For Economic Development Committee January 29, 2020
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Rod Foster, City Administrator
FROM: Matt Schneider, Community Development Director
Title
Consider Revisions to Various Provisions of Rialto Municipal Code to Eliminate the Design Review Committee (DRC) and Delegate Its Authority
Body
BACKGROUND:
On February 20, 1979, the City adopted Resolution No. 2093 establishing the Design Review Committee (DRC) with the intent to ensure that development within the city be in compliance with all design standards and city ordinances and regulations. Subsequently, the City adopted Resolution No. 2326 in April 21, 9181 and Resolution No. 2507 on April 5, 1983 that seem to mirror the language of Resolution No. 2093 establishing the DRC. The DRC originally was designated to consist of the Planning Director, Community Services Director, Police Chief, Fire Chief and Chief Building Official or their designees.
Resolution No. 2093 authorized the DRC to approve Precise Plans of Design (PPD) for development of one or more dwelling units in any residential zone and of new or expanded uses in any commercial, industrial or other zones. The Resolution further set forth the information required to be provided by any applicant seeking a PPD and basis for the DRC to approve any such PPD
Concerns have been raised about whether the DRC has expanded the scope of its authority, has appropriately been entrusted to address CEQA issues, complied with the requirements and spirit of the Brown Act, and applied city rules and standards consistently. To this end, the City Council has directed staff and the City Attorney to work on revisions to the City's ordinances to eliminate the DRC and, develop new review and approval procedures for consideration of PPDs.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
In accordance with Council's directive, the City Attorney and Community Development staff have worked on revisions to the Rialto Municipal Cod...
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