Purpose

• The Commission receives applications for discretionary projects, such as Planned Development (PD) permits, Conditional Use Permits (CUP) and variances, and conducts public hearings on land use related matters.

Qualifications

• Members must be and must remain a resident of Santa Paula during the term of office and are subject to personal disclosure under the rulings of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Membership/Term

• Consists of 5 members, each serving a 4-year term.

Agendas & Minutes

• Meeting agendas are posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting on the city website and on the bulletin board in front of City Hall.  Minutes are available following approval.

Members

• Maria Grace Kelly
• Aaron Dunkel
• Austin Auger
• Jason Herber
• Noel Thomas Kiesewetter

Staff Representative

• James Mason, Community Development Director
• Tom Tarantino, Planning & Economic Development Manager

Public Comment

• Any individual who wishes to submit a public comment may do so prior to the meeting by using the virtual public comment card (Link). Comments may also be made in person at the meeting. Individuals who wish to speak at a meeting should obtain a comment card either at the entrance of the council chambers upon arrival or from the clerk. Comment cards should be completed and returned to the clerk as soon as possible. Any individual submitting documents for review by the Planning Commission or for admission into the administrative record is encouraged to do so as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review prior to the meeting.

Additional Information

• The Planning Commission is comprised of five residents of Santa Paula who are appointed by the City Council and serve four-year terms.   Members must be and remain a resident of Santa Paula during the term of office, and are subject to personal disclosure under the rulings of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
• The commission conducts public hearings, renders decisions and makes recommendations to the City Council on all significant development proposals and land use and development matters, including:
  • Design and improvement of subdivisions
  • General plan amendments
  • Ordinances
  • Other zoning, land use, or environmental policy issues.
• The commission also functions as the as the Historic Preservation Commission and appeal body for decisions of the Director.
• Community & Economic Development staff supports both Commission and Council proceedings on land use matters by:
  • Developing environmental and procedural documentation as required under state planning and zoning, subdivision and California Environmental Quality Act laws for all entitlements and land use related actions;
  • Preparing staff reports and specific recommendations;
  • Scheduling and advertising public hearings.
  • Supporting Council proceedings on appeals of Commission actions.