REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Revisions to Planning Commission Policies and Procedures, Including a New Policy Designating Representatives to Appear at City Council Meetings; Appointment of Representative and Alternate
Report
BACKGROUND
Section 2.120.020(a) of the Santa Clara City Code authorizes boards and commissions to establish rules and regulations governing the election of their officers (e.g., Chair and Vice-Chair), the holding of meetings, and the conduct of business. Pursuant to that authority, the Planning Commission adopted Policies and Procedures as early as 1997 and has periodically updated them. Section 2.120.020(f) also requires boards and commissions to adhere to City policies adopted by the City Council.
The Commission last reviewed its Policies and Procedures on July 15, 2020. At that time, the Commission approved seven new or revised rules, including a 10:00 p.m. target for completing regular hearing items, time limits for speakers, and limits on the number of questions Commissioners may ask on each turn. The Governance Committee subsequently reviewed the amendments and recommended against one of them. The City Council adopted that recommendation. The status of the remaining six amendments is unclear.
At the August 12, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission directed staff to return with a new policy to authorize designated Commissioners to represent the Commission at City Council meetings on matters the Commission had previously considered. If the
This item asks the Commission to readopt the six amendments from 2020 that were not rejected, adopt a new policy on designating Commission representatives, and make additional revisions to conform the Policies and Procedures to City Council policy and current practices. If the Commission adopts the new policy on representation, the Commission will be asked to appoint a representative and an alternate.
DISCUSSION
2020 Rule Changes
On July 15, 2020, t...
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