SR-400-01 (4)
F:/cmanager/staff reports/2002-03 priorities(rev4).doc
Council Meeting: July 9, 2002 Santa Monica, CA
To: Mayor and City Council
From: City Staff
Subject: Workload Priorities for Planning and Community Development Department
in FY 2002/03
Introduction
Attached are the accomplishments and revised Department Priorities for FY 2002/03 for
the Planning and Community Development Department (PCD) requested by Council on
June 18, 2002 following the adoption of the FY 2002/03 City Operating Budget.
Background
During the Council budget study sessions held at the end of May 2002, PCD included in
its presentation to Council Department Accomplishments (Attachment A), proposed
Department Priorities, and Recommended Priorities from Board and Commissions
(Attachment C).
On June 18, 2002 Council reviewed the proposed Department Priorities and suggested
changes as shown in Attachment B.
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Discussion
Council is being requested to take formal action on this item because the discussion of
the Department Priorities for PCD may not have been adequately noticed for the public
to be aware that such discussion was to occur.
Budget/Fiscal Impacts
There are no budget impacts associated with adoption of the priorities.
Recommendations
Staff recommends the Council approve the Department Priorities as submitted.
Prepared By: Gordon R. Anderson, Assistant City Manager
Suzanne Frick, Director
Andy Agle, Deputy Director
Lucy Dyke, Transportation Planning Manager
Ellen Gelbard, Deputy Director
Timothy P. McCormick, Building Officer
Jay Trevino, AICP, Planning Manager
Attachments: A) PCD 2001/02 Department Accomplishments
B) PCD 2002/03 Department Priorities
C) Recommended Priorities from Board and Commissions
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ATTACHMENT A
DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2001-2002:
Customer Service
Implemented Second Phase of the Permit Process Changes. Improved Development
Permit Process and Community Outreach. Participated in an inter-department effort to
revise the development permit process. Implemented and coordinated citywide reviews
of building permit applications. Created and revised public handouts.
Department Web Site. Developed web page with printable versions of all current permit
process forms, handouts and construction permit applications. Expanded use of WIN,
Architectural Review Board information.
Communications. Implemented interactive voice response system for inspection
requests and results by telephone. Solicited proposals from manufacturers and
software producers for integration of hand-held inspection recording devices to existing
permit software. Created online complaint form for citizen reporting of code
enforcement concerns.
Initiated mail-in guest permits for preferential parking.
Citizen Requests. Transportation Management completed 400 written responses to
residents requesting traffic and parking assistance.
Permit Processing
City Planning: Projected to review and approve 2,000 Business Licenses; process 400
Home Occupation Permits, 40 Administrative Approvals, 100 Zoning Administrator
Cases, 15 Development Review Permits, 32 Conditional Use Permits; attend 84 public
meetings; answer approximately 36,000 telephone calls and provide public counter
assistance to 7,000 persons.
Building and Safety: Projected to review and approve 1,333 building plans; issue 2,359
construction related permits; perform 13,010 building inspections; investigate 1,953
code violations and perform 4,447 related enforcement inspections; answer
approximately 70,000 phone calls and provided public counter assistance to 15,000
persons.
Transportation Management: Commercial/Visitor Parking accommodated 3,000,000
visitors in downtown structure parking; sold 2,600 monthly lot permits, 4,000 on-street
parking permits and 10,000 monthly structure parkers. Transportation Management
Office regulated 35,051 employees in 690 companies to reduce daily auto trips by 4,300
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ATTACHMENT A
vehicles and achieve an average vehicle ridership of 1.38 people per vehicle during
peak commute periods.
Special Projects
Civic Center Specific Plan. During 2001-02, the Civic Center Working Group held two
large weekend workshops, as well as additional evening meetings, concluding in the
recommendation of a Conceptual Plan for the Civic Center. The Conceptual Plan was
presented to the City Council, as well as seven City boards and commissions,
culminating in conceptual approval by the City Council on April 23, 2002.
Civic Center Parking Structure. During 2001-2002, a design-build team was hired for
this project and environmental review was initiated.
Outdoor Dining Standards. Adopted by Council July 2001.
Adoption of 2000-05 Housing Element. Adopted by Council December 2001.
Open Space Element. Approved by Council December 2001.
Draft Historic Preservation Element. Adopted by Council, December 2001.
Text Amendment North Main Street Mixed Use Development Project. Approved by
Council, February 2002.
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Completed 5 Street Hotel Project.
Text Amendment Hazardous Visual Obstructions. Approved, November 2001.
Fee Study. Completed and will be submitted for Council consideration on June 18,
2002, citywide revisions for fees to recover full cost of services related to development
activity and annual monitoring of conditional use permits.
Universal Accessibility Regulations. Completed and will be submitted for Council
consideration on June 25, 2002, study of possible building code modifications for
visitability of single-family dwellings.
Implemented three new preferential parking zones. Issued 27,000 permits (an increase
of 10%) to residents. Redesigned permits to reduce processing time, facilitate
enforcement and reduce costs.
Virginia Avenue Park. Development permits processed. Approved by Council, January
2002.
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ATTACHMENT A
Landmark Designations. Designations processed for Civic Auditorium, 236 Adelaide
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(Milbank House), 1455 4 Street (Lido Hotel), 1333 Ocean Avenue (Victorian House).
Historic Inventory Update. Historic resources inventory for North of Montana area
updated.
Code Compliance
Additional Civic Penalties for Code Enforcement. Worked with the City Attorney’s office
to create an ordinance for administrative citations and civil penalties for violations of the
Municipal Code. Surveyed best practices of other cities for administrative, technological
and policy improvements. Studied necessary staffing and budget implications for
increased enforcement costs.
Use of Public Right-of-Way Enforcement. Completed mailing of educational materials
to 4,491 business owners and 1,204 property owners along main thoroughfares in the
City that have historically used the public sidewalk for the display of merchandise or
signage. Explained city regulations specific to zone of each property and notified
business and property owners of proactive enforcement. Conducted proactive sweeps
along specific streets that resulted in increased voluntary compliance and the issuance
of 15 criminal citations.
Increased Enforcement of Seismic Retrofit Ordinance. Completed review of all existing
City archived plans to determine proper building type prior to noticing and issuing of
compliance orders for all high-rise structures in the City with non-ductile concrete or
welded steel frame weaknesses that require rehabilitation per the City’s mandatory
seismic retrofit ordinance. Met with local structural engineering community to explain
requirements and solicit input. Created advisory board of consulting engineers for
program input.
Overheight Fence/Hedge Enforcement. Completed mailing of educational materials to
435 residents in 34 focus areas where complaints were received. Materials explained
city regulations related to fence and hedge heights in required yards. Subsequently,
staff received 57 phone calls from the public inquiring about the information program
and requirements. Also, seven residents called to inform the City that as a result of the
information received, they voluntarily corrected conditions not in compliance with
applicable guidelines.
Mobility
Downtown Parking Strategic Plan. Adopted by Council, April 2002.
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Conceptual approval of 26 Street Crosswalks. Adopted by Council, November 2001.
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ATTACHMENT A
Completed construction of the Phase I Crosswalks.
Traffic Signal Battery Back-up Systems. Installed at key intersections throughout the
City.
Emergency Vehicle Priority System. Installed on signals throughout the City.
Modified Oversize Vehicle Permit process to allow mail/fax in applications. Coordinated
with engineering division to allow one-counter review of most permits.
Lincoln Corridor Task Force: Recommended City representatives and participated in
consultant selection process.
Beach Parking Improvements: Lot 1 & 2 North entrance reconfiguration, installation of
pay-by-space machines or new booths at all locations.
Downtown Parking Improvements: Re-keyed all structures. Replaced east staircase in
structure 5. Initiated quarterly comprehensive cleaning of new rubber flooring.
Repainted all restrooms. Cleaned levels 2 & 3 of structure 5 and installed new
delineators on level 3. Installed restroom lobby signs and street address numbers
above street and alley entrances to all structures. Addressed damaged elevator and
floor landing tiles. Obtained bids for pressure washing and restriping all structures.
Pier Parking Pay On Exit: Implemented during off-peak.
Valet Parking: Recommended and implemented new ordinance effective outside of
downtown. Updated permits. Initiated operations reviews.
Installed additional long-term parking spaces in east Pico area.
Installed new electronic multi-bay meters in pilot program on Pico Boulevard.
Developed & implemented strategies to allow Structure 9 to reach ongoing revenue
targets.
Revised parking design guidelines to reduce the area required for parking/turnaround
Conducted Periodic Audits of Public Parking Lots.
Implemented operations plans for privately leased parking in Structures 2 & 4.
Completed construction of Phase 1 Crosswalk project: Ocean Avenue, Neilson Way,
Barnard Way, Montana Avenue.
Managed design of Phase II Crosswalk Project: Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica
Boulevard, Ocean Park Boulevard, Broadway
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ATTACHMENT A
Preferential Parking Map. With assistance of ISD prepared electronic map of
preferential parking regulations.
Bicycle Parking Map. With assistance of ISD and bicycle advocates, developed current
Bicycle facilities map. Posted required signage on approved routes.
Revised guidelines for traffic impact analysis.
Maintenance and Operations
Traffic Operations repaired, replaced, installed or removed 6,000 traffic signs, 6,000
pavement markings, 25,000 parking meters and serviced 500 traffic signals.
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ATTACHMENT B
FY 2002/03 Priorities
Planning and Community Development Department
Customer Service
CITY PLANNING/BUILDING & SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Improve Permit Process. Participate in an inter-department effort to revise the
development permit process. Phase two of the permit process improvements was
implemented on October 1, 2001. Current focus is on making further process
refinements, staff training, and improving outreach to users of the system, and obtaining
feedback on how the process is working
BUILDING AND SAFETY
Respond to citizen requests, questions and complaints; provide public counter
assistance; provide residential building reports and other records; investigate and
resolve zoning, building and housing code violations; and enforce noise ordinance and
construction noise restrictions.
Hand-Held Inspection Devices. Develop use of hand-held inspection recording devices
to promptly notify permit holders of inspection results through wireless technology.
Develop list of permits that can be issued over the internet.
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Continue to expand use of website for information on programs and services.
Permit Processing
CITY PLANNING
Process Current Planning Caseload. Ongoing processing of current planning cases
including Administrative Approvals, Variances, Temporary Use Permits, Use Permits,
Conditional Use Permits, Development Review Permits. During the first and second
quarter the following projects will be going through environmental review and public
hearings:
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1544 – 7 Street
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McDonalds Development Project at 2 Street and Colorado
Main and Pacific
212 Marine
BUILDING AND SAFETY
Review and approval of building plans; issue construction related permits; perform
building inspections
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ATTACHMENT B
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Provide Transportation Review on Current Planning Caseload. Including timely
comments on 400 plans and comments on transportation and parking issues of
Environmental Impact Reports.
Continue to review and revise forms and procedures related to development process.
Special Projects
ADMINISTRATION
Civic Center Specific Plan. During the first two quarters of 2002-2003, a written draft
Specific Plan will be prepared and the draft environmental impact report will be finalized.
Civic Center Parking Structure. During the first two quarters of 2002-2003, schematic
design will be completed and the public review process will begin.
Retail Uses on Third Street Promenade. Promenade Uses Task Force formed to
establish permanent standards by January, 2003.
CITY PLANNING (in priority order)
FY 2002/03
1. Create Interim Ordinance Amending Development Review Threshold in
Downtown (In Progress - Estimated completion: August 2002) Prepare an interim
ordinance retroactive to May 21, 2002, establishing a 7,500 square foot
development review threshold; prepare a constraint analysis of the impact of the
above ordinance on housing production.
2. Study Alley, Setbacks & Density in Multi-Family Zones. (In Progress - Estimated
completion: August 2002) Analyze the housing constraint potential of eliminating
the provision to count ½ of the alley for purposes of determining density; evaluate
the definition of substantial remodel; evaluate whether alleys should be used for
purposes of measure setbacks, but not density; analyze potential exemptions for
100% affordable housing projects.
3. Design Compatibility Permit/Construction Rate Program. (In Progress -
Estimated completion: November 2002.) Prepare ordinance and environmental
review to establish permanent standards to replace interim standards.
4. Environmental for Main Library Reconstruction. (In Progress - Estimated
completion: February 2003.) Continue environmental review and process
planning approvals for the Main Library reconstruction project.
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ATTACHMENT B
5. Environmental for Historic Preservation Element. (In Progress - Estimated
completion: August 2002.) Finalize the required environmental document as a
follow up to the City Council’s December 2001 approval in concept of the draft
element.
6. Child Care & Arts Nexus Study. (In Progress - Estimated completion: July 2003.)
Preparing nexus analysis to determine private developer obligation in providing
childcare services and facilities in new development projects.
7. Amendments to the Noise Ordinance. (In Progress - Estimated completion:
October 2002.) Updating the Noise Ordinance to provide greater protection to
residents living in proximity to industrial and commercial uses, ensuring that the
ordinance is fully and fairly enforceable.
8. Master Environment Assessment (MEA) Update. (In Progress - Estimated
completion: November 2002.) Complete update to the Master Environmental
Assessment, which forms the baseline of environmental information and factors
used by the City in evaluating development projects and preparing Environmental
Impact Reports, Initial Studies/Negative Declarations, NEPA documents, etc.
9. Rebuilding of Residential Properties Following a Disaster. (Estimated time to
complete: 9 months.) Examine policies and practices regarding rebuilding of
residential properties after fires and other disasters, possibly returning to Council
with Ordinance language.
10. Antenna Ordinance Update. (Estimated time to complete: 9 months) Update
wireless antenna ordinance to reflect existing neighborhood conditions and
current FCC regulations.
11. Text Amendment for Height Variance Procedures in Ocean Park. (Estimated
time to complete: 3 months) Finalize preparation of a text amendment to
broaden applicability of height variances in the Ocean Park District.
12. Auto Dealer Standards. (Estimated time to complete: 13 months.) Develop
recommendations to address both the neighborhood concerns and parking and
development needs for existing automobile dealerships
13. Environmental for Pier Ramp. (Estimated time to complete: 6 months) Continue
preparing EIR and NEPA documents for vehicle ramp and Pier Bridge widening
off the Santa Monica Pier to the 1550 parking lot.
14. R-1 Standards for Sunset Park and North of Wilshire Neighborhoods. (Estimated
time to complete: 18 months.) Initiate review of development standards for all
R1 districts in Sunset Park and North of Wilshire areas.
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ATTACHMENT B
15. Text Amendment for ARB Notification Requirements. (Estimated time to
complete: 6 months) Amending the municipal code to provide for broader ARB
notification.
16. North of Wilshire Standards & Amendments to Multi-Family Development
Standards to Enable Adjustments to the Building. (Estimated time to complete:
15 months) Prepare permanent standards to replace interim ordinance, which
expanded applicability of the North of Wilshire overlay standards to other multi-
family zones. Also, amend the multi-family zoning standards to enable
adjustments to the building envelope standards in multi-family zones in
appropriate cases when an existing structure is remodeled or expanded.
17. Development Review Threshold. (Estimated time to complete: 11 months.)
Prepare ordinance and environmental review to establish permanent
development review thresholds.
18. Environmental for Breakwater. (Estimated time to complete: 12 months)
Preparing EIR for proposed Santa Monica Bay Breakwater and present to City
Council for certification.
19. Transportation Right-of-Way Zoning and Environmental. (Estimated time to
complete: 6 months) Develop a new zoning district to address short term and
long term uses along the MTA right-of-way.
20. Montana Avenue Standards. (Estimated time to complete: 11 months.) Prepare
permanent standards to replace interim ordinance for Montana Avenue.
Projects beyond FY 2002/03
21. Short-Term/Corporate Housing. (Estimated time to complete: 10 months)
Establish permanent regulations related to short-term/corporate housing to
replace current interim ordinance, which enacted a moratorium
22. Circulation Element Update. (Estimated time to complete: 18 months.) Update
the City’s Circulation Element of the General Plan and associated Environmental
Impact Report.
23. Text Amendment to Evaluate Housing in the Light Manufacturing and Studio
District (LMSD). (Estimated time to complete: 14 months.) Evaluate changing
the Zoning Ordinance to allow housing in the Light Manufacturing Studio District.
24. Environmental for California Incline Reconstruction. (Estimated time to
complete: 13 Months.) Prepare environmental document for the reconstruction
of the California Incline.
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ATTACHMENT B
25. Environmental for Palisades Bluff Improvements. (Estimated time to complete:
12 months.) Prepare environmental document for Palisades bluff improvements.
26. Conservation Element Update. (Estimated time to complete: 18 months.)
Update the City’s Conservation Element of the General Plan and prepare the
associated environmental document.
27. Development Agreement Monitoring. (Estimated time to complete: 6 months &
ongoing.) Ongoing monitoring of existing development agreements to ensure
compliance of programs and implementation of required policies.
28. Environmental for City Yard Master Plan. (Estimated time to complete: 12
months.) Prepare environmental document for City Yard Master Plan.
29. Revise Procedures Related to Enacting Interim Ordinances. (Estimated time to
complete: 9 months.) Prepare ordinance amendments related to the procedures
for adopting interim ordinances.
30. Streamline Planning Review for Projects Exceeding Green Building
Requirements. (Estimated time to complete: 12 months.) Streamline the
planning and permitting process for projects that exceed green building
requirements.
31. Main Street Incidental Arts and Entertainment. (Estimated time to complete: 12
months.) Analyze appropriate mechanism to allow incidental arts and
entertainment on Main Street. Action deferred at the request of Main Street
Merchants Association and OPCO.
32. Alcohol Policy. (Estimated time to complete: 9 months.) Develop citywide
alcohol policy related to location, permitting, licensing, concentration, and
enforcement.
33. Review Procedures for Airport Projects. (Estimated time to complete: 12
months.) Develop procedures for the review of projects at the Santa Monica
Airport. Draft procedures developed with a subcommittee of Airport Commission
and Planning Commission.
34. Santa Monica Boulevard Streetscape. (Estimated time to complete: 18 months.)
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Design improvements for Santa Monica Boulevard between 7 Street and the
eastern City limits.
35. Amendments for Artist Live/Work Housing. (Estimated time to complete: 12
months.) Review Municipal Code and prepare appropriate text amendments that
facilitate the development of live/work artist housing.
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ATTACHMENT B
36. Update Landmarks Ordinance. (Estimated time to complete: 18 months.)
Prepare comprehensive update to Landmarks Ordinance to evaluate procedures
and requirements related to designating landmarks, structures of merit, and
historic districts.
BUILDING AND SAFETY:
Building Code Amendments. Update existing municipal code requirements for building
regulations as required for cities and counties due to State amendments.
Universal Accessibility Regulations: As directed by Council, implement new building
code requirements for universal accessibility for persons with disabilities in residential
construction.
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Conduct public workshops with representatives from the Borderline, Ocean Park,
Sunset Park neighborhoods and the City of Los Angeles to identify circulation issues.
Code Compliance
BUILDING AND SAFETY:
New Approach to Code Enforcement. Implement use of administrative citations and
civic penalties for violation of Municipal Code. Develop uniform policies and
procedures, systems for tracking and billing and appeal process in conjunction with
Finance and the City Attorney’s office. Increase use of automation and information
systems technology to improve efficiency of field staff.
Auto Repair Enforcement. Complete the final phase of proactive enforcement of auto
repair ordinance. Resurvey all existing sites for continued compliance to new auto
repair standards.
Use of Public Way Enforcement. Continue proactive enforcement along main
thoroughfares that have historically used the public sidewalk for the display of
merchandise or signage. Work with City Attorney’s office to improve enforceability of
existing Municipal Code sections.
Enforcement of the Seismic Retrofit Ordinance. Continue enforcement of compliance
orders for all high-rise structures in the City with non-ductile concrete or welded steel
frame weaknesses that require rehabilitation per the City’s mandatory seismic retrofit
ordinance. Begin notifying and issuance of tilt-up and masonry wall buildings with
inadequate roof anchorage.
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ATTACHMENT B
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT:
Use new administrative citation tool provided by Code Enforcement ordinance, if
adopted, to address temporary, correctable violations.
Continue to remove illegal temporary signs in the public right-of-way.
Implement monitoring of licensed valet services.
Mobility
ADMINISTRATION:
Downtown Parking Study. Prepare programmatic EIR for Downtown Parking Task
Force recommended parking program for the downtown area. Refine analysis to
establish revenue generating potential.
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4 Street Traffic Plan. The traffic plan includes curb extensions, median modifications,
entry islands, enhanced crosswalks and a traffic circle. Complete the design and
coordinate with water main replacements project for development of bid package.
Colorado Medians (Mid City Traffic Plan). The final components of the Mid City Traffic
Plan are the design and construction of landscaped medians on Colorado between
Stewart and Centinela. The Colorado improvements will be coordinated with the
Colorado crosswalk enhancement study.
East-West Corridor Parking Study. Work with Transportation Management to manage
this study.
Convert Santa Monica Place to Attendant Parking. Work with the Santa Monica Place
to implement attendant parking in structures #7 and #8.
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT:
Implement new operating system for control of City traffic signals. Bring downtown
intersections on-line.
Construct Phase II Crosswalk improvements: Santa Monica Boulevard, Ocean Park
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Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, Broadway, 26 Street.
Implement recommendations from Downtown Parking Task Force, in conjunction with
administration division.
Implement downtown parking occupancy and advisory signs.
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ATTACHMENT B
Maintenance and Operations
Initiate replacement of wooden sign poles with metal poles.
Integrate sign and marking database with maintenance management and planning
functions.
Initiate phased replacement of mechanical with electronic meter technology.
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ATTACHMENT C
RECOMMENDED PRIORITIES FROM
BOARD AND COMMISSIONS
Planning Commission:
1.
(a) Code Enforcement. Implement pro-active enforcement, including
enforcement of special conditions of approval
(b) Downtown Design Guidelines. Creation of design guidelines to better
shape development projects within the downtown, avoid “canyonization”,
promote pedestrian oriented design, provide greater design compatibility
(c) Master Environmental Assessment. Completion of Master Environmental
Assessment, with particular attention to traffic analysis.
2.
(a) Development Standards Review. Ordinance amendments to address
issues related to lot combinations, setbacks, parcel coverage, and density
(b) Historic Preservation. Expanded resources devoted to historic
preservation, with particular attention to preserving and protecting
multifamily neighborhoods.
(c) Alcohol Policy. Study to analyze issues related to alcohol-serving land
uses; re-evaluate conditions of approval, development standards,
concentration factors and prepare ordinance amendment
Architectural Review Board:
1. Modification to Neighborhood Outreach, Public Notification, and Posting
Requirements. Expanded notification to insure public awareness of design
review projects, especially for major projects.
2. Code Enforcement. Expanded staff resources to address code enforcement
issues, with particular attention to sign enforcement.
3. Training Workshops for Board Members. Workshops would include an overview
of Planning Division policies and procedures as well as technical training
regarding issues such as signage and antennas.
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ATTACHMENT C
4. Audio/Visual Improvements within Council Chambers. Improvements would
include better presentation space to enable the public to view the applicant’s
presentation materials as well as an enhanced microphone system.
5. Santa Monica Design Awards Program. Develop program to recognize projects
of exemplary design.
6. Lincoln Boulevard South Corridor Study. Prepare design guidelines to address
signage, landscaping, and streetscape improvements.
7. Professional Conferences. Information and increased budget allocation to allow
Board members to attend conferences on planning and design issues.
Landmarks Commission
:
1. Historic Preservation Element. Additional staff resources to implement the
Historic Preservation Element goals and policies.
2. Landmark Designations. Additional consultant resources to prepare landmark
designation applications.
3. Ordinance Amendments. Landmarks and Demolition Ordinance modifications,
particularly in relation to the demolition permit and development permit process.
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