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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Edward T. Sieben, Director of Zoning and Planning Division
Law Department
DATE: May 29, 2020
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending Article II and repealing Article IV of Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Aurora pertaining to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this proposed amendment is to combine the Planning Commission with the Zoning Board of Appeals to create a Planning and Zoning Commission.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, Aurora has had both a Planning Commission, which reviews most types of development and comprehensive plans, and a Zoning Board of Appeals, which reviews variances and appeals. There are thirteen members of the Planning Commission, and seven members of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Members were completely separate until 2005, when the seven at-large members of the Planning Commission were appointed as the seven members of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Therefore, membership overlaps both boards.
DISCUSSION:
As the seven members of the Zoning Board of Appeals make up the majority membership of the Planning Commission, there is a redundancy in review and meeting bodies depending on the type of development. Merging the two boards will lead to fewer convening of review boards and efficiencies in development review times. As it occurs now, some developments with variances must be heard separately before each of the boards even though membership overlaps, resulting in greater review time.
IMPACT STATEMENT :
This amendment will lead to greater meeting efficiency for the general public and development industry and simplify the development review process without lessening review oversight.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff would recommend approval of the Text Amendment amending Article II and repealing Article IV of Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Aurora pertaining to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals
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