Commission appoints two members to development‑code steering committee; staff outlines schedule

The Planning Commission on Feb. 5 named two members to the steering committee guiding Cathedral City’s development‑code (zoning) update and discussed the committee’s scope, schedule, and public engagement.

Cynthia Schultz, associate planner, described the steering committee as a community‑leader group that will set policy direction for the development‑code project and meet six times (an initial in‑person meeting anticipated in March, followed by five virtual meetings). “The steering committee is a body of community leaders … charged with leading the development code project through issues as they invariably arise and keep the project on track for a successful adoption,” Schultz said.

Vice Chair Lee moved to appoint Chair Malecoff and Commissioner Mead to the steering committee; the motion was seconded and carried by a 4–1 vote. The clerk recorded that Vice Chair Lee made the motion and Member Mead seconded; the vote tally was recorded as four in favor and one opposed. The minutes show the commission additionally discussed the technical advisory group (staff‑level TAG) that will review draft code language and the public engagement plan, which includes walking‑tour design workshops (March 15–16) and a public workshop on Feb. 26.

Scope and process details - Role distinctions: staff described the steering committee as high‑level and policy‑oriented, while the technical advisory group (TAG) is a staff/technical review body to check draft code language for feasibility. - Meetings and engagement: staff expects six steering‑committee meetings; TAG will meet as needed (staff); public engagement will include walking tours, workshops and multiple public hearings during the formal review process. - Timing: consultant kickoff occurred Jan. 23; staff aims to draft and adopt the development code within an 18–24 month timeframe. - Brown Act and membership limits: staff noted steering‑committee meetings will be internal (not public) and cautioned about serial communications among commissioners that could raise Brown Act concerns; the commission discussed appointing volunteers by majority vote, as with other commission appointments.

Why it matters: the development‑code update will rewrite zoning rules that shape future development, design standards, and permitted uses across the city; the steering committee will influence policy directions that the consultant will translate into code language.

Next steps: the steering committee’s first meeting was anticipated in March; staff will schedule regular updates to the planning commission so members not on the committee can follow progress and provide input during public hearings.