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File Number: 18-164 <br />given a four-year term to continue as a member of the merged body. <br />Related Code Updates <br />The PC and BZA are governed by regulations found in the Municipal Code, Zoning Code and <br />Administrative Code. The City Council must revise these codes in order to formalize a merger. <br />Until that happens, the newly combined PC would have a dual role serving as both boards. During <br />this interim period, the combined PC would function similarly to when the City Council also served <br />as the former Redevelopment Agency. In this temporary role, the combined PC would effectively <br />conduct a dual hearing, opening and closing the hearing as one body or the other until agenda <br />business is completed. The necessary changes to City codes would be addressed through a <br />future comprehensive Zoning Code Update. The Administrative Code and Municipal Code <br />require fewer changes than the Zoning Code in order accommodate a merger. <br />Committee Review and Actions <br />The City Council Rules Committee considered the merits of a potential merger of the PC and <br />BZA at its February 26, 2018 meeting, attended by Councilmembers Ballew and Thomas. There <br />were no public comments. Both committee members in attendance were supportive of the <br />concept of a merger. Councilmember Ballew supported continuing the current structure and <br />methodology of having one member from each district sit on a merged body, supplemented by <br />at-large positions and sought a smooth transition. Councilmember Thomas was also supportive <br />of the concept and had concerns as to the impact of timing a merger. Councilmember Thomas <br />suggested considering alternating Planning Commissioners and Board Members during a <br />transition period. The Rules Committee supported further consideration of the topic by the City <br />Council, directing staff to schedule the item for a future agenda, include a presentation of the pros <br />and cons of such a merger, and provide further discussion of the methodology and timing. <br />Applicable General Plan Policies <br />Policy ED-5.5 - Quality Services and Accessible Government. Maintain and promote the high <br />quality of City services and the accessibility and responsiveness of City government to <br />prospective businesses and new employees. <br />Action LU-7.3.A - Zoning Review. Regularly review the Zoning Code to respond to real estate <br />market and development trends, as well as changes in technology. <br />Environmental Review <br />A merger of the PC and BZA does not constitute a project under the California Environmental <br />Quality Act and is exempt from environmental review. <br />Legal Analysis <br />The subject has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney. <br />Fiscal Impacts <br />Page 4 City of San Leandro Printed on 5/30/2018 <br />227