Citrus Heights seeks to fill four Planning Commission seats

By Sara Beth Williams–
Want to be part of the decision-making process at City Hall? The City of Citrus Heights announced last week it is currently accepting applications from residents to fill four seats on the city’s Planning Commission, and three seats on the Construction Board of Appeals.

The seven-member Planning Commission meets up to twice a month and is tasked with making decisions on land-use related proposals, as well as holding public hearings and reviewing proposed ordinances. The commission also makes recommendations to the City Council on major development projects.

The five-member Construction Board of Appeals meets rarely and only on an as-needed basis to hear complaints from those aggrieved by a decision of the city’s chief building official. The board also “assists in determining suitability of materials and methods of construction, as well as interpreting technical codes.”

Historically, the Planning Commission has served as a stepping stone for leaders to gain experience before moving up to an elected position on the City Council, which was the case with Councilmembers Porsche Middleton and Tim Schaefer. Commissioner Kelsey Nelson will also likely join the council, if her lead holds in the District 1 City Council race.

What are the qualifications?

The only qualifications listed for serving on the Planning Commission or Construction Board of Appeals are that the member be at least 18 years of age and be a resident of Citrus Heights. Appeals board members must additionally be “qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction.” Construction Board of Appeals members may not be an officer or employee of the City of Citrus Heights.

Are the positions paid?

Planning Commissioners receive a nominal stipend per meeting. As of 2022, the City Clerk’s office said the stipend was $70 per meeting.

What is the time requirement for the Planning Commission?

There is no time requirement given by the city, other than that commissioners are expected to show up to Planning Commission meetings, which are held in the evenings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Several current and past commissioners have said they spend 8-10 hours per month on Planning Commission business, primarily reading documents in preparation for the meetings.

How long is the term in office?

Five members of the Planning Commission are nominated to serve four-year terms, with each City Council member nominating one commissioner. The remaining two positions on the commission are two-year at-large positions, nominated by the City Council as a whole. Construction Board of Appeals members are appointed to terms of four years.

Commissioners are limited to serving no more than eight consecutive years on the Planning Commission. However, the city’s municipal code says “An individual who has previously served eight consecutive years on the planning commission is eligible for reappointment to the commission after two years have passed. Partial terms are not counted for the purpose of determining if a member has served eight consecutive years.”

To be considered for appointment to either the Planning Commission or the Construction Board of Appeals, applicants must fill out a three-page application form. All applicants will also take part in a short video interview, which will be made available to the public and City Council prior to council members making appointments.

Applications for all positions are available online at citrusheights.net. The deadline for submitting an application is 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.  Applications will be distributed to the City Council to make their appointments at the January 8, 2025 City Council meeting.

Download an application form: click here