Susanville Municipal Code Ch. 2.36 Planning Commission

A planning commission is created for the city pursuant to Government Code Section 65100 et seq.

(Prior code § 2.7-1)

The city's planning commission consists of five members, who shall be appointed by a quorum of the city council. The city council may also choose to appoint up to two alternate members to the commission. By resolution, the city council may also assume the role of the planning commission, and each councilmember will act as a planning commissioner.

(Prior code § 2.7-2; Ord. 13-987 § 1, 2012; Ord. 25-1048, 6/4/2025)

A person is not eligible to hold office as a planning commissioner unless he or she is, at the time of appointment, a resident and registered voter of the city. If, during his or her term of office, a member of the planning commission moves his or her residence outside the city limits, or ceases to be an elector of the city, such member's office shall immediately become vacant. The same eligibility requirements shall apply to alternate commission members.

(Prior code § 2.7-3; Ord. 13-987 § 1, 2012)

The term of office shall be four years from the date of such appointment, unless otherwise provided by this chapter. When the city council is acting as the planning commission, each councilmember's term will run concurrently with their term in office as a city councilmember.

(Prior code § 2.7-4; Ord. 25-1048, 6/4/2025)

If the office of a member of the planning commission becomes vacant, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment as provided in Section 2.36.020, except that the new member shall complete the former commissioner's unexpired term. If there are appointed alternate commissioners, the city council may first consider one of the alternate members for the position.

(Prior code § 2.7-5; Ord. 13-987 § 1, 2012)

The planning commission shall be subject to the conflict of interest laws of the state and the city.

(Prior code § 2.7-6)

The members of the planning commission who are appointed serve at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed from office by the 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. The removal of a person as a member of the planning commission terminates any offices or positions he or she may hold as a planning commissioner.

(Prior code § 2.7-7)

Each member of the planning commission shall receive compensation, commencing on January 1, 1996, pursuant to Government Code Section 36506 and any subsequent amendments and/or substitutions thereto as follows:

A monthly salary of $75 per month.

Alternate members and city councilmembers sitting as planning commissioners shall not receive compensation.

(Prior code § 2.7-8; Ord. 13-987 § 1, 2012; Ord. 25-1048, 6/4/2025)

Three members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum cannot be made from the serving planning commission, a previously appointed alternate member may be used to fulfill a quorum.

(Prior code § 2.7-9; Ord. 13-987 § 1, 2012)

The commission shall meet at least once a month and shall establish a regular meeting day and time by resolution. Planning commission regular meetings shall be held at City Hall.

(Prior code § 2.7-10)

A. The commission shall appoint a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among its members. The chairperson and vice-chairperson serve for a term of one year or until the successor of each is appointed and takes office. Said appointments shall occur at the first meeting in July and the new chair shall presume office at the second meeting. In the event the chair and vice-chair are absent, the commission shall select an acting chair for the meeting.

B. The secretary of the planning commission shall be the city clerk unless otherwise designated by the city council.

(Prior code § 2.7-11)

The commission may adopt procedural rules for the transaction of its business by resolution.

(Prior code § 2.7-12)

A. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the commission. The vice-chairperson shall act as the chairperson in the absence of the chairperson or in case of inability of the chairperson to act.

B. The secretary shall keep a record of each meeting and shall record the official action taken. The secretary shall maintain records of actions taken and shall perform such other duties as the commission assigns.

(Prior code § 2.7-13)

The planning commission shall perform all duties assigned to it by state law and the city council, including, but not limited to, the following:

A. Prepare, periodically review, and revise as necessary, the general plan;

B. Implement the general plan through actions including, but not limited to, the administration of specific plans and zoning and subdivision ordinances;

C. Annually review the capital improvement program of the city and the local public works projects of other local agencies for their consistency with the general plan, pursuant to Government Code Section 65400 et seq.;

D. Endeavor to promote public interest in, comment on, and understanding of, the general plan, and regulations relating to it;

E. Consult and advise with public officials and agencies, public utility companies, civic, educational, professional, and other organizations generally concerning implementation of the general plan;

F. Promote the coordination of local plans and programs with the plans and programs of other public agencies;

G. Perform all functions of a board of zoning adjustment that have not been otherwise delegated to the zoning administrator in the city zoning ordinance;

H. Perform other functions as the legislative body provides from time to time, including conducting studies and preparing plans other than those required or authorized by this title;

I. Develop and publish procedural rules for conduct at hearings, pursuant to Government Code Section 65804.

(Prior code § 2.7-14)