CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
May 6, 2025 {{section.number}}b
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE INCORPORATING THE DUTIES AND MEMBERSHIP
CRITERIA OF THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION INTO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING COUNCIL POLICY 27 REGARDING THE
ROLE OF THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION IN REVIEW OF PUBLIC ARTS PROJECTS RECOMMENDATION:
Introduce Ordinance 2025-05 incorporating the duties of the Design Review Commission into the Planning Commission and adopt Resolution 2025-21 amending City Council Policy 27 regarding the role of the Design Review Commission in review of public arts projects.
BACKGROUND:
At the November 19, 2024, Regular City Council meeting, Council directed that the Design Review Commission (DRC) and Planning Commission be consolidated into a single body, meeting monthly. At the April 1, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting, the City Council provided further direction regarding the composition and duties of the body.
ANALYSIS:
The Design Review Commission's (DRC) role and responsibilities are specified throughout the Coronado Municipal Code (CMC), primarily in Chapter 2 (Organization) and Chapter 80 (Design Review). The draft ordinance proposes incorporating the DRC's duties into the Planning Commission, repealing relevant sections of Chapter 2, and reducing redundancies as part of an ongoing effort to streamline the Municipal Code. Additionally, the proposed ordinance would replace all references to "Design Review Commission" with "Planning Commission" in Chapter
80. Further references to the DRC in other CMC sections will be addressed during future substantive revisions to those sections.
The proposal also includes a draft resolution to amend City Council Policy 27, which would update language regarding the roles of the Planning Commission and Cultural Arts Commission in public arts projects, replacing previous references to the Design Review Commission.
Staff research on naming conventions shows that most agencies use the straightforward title "Planning Commission," even when these bodies oversee multiple functions. Notable exceptions include Sacramento's "Planning and Design Commission" and the "Planning and Transportation Commission" in Palo Alto and Mission Viejo. For clarity and simplicity, staff recommends retaining the name "Planning Commission."
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item has no fiscal impact.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may decline to introduce the ordinance or adopt the resolution and provide further direction to staff.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required. Current members of the Commissions have been notified that the item has been brought to Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance 2025-05
2. Ordinance 2025-05 Redlined
3. Resolution 2025-21
4. Council Policy 27 Redlined
Submitted By: City Clerk's Office / Kelsea Holian