The development of the City Planning Commission, formed in 1923, was mainly an outgrowth of the activities of the Plans and Planting Committee, a citizens group. The 1925 earthquake destroyed many structures, and the extensive rebuilding that followed offered the Commission a fresh opportunity for instituting a planning process for the future growth of the City.

The first building and zoning ordinances were adopted in 1923 and 1925, and the City's first comprehensive General Plan in 1963. The Commission now sends representatives to several ad hoc bodies, as well as conducting its own ordinance subcommittee.

General Functions

• Recommend to the City Council, after a public hearing thereon, the adoption, amendment or repeal of the General Plan, or any part thereof, and specific or precise plans it may deem advisable for guidance in the physical development of the City.
• Exercise such functions with respect to land subdivisions as provided by ordinance not inconsistent with the provisions of the City Charter (approve or disapprove tentative subdivision maps; and authorized to require dedications for public use as a condition for approval of subdivision maps, etc.).
• Exercise such functions with respect to zoning, building, land use, redevelopment, conservation, proposed public works and related matters as may be prescribed by ordinance not inconsistent with the City Charter (all actions provided by the Zoning Ordinance in connection with modifications, variances, site plans, development plans, etc. and make recommendations to City Council for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance).

Membership
7 Members

Qualifications
Must be qualified electors of the City.

Length of Term
Four years and until successors are appointed. Staggered terms expire on December 31 of the appropriate year.

Meeting Schedule
The Commission meets on the first, second and third Thursdays of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street, preceded by a 12:15 p.m. lunch meeting in Conference Room 15, City Hall.

The Commission also meets on Tuesdays at 7:45 a.m. in the Planning Conference Room at 630 Garden Street for site visits to projects.

Financial Disclosure Requirement
Members must file a Statement of Economic Interests upon appointment, annually and when leaving the advisory group.

Compensation
$50 per meeting attended.

Staff
Planning Division, Community Development Department, (805) 564-5470.

Reference
City Charter Sections 800 - 806; Municipal Code Sections 2.08.020.H, 2.13.070, 27.03.010, and 28.06.010; Ordinance No. 5160.