedings. The taped recording shall be retained as set forth in the city's record retention policy.

(j) Administrative Support. The community development director shall be responsible for the administration of this section and shall assist the planning commission in performing its functions.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).