San Ramon planning commissioners recommend zoning text amendment to City Council after debate over commission duties

The San Ramon Planning Commission voted Aug. 19 to forward Resolution No. 11.25 — recommending approval of zoning text amendment TA2024005 and the associated environmental review — to the City Council, after commissioners debated whether the change to the commission's duties should originate with council.

The amendment under review would modify language in the zoning ordinance related to general plan amendment procedures and planning commission duties. Commission discussion focused on a provision that alters how the commission's role is described and the vote threshold language that would be sent to the council for final action.

Commissioner Conjula said the proposed language alters the commission's duties and voiced procedural concern: “As an appointed body, the planning commission should not have the say or the final say over that. The city council, which is an elected body, should have it.” Conjula said they were comfortable with the outcome in principle but preferred the change be initiated by the City Council rather than by the commission itself.

City Attorney Martin clarified the procedural role of the commission: “We're asking the commission this evening for a recommendation to the council. The final decision will be made by the city council and that, and the direction will be handed down to the planning commission once the council makes that decision.” That explanation framed the motion that commissioners ultimately adopted.

After questions, a motion to adopt the resolution and forward the recommendation to the City Council was moved and seconded and passed on a 4-0-1 vote. The commission recorded the motion as passed 4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention; the commission's action is only a recommendation and the City Council retains authority to accept, modify, or reject the proposed text amendment.

The text amendment was discussed as changes to Chapter 3 (amendments), including provisions labeled in the packet as D7-19 ('Duties of the commission'). Commissioners referenced packet page 234 (general public packet references) and noted staff will provide a redline version and a summary of the commission's discussion to the council as part of the staff report.

The commission received one written communication on the item (from Brian Swanson) and had no public speakers on the amendment. The commission's recommendation now moves to the City Council for review and final decision; commissioners and staff noted the council may accept some, all, or none of the proposed changes.

No changes to existing municipal code take effect from the commission's recommendation; any change would occur only if the City Council adopts an ordinance following its own public process.