Redlands Planning Commission gets CEQA, findings and conflict-of-interest refresher from special counsel Todd Leishman

The Redlands Planning Commission received a legal workshop on March 10, 2026, focused on the commission’s role in land-use decisions and how to apply California Environmental Quality Act standards, the commission was told by Todd Leishman of Best Best & Krieger.

Leishman, the presenter, told commissioners that the body often wears two different hats: a quasi‑judicial role when deciding conditional use permits and variances — where members must act like judges — and an advisory or legislative role when recommending general‑plan or zoning changes to the City Council. "Your job is to advise," he said, "and when you sit as a judge . . . you need to have an open mind and not make public statements that show you’ve already decided." (Todd Leishman, special counsel)

Why it matters: The distinction affects what commissioners can and cannot consider before a hearing, how they must report ex parte…