CITY OF PACIFICA
PLANNING COMMISSION
2021 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
The Planning Commission is submitting the following summary of work for 2021.
I. Planning Commission Membership
Commission Members Term Expires
John Nibbelin, Chair* -
Lauren Berman, Vice Chair 2023
George Domurat 2023
Alex Ferguson 2026
James Godwin 2026
Samantha Hauser 2024
David Leal 2024
Greg Wright 2025
* Commissioner Nibbelin ended service on the Planning Commission in March 2022.
II. Planning Commission Activity Report
The Planning Commission held 16 regular meetings in 2021. It also held one joint study session with the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission and Beautification Advisory Committee on updates to the City’s Heritage Tree Preservation Ordinance. The Planning Commission heard 12 development proposals and considered recommendations to City Council related to 2 ordinances (excluding study sessions and permit extensions). For comparison, the Planning Commission heard 13 applications in 2017, 24 applications in 2018, 25 applications in 2019, and 15 applications in 2020.
The Planning Division received 25 new discretionary permit applications in 2021. For comparison, the Planning Division received 37 new discretionary permit applications in 2017, 49 in 2018, 27 in 2019, and 16 in 2020. These figures include all types of entitlement applications including new uses in existing structures or modifications to existing structures.
III. Summary of Significant Items Heard by the Commission Recommended amendments to the Zoning Regulations related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, and special use permit standards.
Comprehensive site and building renovations to the Civic Center campus in West Sharp Park. Beach Boulevard plaza art structures
Extended operations for the Pacifica Coastside Farmers’ Market. Master use list (i.e., development plan) for Fairmont Shopping Center.
IV. Planning Commission Hearing Summary:
Year
New or
Continued Public
Hearings Held
Speakers on
Topics Not on
Agenda
New Residential
Dwelling Units
Approved
New Commercial
Floor Area
Approved (Sq. Ft.)
2019 36 0 17 1,305
2020 22 9 24 4,684
2021 19 32 1 0
V. Building Permit Activity:
Year Permits Issued Inspections
Residential
Valuation
Commercial
Valuation
2017 1,669 4,953 $15,547,890 $14,381,560
2018 1,530 4,731 $19,013,200 $3,408,096
2019 1,587 5,147 $19,793,920 $5,965,473
2020 1,416 3,419 $16,882,230 $1,308,107
2021 1,591 3,908 $40,720,764 $1,807,197
VI. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Building Permit Activity:
Year Permits Issued
2020 24
2021 40
VII. Major Policy Initiatives on City Council Priority Work Plan Directly Involving Planning Commission Continue efforts to evaluate the City Tree Program and update the Heritage Tree Ordinance Continue efforts to address Civic Center facility health and safety issues Prepare a Quarry Site Specific Plan
Complete a Sharp Park Specific Plan
Complete a comprehensive General Plan update
Complete an update to the Wireless Communication Facilities Ordinance Prepare an update to the Housing Element of the General Plan VIII. Public Transparency and Participation Initiatives Served as a public comment outlet for community on topics of concern (256% increase in communications on non-agenda items from prior year).
Expanded online posting of plans and other information for active development permit applications.
Joint study session on heritage tree preservation ordinance update with Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission and Beautification Advisory Committee. Conducted online and teleconference meeting format to enable public hearings and community engagement to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.