Berkeley Planning Commission v. Portland's Bureau of Planning

In response to Will Travis' comments on how the makeup of the Berkeley Planning Commission might be one of the reasons they have been historically hesitant to change in downtown Berkeley, and since the DAPAC proposal is currently being reviewed by the Berkeley Planning Commission, I thought it might be relevant to investigate how the Berkeley Planning Commission Operates. I also looked to Portland's Bureau of Planning as a comparison, since Portland has been often referred to us as a success in urban planning.

Who serves on the Berkeley Planning Commission?
There are nine members of the commission. Each City Council Member appoints a member for the commission, and the mayor also appoints a member of the commission. Therefore, the membership on the commission is driven by who is elected by city council members. The Portland Planning Commission is composed of nine members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Also, only Berkeley residents can serve on the Berkeley Planning Commission. Does this mean that students cannot serve on the commission?

The Berkeley website only lists the names of the current commission members. However, the City of Portland's website lists the names and qualifications of all Planning Commission Members. Many of Portland's commissioners have experience in real estate, urban planning, development, and land use law. Portland also has restrictions on the amount of commissioners that can serve certain private interests. "No more than two members may be engaged in the same business or profession, and no more than two members may participate principally in, or be an officer or employee of a corporation that participates principally in, the buying, selling, or developing of real estate for profit. "

Interestingly, the Planning Commission meets in the senior center in North Berkeley.

Commisioner Turnover:
In Berkeley, in November 2008 four council members will be up for re-election. It is up to these council members to appoint the planning commission members. In Portland, three new commissioners were appointed this year. Portland commissioners serve a term of 4 years.

Other Relevant Commissions:

Berkeley has the following other relevant commissions:

Community Environmental Advisory Commission: Develops a plan, prioritizes strategies and makes recommendations for environmental protection, hazardous materials and
reduction, with outreach to and education of the public, small businesses and industry.

Design Review Committee: A Subcommittee of the Zoning Adjustments Board, charged with the review and approval of design proposals for projects in non-residential districts. Membership shall consist of seven: two members of the Zoning Adjustments Board, one member
of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, one member of the Civic Arts Commission (each member appointed by that Commission); and three members of the public who are appointed by the Zoning Adjustments Board. The membership shall include a minimum of two licensed architects, one licensed landscape architect, and two laypersons.

Downtown Berkeley BID Advisory Board: Advises the Council on expenditure of revenues from assessments, on proposed improvements and activities, on classification of businesses, and on levying assessments. All appointees are businesses, including financial and non-profit
entities, located in the business District as defined in the ordinance. Members need not be residents of the City.

Energy Commission: Advises the Council on energy conservation and alternative energy development in Berkeley.

Homeless Commission: Continues ongoing functions of monitoring and assisting in the City's progress in implementing needed homeless services and facilities. Appointments shall give consideration to representatives of the homeless.

Landmarks Preservation Commission: Designates structures and sites having special historical and architectural interest and value. Encourages preservation, maintains list of landmarks or historic sites, and reviews construction, alteration and demolition permit applications.

Mental Health Commission: Reviews and evaluates the community's mental health needs, resources and programs.

Transportation Commission: Advises the Council on transportation policies, facilities, and services.

Zoning Adjustments Board: Makes findings and recommendations for granting or denying variance and use permits as provided for in the Zoning
Ordinance, Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance and Neighborhood Commercial Preservation Ordinance.

In Portland there are the following relevant commissions: Office of Sustainable Development***, Portland Water Bureau, Development Commission, Portland Transportation, Planning Commission. In Portland the landmark commission is part of the development commission.

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=9878

http://www.portlandonline.com/?c=26003