HomeMy WebLinkAbout14 - Ad Hoc Committee for Revisions to Zoning CodeCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 14
February 22, 2005
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Planning Department
Patricia L Temple, Planning Director
949 - 644 -3228; ptemple @city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee for Revisions to the Zoning
Code
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2005- , approving the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee for
Revisions to the Zoning Code, to be comprised of 8 members, as follows:
• 1 City Council member
• 2 Planning Commissioners
• 2 Architects /design professionals
• 1 Builder /Developer
• 2 members of the public
BACKGROUND
At the February 8`" City Council Study Session, the Planning Department presented
information about the zoning compliance review (plan check) process and why the
Planning Department is currently unable to turn around plan checks within a four week
timeframe. The report presented three alternatives that could address the situation.
After discussion by Council, staff was directed to commence a review of the City's
Zoning Code, to develop revisions which could simplify the code and ease its
administration. As part of the discussion, the City Council and staff indicated that this
review should include the participation of a variety of interested parties, which could be
in the form of an Ad Hoc Committee formed by the City Council and appointed by the
Mayor.
Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee for Revisions to the Zoning Code
February 22, 2005
Page 2
DISCUSSION
A committee to guide revisions to the Zoning Code should include the various
components of the community potentially affected by revisions. Staff suggests the
following composition of an Ad Hoc Committee for Revisions to the Zoning Code:
• 1 City Council member
• 2 Planning Commissioners
• 2 Architects /design professionals
• 1 Builder /Developer
2 members of the public
Because the Ad Hoc Committee will be charged with reviewing very detailed proposals
for Code revisions, staff believes that this committee should not be larger than
suggested.
The Process:
As indicated in the prior Study Session report, the development of Zoning Code
revisions will require consultant assistance. The consultant will first work with Planning
Department staff that enforce and administer the provisions of the Zoning Code,
because they are most familiar with the provisions which are most problematic or
difficult to understand. A list of sections to be considered for revision will then be
reviewed with the Committee. The Committee will also be able to identify areas of the
Code needing revisions as well. Draft revisions will be developed by the consultant and
staff, which then will be reviewed and refined by the Ad Hoc Committee.
Recommended changes to the Zoning Code will then be forwarded to the City Council
for initiation of Code amendments.
Environmental Review
Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee is not a project as defined by the California
Environmental Quality Act, so no environmental review is required.
Public Notice
No public notice is required for this discussion. However, this item is on the City
Council Agenda, which is posted at City Hall, and is also available on the City's web
site.
Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee for Revisions to the Zoning Code
February 22, 2005
Page 3
Prepared by:
"'C A
Patricia L. Temple, Plan ding Director
Attachment: Draft Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT
BEACH ESTABLISHING THE AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR
REVISIONS TO THE ZONING CODE
WHEREAS, the complexity of the Zoning Code creates difficulties in its
administration and enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach desires to
consider simplification of the Zoning Code as means to improve the process of
issuing building permits; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the importance of clear and
understandable zoning regulations to property owners and others seeking to
improve property in the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also recognizes the importance of effective
zoning regulations in maintaining quality residential neighborhoods and
commercial districts, and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to establish an open, public planning
process for the consideration of revisions to the Zoning Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach
hereby resolves as follows:
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT
The Ad Hoc Committee for Revisions to the Zoning Code (Committee) shall be
established as of the date this Resolution is approved by four members of the
City Council voting at a duly noticed meeting of the City Council.
SECTION 2. DUTIES
The Committee shall have the following duties:
a) Work with a consultant and City staff to develop a list of desirable
revisions to the Zoning Code.
b) Review all revisions drafted by the consultant and City staff and refine
and /or modify as necessary.
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c) Recommend to City Council the revisions to the Zoning Code for initiation
of Code amendments.
SECTION 3. COMPOSITION
The Committee shall consist of the following members appointed by, and serving
at the pleasure of, the Mayor:
a) One (1) City Council member
b) Two (2) members of the public
c) Two (2) Planning Commissioners
d) Two (2) Architects /design professionals
e) One (1) Builder /Developer
SECTION 4 TERM
The term of the Committee shall expire at such time as the Committee transmits
possible Zoning Code amendments for consideration of initiation by the City
Council. The City Council shall review the progress of and continuing need for
the Committee one year after the date it is first established.
ADOPTED this 22nd day of February, 2005.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor
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Meeting Date: February 22, 2005
Agenda Item No.: 14
Subject: ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AD HOC
COMMITTEE FOR REVISIONS TO
THE ZONING CODE.
ALSO refer to the Agenda Packet of February 8, 2005,
Item No. SS2 for the Original Report or Backup
Information on this item.
• This report
is included with
the current
agenda
packet as a
part of the report
for Item No.
10.
Thank you!
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