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PLANNING COMMISSION/CITY COUNCIL <br /> JOINT STUDY SESSION <br /> OCTOBER 29, 1997 <br /> Summary <br /> 1. Scope of Planning Commission Review <br /> • Restate conclusion of January 29, 1997 study session: design features <br /> may be modified where the structure would be "highly visible", otherwise <br /> applicant preference should be allowed (within Code limits). <br /> • Reasons for reducing heights, modifying architectural features, etc. should <br /> be stated for the record and shown in the minutes. <br /> • Staff should try to identify design details of potential concern prior to <br /> Commission meeting. <br /> 2. Staff Review Prior to Commission Meeting <br /> • Staff reports should be made available to applicants at least a week in <br /> advance of the Commission_meeting, to provide applicants with a chance <br /> to review staff concerns; could either clarify issues at meeting or applicant <br /> could postpone to modify plans; also allows neighbors more time to <br /> prepare response in advance of meeting. <br /> • Staff should inform applicants that time frame for approval also will <br /> include time for their professionals (architects, engineers, geotechnical, <br /> etc.) to prepare designs and drawings, so that what may be a 3-4 month <br /> process for staff is more likely a total of 8-10 months. <br /> • Direction to staff: Return to the Council with a report on process <br /> improvements to address these issues. <br /> 3. Sensitivity to Applicants <br /> • The Council should not discuss applications pending before the Planning <br /> Commission, either with the applicants or with neighbors. <br /> • The Commission and Council in their comments should be sensitive to the <br /> applicant, especially being aware that the review process is often a once in <br /> a lifetime experience for them. <br />