City’s approval for development an open process

Clayton’s small-town feel was a strong attraction for me and resulted in my participation in many community activities during the 30+ years that I have lived here.

Those activities included serving on the Clayton Trails Committee that helped design Clayton’s trail system, the Clayton Planning Commission, and the executive boards of the Clayton Business and Community Association, my property owners’ association and the Clayton Bocce League Committee. These experiences eventually led to my election to the Clayton City Council and now the position of mayor.

I encourage residents to get involved in Clayton community activities. Who knows, you could end up on the City Council and as mayor. It’s a rewarding opportunity to serve your community.

One of the biggest issues facing our community is the eventual development of the downtown area. I’ve been asked about a rumor that a private development proposed for the city’s vacant property in our downtown area has already been approved and is a “done deal.” I want to assure you this proposed development is just that: a concept of a “proposed development” at this time. No plans have even been submitted to the city for official review and processing for public comment.

My expanded answer to this question includes a description of the city’s approval process for developments, which can range from a home remodel or expansion to a new house or large multi-family or housing development. In my previous column, I stated that I wanted to describe how the city operates. With this expressed concern about development, I thought this would be a great opportunity to clarify the roles of the city’s Community Development Department and the council-appointed Planning Commission.

The first step for any new construction project is for a property owner to contact the Community Development Department to obtain information about any city zoning ordinances or general building code requirements that might apply. The owner then works with our Community Development staff to determine the requirements for submitting a proposal for the city to consider.

Once it appears the requirements have been met, the proposal is submitted to the Community Development Department for formal review and analysis and then to the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission can only review the submission in public. It holds public hearings to allow for public input and, if desired, discussion with the applicant on the proposal.

For many development proposals, the Planning Commission’s action is sufficient for approval or denial of a project at the city level. If approved, the proposal is submitted to the county for a building permit (if required) because our city contracts with the county to provide plan check and construction inspections.

The Planning Commission’s approvals or denials can be appealed to the City Council. After recommendations for or against by the Planning Commission, projects that require a General Plan, Specific Plan, zoning or ordinance amendment or variance are automatically forwarded to the City Council. Only the City Council can approve changes to General Plans, Specific Plans and zoning codes by ordinance (local law).

Public hearings will occur before the City Council can approve or deny any project. Such required processes offer ample opportunities for the public and the developer to provide input on proposed projects that require General Plan amendments or variances at both the Planning Commission and City Council levels.

The approval process for proposed projects in Clayton is very public and encourages input from residents, resulting in well-informed local control of development in our community.
I look forward to sharing more information about Clayton items and activities with you in upcoming issues.

Feel free to send comments to me at khaydon@ci.clayton.ca.us.