Introduction

Certain land use and development proposals require review and approval by the Planning Commission or City Council at a public hearing.  The City of Anaheim public hearing process consists of two phases, the Application Phase and the Public Hearing Phase as outlined below.  The flow chart further describes the overall process.  The filing deadlines for each phase are available on-line or at the Planning Services Counter.  Planners are also available to help you at the Planning Services Counter, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or call (714) 765-5139. 

Procedures

APPLICATION PHASE:

City staff reviews an application to ensure that all of the required information is provided and evaluates the project. Staff forms a recommendation to the Planning Commission and prepares recommended conditions of approval.  A preliminary review of the project’s impact on the environment is also conducted to establish the proper environmental documentation for the project.  If architectural review is required for the project, then it is also conducted during this phase.  At the end of this 29-day review period, staff provides you with a letter indicating the recommended conditions of approval, staff recommendation and whether your application is ready to proceed to the next phase.  After the comments are provided, you have the option to meet with City departments to address issues and discuss conditions of approval.

PUBLIC HEARING PHASE:

Once an application is complete, staff schedules the application for a hearing before the Planning Commission.  This process usually takes 7 weeks.  You will be notified in writing that your application is complete, and you will be provided with a tentative hearing date.  At this time, staff also conducts the final environmental review in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.  For more complex environmental review cases, the documentation is done prior to entering the Public Hearing Phase.  All legal noticing is prepared as required by state law and the hearing is scheduled.  There are very few or no plan changes during this phase.  Staff prepares the staff report and a copy of the staff report is sent to you the week prior to the public hearing.

PLANNING COMMISSION:

The Planning Commission conducts a public hearing and approves, conditionally approves, or denies a project based upon staff’s analysis and recommendation, and public testimony received on the project.  You are required to attend the hearing and may address the Planning Commission.  Testimony from the public in written form or provided in person at the hearing will also be considered.  The decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed within the timeframes identified in Code Section No. 18.60.130.030 of the Anaheim Municipal Code and vary based on application type. If appealed, the City Clerk will set the matter before the City Council at an advertised public hearing within sixty (60) days following receipt of a written appeal.  The decision of the City Council is final.