This Chapter describes the authority and responsibilities of City staff and official bodies in the administration of this Zoning Code, in addition to the Council.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
The functions of a Planning Agency shall be performed by the Santa Rosa City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Cultural Heritage Board, Director of Community Development, and the Planning Division of the City's Community Development Department, in compliance with Title 2 of the City Code. Each shall perform Planning Agency functions as assigned or delegated by the Council.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
The Santa Rosa City Council, referred to in this Zoning Code as the Council, shall perform the duties and functions identified in this Zoning Code in matters related to the City's planning process.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Appointments. The Council shall appoint members of the Planning Commission, DRB, and CHB as follows.
1. 
Each Council member shall appoint one member of the Commission, DRB, and CHB ("appointee"), whose term shall coincide with the term of the appointing Council member.
2. 
Each appointee shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing Council member.
3. 
All appointees shall be residents of the City at all times during their respective terms.
4. 
No appointee shall be an officer or employee of the City.
B. 
Removal of appointee. Removal of an appointee by the appointing Council member shall only occur at a Council meeting and shall be recorded in the minutes of that meeting.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Establishment. The seven-member Santa Rosa Planning Commission, referred to in this Zoning Code as the Commission, is hereby established in compliance with City Code Section 2-12.010.
B. 
Rules for transaction of business and records.
1. 
The Commission may adopt rules and procedures for the purpose of implementing City ordinances, Council policies relating to planning matters, and this Zoning Code and for the purpose of conducting the business and exercising the powers of the Commission.
2. 
The Commission shall keep a public record of all determinations, findings, resolutions, and transactions.
3. 
A summary of all pertinent evidence offered at a public hearing and the names of persons testifying shall be recorded and made a part of the permanent Commission file.
C. 
Terms of office. Each member of the Commission shall be appointed for a term that coincides with the term of the appointing Council member, in compliance with Section 2-12.020 of the City Code.
D. 
Regular meetings. The Commission shall schedule at least two regular meetings each month. The meetings shall be held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the City Hall.
E. 
Organization.
1. 
Appointment of Chairperson. The Mayor shall appoint the Chairperson of the Commission, with the concurrence of the Council, prior to the first regular annual meeting of the Commission in January. The term of the Chairperson shall expire upon the appointment of a replacement in compliance with this schedule, or upon the appointment of a new Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the Commission and shall represent the Commission at functions and perform other duties as are appropriate or as may be assigned by the Commission or the Council.
2. 
Election of Vice-Chairperson. The Commission shall annually elect a Vice-Chairperson from its membership at its first regular meeting in January. The term of the Vice-Chairperson shall expire upon the election of a replacement in compliance with this schedule, or upon the election of a new Vice Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall preside at meetings and perform the duties of the Chairperson in the Chairperson's absence.
F. 
Authority and duties. The Commission shall have the authority to perform the duties and functions identified by Section 20-50.020, Table 5-1 (Review Authority).
G. 
Quorum.
1. 
Four members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.
2. 
A member who is present, but is disqualified from participating in a matter, shall not be counted in determining whether a quorum is present for that matter.
3. 
For all recommendations on legislative acts and decisions on Variances, four affirmative votes are required.
4. 
For all other actions, a vote by a majority of the quorum is required.
H. 
Removal or vacancy.
1. 
A member of the Commission may be removed by the affirmative vote of at least four members of the Council, or the appointing Council member.
2. 
A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
3. 
A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Establishment. The seven-member Santa Rosa Design Review Board, referred to in this Zoning Code as the DRB, is hereby established.
B. 
Qualifications. It is desirable, but not required, that DRB members be qualified as follows:
1. 
Up to four members shall be licensed architects;
2. 
Up to two members shall be licensed landscape architects or licensed landscape contractors, or shall have a college degree or applicable professional experience in the field of landscaping;
3. 
One member shall be a licensed engineer; and
4. 
One member shall be a representative of the community at large, preferably involved in the construction industry or having demonstrated interest in the quality of architectural design in the community.
C. 
Rules for transaction of business and records. The DRB shall adopt rules and procedures for the transaction of its business. The Department shall keep a public record of all determinations, findings, resolutions, and transactions of the DRB.
D. 
Terms of office. Except as provided in Subsection I (Removal or vacancy), the term of office for each DRB member shall coincide with the term of the appointing Council member; provided, the term shall be automatically extended until a successor has been appointed, qualified, and seated.
E. 
Regular meetings. The DRB shall hold at least two regular meeting each month. The regular meetings shall be held on the first and third Thursday of each month at the City Hall.
F. 
Organization.
1. 
Appointment of Chairperson. The Mayor shall appoint the Chairperson of the DRB, with the concurrence of the Council, prior to the first regular annual meeting of the DRB in January. The term of the Chairperson shall expire upon the appointment of a replacement in compliance with this schedule, or upon the appointment of a new Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the DRB and shall represent the DRB at functions and perform other duties as are appropriate or as may be assigned by the DRB or the Council.
2. 
Election of Vice-Chairperson. The DRB shall annually elect a Vice-Chairperson from its membership at its first regular meeting in January. The term of the Vice-Chairperson shall expire upon the election of a replacement in compliance with this schedule, or upon the election of a new Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall preside at meetings and perform the duties of the Chairperson in the Chairperson's absence.
G. 
Authority and duties.
1. 
The DRB shall have the authority to perform the duties and functions identified by Section 20-50.020, Table 5-1 (Review Authority), and Section 20-52.030 (Design Review).
2. 
The DRB shall review and recommend revisions to the Design Guidelines as appropriate.
H. 
Quorum. Four members of the DRB shall constitute a quorum. A vote by a majority of the quorum is required for all decisions except for sign Variances, which require four affirmative votes.
I. 
Removal or vacancy.
1. 
A member of the DRB may be removed by the affirmative vote of at least four members of the Council, or the appointing Council member.
2. 
A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
3. 
A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Establishment. The seven-member Santa Rosa Cultural Heritage Board, referred to in this Zoning Code as the CHB, is hereby established.
B. 
Qualifications.
1. 
It is desirable, but not required, that CHB members be qualified as follows:
a. 
One member who is a licensed architect;
b. 
One member who is a licensed general contractor;
c. 
One member who is a licensed structural engineer or civil engineer; and
d. 
One member who is a practicing archaeologist, architectural historian, or historian.
2. 
All members should have a demonstrated knowledge or interest in the history and architectural and cultural development of the City and be interested in the preservation of historic sites and structures. Members shall have additional qualifications as the Council may require by resolution.
C. 
Rules for transaction of business and records. The CHB shall adopt procedures, regulations, and rules for the purposes of scheduling and conducting its meetings, transacting its business, and exercising its functions and powers as it deems appropriate. The Department shall keep a public record of all determinations, findings, resolutions, and transactions of the CHB.
D. 
Terms of office. The term of office for each CHB member shall coincide with the term of the appointing Council member; provided, the term shall be automatically extended until a successor has been appointed, qualified, and seated.
E. 
Regular meetings. The CHB shall hold at least one regular meeting each month.
F. 
Organization.
1. 
Appointment of Chairperson. The Mayor shall appoint the Chairperson of the CHB, with the concurrence of the Council, prior to the first regular annual meeting of the CHB in January. The term of the Chairperson shall expire upon the appointment of a replacement in compliance with this schedule, or upon the appointment of a new Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the CHB and shall represent the CHB at functions and perform other duties as are appropriate or as may be assigned by the CHB or the Council.
2. 
Election of Vice-Chairperson. The CHB shall annually elect a Vice-Chairperson from its membership at its first regular meeting in January. The term of the Vice-Chairperson shall expire upon the election of a replacement in compliance with this schedule, or upon the election of a new Vice Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall preside at meetings and perform the duties of the Chairperson in the Chairperson's absence.
G. 
Authority and duties.
1. 
The CHB shall perform its duties in compliance with this Chapter and Chapter 20-58 (Historic and Cultural Preservation) and shall:
a. 
Conduct surveys, as needed, of neighborhoods, objects, places, sites, and structures within the City that may qualify or be eligible for designation as a landmark or preservation district;
b. 
Recommend designations of landmarks and preservation districts to the Council and as to each recommended designation:
(1) 
Recommend the environmental determination that should be made for the designation, and
(2) 
Recommend the determination that should be made with respect to the designation's consistency with the General Plan;
c. 
Review and make determinations on alteration, development, demolition, rehabilitation, and restoration proposals for landmarks and preservation districts;
d. 
Review and make determinations on alterations and enlargements of nonconforming structures of historical significance in compliance with Section 20-52.050 (Minor Conditional Use Permits) and Subsection 20-61.050 A. (Historic structures);
e. 
Compile and maintain a current register of all designated landmarks and preservation districts within the City;
f. 
Work for the continuing education of the citizens of the City about the heritage of the City and the designated landmarks and preservation districts within the City;
g. 
Seek means for the preservation, protection, and retention of any landmark and preservation district, including suggesting appropriate legislation, seeking financial support from individuals and local, State, and Federal governments, and establishing a private funding organization;
h. 
Coordinate its activities, where practical and advantageous to do so, with the Sonoma County, the State and Federal governments; and
i. 
Consult with and advise the Council in connection with the exercise of the CHB's duties and functions.
2. 
The CHB may:
a. 
Prepare and adopt plans for the preservation of landmarks and preservation districts within the City; and
b. 
Recommend General Plan and Zoning Map amendments to the Commission and Council for the purpose of preserving landmarks and preservation districts.
H. 
Quorum.
1. 
Four members of the CHB shall constitute aquorum.
2. 
The CHB may not transact any business unless a quorum is present and voting.
3. 
For all recommendations on legislative acts (General Plan or Zoning Code amendments), four affirmative votes are required. For all other actions, a vote by a majority of the quorum is required.
4. 
Any officer of the CHB or its secretary shall have the power to adjourn ameeting of the CHB if a quorum is lacking.
I. 
Removal or vacancy.
1. 
A member of the CHB may be removed by the affirmative vote of at least four members of the Council, or the appointing Council member.
2. 
A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
3. 
A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 2020-014 § 34)
A. 
Appointment. The Santa Rosa Director of Community Development, referred to in this Zoning Code as the Director, shall be appointed by the City Manager.
B. 
Duties and authority. The Director shall:
1. 
Acting directly, or through a subordinate employee designated as Zoning Administrator in compliance with Section 20-60.090 (Zoning Administrator), perform the duties and functions identified in this Zoning Code, including the initial review of land use applications, in compliance with Section 20-50.020 (Authority for Land Use and Zoning Decisions), Table 5-1 (Review Authority), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the City's environmental review procedures identified in Title 17 of the City Code (Environmental Protection), giving of notices, preparing reports, issuing Certificates of Zoning Compliance, receiving and processing appeals, terminating incomplete applications, and receiving and accounting for fees;
2. 
Perform other responsibilities assigned by the City Manager, DRB, CHB, Commission, and Council;
3. 
Supervise Department staff members assigned to the Department's administration;
4. 
Maintain the sections of this Zoning Code, Zoning Map, and all records of zoning actions and cases;
5. 
Approve site plans as provided by this Zoning Code;
6. 
Attend meetings and serve as principal advisor to the Commission, DRB, and CHB. The Director shall also serve as secretary to the Commission, DRB, and CHB and in this capacity shall prepare and keep minutes and all other records of these review authorities;
7. 
Report regularly to the Commission on actions taken by the Department, including the number of cases handled, and their disposal and recommendations for amendments of this Zoning Code; and
8. 
Refer, at the Director's sole discretion, any of the above or other matters to the Commission for its review and action, and to notify the applicant or other affected person of the referral.
C. 
Delegation and supervision. The Director may delegate the responsibilities of the Director to assigned Department staff under the supervision of the Director. This delegation shall be confirmed in writing. When the Director designates a Department staff person, the staff person shall perform the duties assigned by the Director, in addition to those listed in Subsection B. above, as appropriate to the personnel title of the designee.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)
A. 
Appointment. The Santa Rosa Zoning Administrator, referred to in this Zoning Code as the Zoning Administrator, shall be appointed by the Director.
B. 
Duties and authority. The Zoning Administrator shall:
1. 
Have the responsibility and authority to take action on applications for all administrative permits and approvals issued by the Department;
2. 
Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Director, Commission, and Council; and
3. 
Perform the duties and functions identified in this Zoning Code, including Section 20-50.020 (Authority for Land Use and Zoning Decisions), Table 5-1 (Review Authority), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the City's environmental review procedures identified in Title 17 of the City Code (Environmental Protection), giving notices, preparing reports, issuing Certificates of Zoning Compliance, receiving and processing appeals, terminating incomplete applications, and receiving and accounting for fees;
C. 
Delegation and supervision. The Director may delegate the responsibilities of the Zoning Administrator to assigned Department staff under the supervision of the Director.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)