La Puente Municipal Code Ch. 2.16 Planning Commission

Sections:

• 2.16.010 Established.

• 2.16.020 Membership—Appointment—Terms—Vacanci es—Removal.

• 2.16.030 Meetings—Absence without cause.

• 2.16.040 Meetings—Absence with good cause.

• 2.16.050 Membership—Councilmembers.

• 2.16.060 Powers.

A planning commission for the city is established, with membership, powers and duties as provided for in this chapter and by state statutes.

(Ord. 767 § 1 (part), 1998)

(a) Membership. The planning commission shall consist of five members, each of whom must reside in the city of La Puente at the time of the appointment and throughout the term in the office, and be registered to vote in the city.

(b) Application Process. The city council shall, by resolution, adopt a process for residents to apply to the planning commission, and for the council to interview applicants.

(c) Appointments. Planning commissioners shall be appointed by a majority vote of the city council. Commencing in 2016, two appointments to the planning commission shall be decided at the first regular meeting of the city council in June of even numbered years. Commencing in 2017, three appointments to the planning commission shall be decided at the first regular meeting of the city council in June of odd numbered years. The city council shall appoint two commissioners in 2016, and three commissioners in 2017, to serve a term as set forth in this section.

(d) Term and Vacancy. The term of each commissioner shall be for a period of two years, commencing with the appointments made in 2016. Each commissioner shall continue in office until his or her successor is appointed. If a vacancy occurs, other than by expiration of the term, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term, pursuant to the procedure set forth in this section, and in accordance with the terms of Government Code Section 54974. At the completion of any term, a commissioner may be reappointed pursuant to the procedures set forth in this section.

(e) Transition and Initial Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term of any commissioner in office as of the effective date hereof, shall expire on June 8, 2015. The city council shall, pursuant to the procedures set forth in this section, appoint five commissioners at the first city council meeting in June 2015. Two commissioners who are appointed shall serve a one year term, and three commissioners shall serve a two year term. Immediately following the appointment of the commissioners, the city clerk shall provide the mayor with the names of each commissioner. The mayor shall then draw two names at random. The commissioners whose names are drawn, shall serve a one year term, and the balance of the commissioners shall serve a two year term.

(f) Ex Officio Members. The city manager, or the city manager’s designee, and the city attorney, or the city attorney’s designee, shall be ex-officio or advisory members of the planning commission, and they will have no right to vote. Their terms on the planning commission shall correspond to their respective tenure in office.

(g) Removal. Any member of the planning commission may be removed by a majority vote of the city council.

(Ord. 930 § 2, 2014: Ord. 913 § 2, 2011: Ord. 837 § 1, 2005: Ord. 778 § 1, 1999: Ord. 767 § 1 (part), 1998)

If a member of the planning commission is absent without good cause for three successive regular meetings of the commission, the office of that member will be deemed to be vacant, and the term of that member terminated. The secretary of the planning commission must immediately inform the city council of that termination.

(Ord. 767 § 1 (part), 1998)

An absence due to illness, or an unavoidable absence from the city, accompanied by notice to the secretary of the planning commission on or before the day of any regular commission meeting, will be deemed absence with good cause.

(Ord. 767 § 1 (part), 1998)

No member of the legislative body of the city is eligible for membership on the planning commission.

(Ord. 767 § 1 (part), 1998)

The planning commission has the power, except as otherwise provided by law, to:

(a) Recommend to the proper departments of the city plans for the regulation of the future growth, development, and beautification of the city in respect to its public and private buildings and works, streets, parks, grounds, and vacant lots;

(b) Recommend to the proper departments of the city plans, consistent with the future growth and development of the city, in order to secure sanitation, proper service from all public utilities, and shipping and transportation facilities;

(c) Make recommendations to any public authorities or other persons concerning the location of any proposed buildings, structures or works;

(d) Approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove discretionary entitlements for changes in land use;

(e) Do such other things as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of the Planning and Land Use Act of the state;

(f) Adopt by-laws, which are subject to approval by the city council, as may be necessary to provide for:

(1) The time and place of meetings,

(2) The time and method of electing officers,

(3) Such other matters relating to the organization of the commission and methods of administration of its duties that are not otherwise provided for by statute or ordinance.

(Ord. 767 § 1 (part), 1998)