Chapter 18.04
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Sections:

18.04.010    Purpose.

18.04.020    Planning agency.

18.04.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish and describe the respective administrative responsibilities of city officials and bodies (e.g., planning director, planning commission, city council) for purposes of this title. (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013).

18.04.020 Planning agency.

California Government Code Section 65100 requires each jurisdiction to establish a planning agency to carry out the land use and planning functions of the jurisdiction. The functions of the planning agency, as designated by the title, shall be carried out by the following bodies. In the absence of an assignment, the city council shall retain responsibility and authority as the legislative body of the city.

A.    Planning Director. The planning director, or designee, shall have the responsibility and authority to administer and enforce this title as follows:

1.    Application Process. Receive and review all applications for development pursuant to this title. Processing includes but is not limited to the certification of completed applications, the establishment of a permanent file, posting of public notices, collection of applicable fees, preparation of reports, processing of appeals, and presentation of staff reports to the planning commission and city council.

2.    Interpretation. Interpret the provisions and advise the public on the requirements of this title.

3.    Amendment. Initiate action for amendment of this title where it is determined that such amendment would better implement the general plan goals and objectives and increase its effectiveness and/or improve or clarify the contents of this title.

4.    Permit Issuance. Issue permits under this title and certify that all such permits are in full conformance with its requirements.

5.    Coordination. Refer and coordinate matters related to the administration of this title with other agencies and city departments and provide information on the status of all development permits.

6.    Authority. Serve as the administrative zoning body and exercise that authority set forth in California Government Code Section 65900 et seq.

B.    City Manager. The city manager or designee shall oversee the work of the planning director and shall exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by state law or local ordinance, or as directed by the city council.

C.    Planning Commission. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65101, the city of Patterson has an established planning commission. The planning commission shall have the following land use responsibilities:

1.    Hear and decide applications for entitlements as provided in Division II (Procedures).

2.    Initiate studies of amendments to this title and make recommendations to the city council for amendments as provided in Division II (Procedures) and in California Government Code Section 65853.

3.    Hear and make recommendations to the city council on applications for zoning amendments, the general plan and amendments thereto, specific plans, prezoning, and other related planning studies.

4.    Exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by state law or local ordinance, or as directed by the city council.

D.    City Council. The city council is the legislative body of the city and shall have the following land use responsibilities:

1.    Hear and decide appeals of the planning commission.

2.    Hear and decide applications for permits and entitlements as listed in Division II (Procedures).

3.    Direct planning-related policy amendments and special studies as necessary or desired.

4.    Exercise such other powers and duties as are prescribed by state law or local ordinance. (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013).