For the Planning Commission Meeting of May 13, 2020
TO: Honorable Chairman and Planning Commissioners
APPROVAL: Matt Schneider, Community Development Director
FROM: Daniel Casey, Senior Planner
Title
Zoning Code Amendment No. 2020-0002: An Ordinance to amend various provisions of the Rialto Municipal Code to eliminate the Development Review Committee (DRC), delegate its authority to approve Precise Plan of Design applications to the Planning Commission and Community Development Director, and make corresponding amendments, and to repeal Resolution No.2507.
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 follows all design standards and city ordinances and regulations. 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 the development of one (1) 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 the basis for the DRC to approve any such PPD. Subsequently, after Resolution No. 2093 expired, the City adopted Resolution No. 2326 on April 21, 1981 and Resolution No. 2507 on April 5, 1983 continuing the establishment of the DRC.
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 directed staff and the City Attorney to prepare an Ordinance to eliminate the DRC and develop a new review and approval procedure for consid...
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