G.9 - GT_ Planning Commission Alternates PowerPointPlanning Commission/Site
& Architectural Review
Board Alternates
February 22, 2022
Alternates on the Planning Commission/Site
& Architectural Review Board
This staff report supports City Council Goal #5, “Engage in Proactive
Communication” by providing further community input on planning
matters.
On July 28, 2020, the City Council approved a Future Agenda Item
request from Mayor McNaboe to consider whether the City Council can,
and should, appoint alternate members to the Planning
Commission/Site & Architectural Review Board.
State Law Requirements
State law further requires that the Planning Commission be
at least 5 members, but it does not provide a maximum
number.
State law does not address the use of planning commissioner
alternates.
Grand Terrace has 5 members for the Planning Commission.
Concept for Alternate Commissioner
Under the proposed concept for consideration, the City Council would appoint
additional members to the Planning Commission who would serve as
alternates to the commission.
The alternate members would participate in a meeting if certain criteria (to
be established by the City Council) allows them to participate. Examples:
A planning commissioner has a conflict of interest that requires recusal; or
A regular planning commissioner is unable to attend a meeting due to an illness or
some other reason for absence.
Consistent with State Law
This “alternate commissioner” concept appears compliant with state law.
State law neither regulates the number of members on a planning commission
nor prohibits the appointment of alternate members.
Thus, implementation of the “alternate commissioner” concept would not
contradict any state law.
Sampling from Other Cities
Yes Alternates No Alternates
San Marcos (Charter)Riverside (Charter)
Avalon (General Law)Colton (General Law)
Calabasas (General Law)Fontana (General Law)
Milpitas (General Law)Loma Linda (Charter)
Carson (Charter)Rialto (General Law)
Coachella (General Law)San Bernardino (Charter)
Piedmont (Charter)Redlands (General Law)
Dublin (General Law)Moreno Valley (General Law)
Policy Issues to Consider
If the City Council determines to proceed with Planning Commission alternates, then the following policy issues should be considered:
Whether alternates need to attend all Planning Commission meetings in case a planning commissioner becomes suddenly unavailable.
The number of alternate planning commissioners.
The term of alternate planning commissioners, including how to stagger such terms.
The compensation of alternate planning commissioners.
Method for selection of alternate commissioners when needed.
Next Steps
•Consider whether to implement alternate commissioner system and provide
direction to staff; and
•If the Council wants to proceed with the concept, the City Council will need
to adopt an ordinance to make it effective.
Questions?