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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03202024 PC AgendaIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the office of the City Clerk (951) 694-6444. Notification 48 hours prior to a meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to that meeting [28 CFR 35 .102.35.104 ADA Title II]. AGENDA TEMECULA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 41000 MAIN STREET TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA MARCH 20, 2024 - 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER: Chair Bob Hagel FLAG SALUTE: Commissioner Fernando Solis ROLL CALL: Hagel, Ruiz, Solis, Turley-Trejo, Watts PUBLIC COMMENT A total of 30 minutes is provided for members of the public to address the Commission on matters not listed on the agenda. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. Public comments may be made in person at the meeting by submitting a speaker card to the Commission Secretary. Speaker cards will be called in the order received. Still images may be displayed on the projector. All other audio and visual use is prohibited. Public comments may also be submitted by email for inclusion into the record. Email comments must be received prior to the time the item is called for public comments and submitted to PlanningCommission@temeculaca.gov. All public participation is governed by Council Policy regarding Public Participation at Meetings adopted by Resolution No . 2021-54. CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed under Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and all will be enacted by one vote. There will be no discussion of these items unless members of the Commission request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. A total of 30 minutes is provided for members of the public to address the Commission on items that appear on the Consent Calendar. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. Public comments may be made in person at the meeting by submitting a speaker card to the Commission Secretary. Speaker cards will be called in the order received. Still images may be displayed on the projector. All other audio and visual use is prohibited. Public comments may also be submitted by email for inclusion into the record. Email comments must be received prior to 6:00 p.m. and submitted to PlanningCommission@temeculaca.gov. All public participation is governed by Council Policy regarding Public Participation at Meetings adopted by Resolution No . 2021-54. 1.Minutes Approve the action minutes of February 21, 2024Recommendation: MinutesAttachments: Page 1 Planning Commission Agenda March 20, 2024 BUSINESS Members of the public may address the Commission on Business items that appear on the agenda. Each speaker is limited to 5 minutes. Public comments may be made in person at the meeting by submitting a speaker card to the Commission Secretary. Speaker cards will be called in the order received. Still images may be displayed on the projector. All other audio and visual use is prohibited. Public comments may also be submitted by email for inclusion into the record. Email comments must be received prior to the time the item is called for public comments and submitted to PlanningCommission@temeculaca.gov. All public participation is governed by Council Policy regarding Public Participation at Meetings adopted by Resolution No . 2021-54. 2.Long Range Application No. LR24-0028, Amending Chapter 8.48, Heritage Tree Ordinance, of the Temecula Municipal Code in its Entirety to Establish the City of Temecula Protected Tree Ordinance Recommend that the City Council adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 8.48 of the Temecula Municipal Code. Recommendation: Agenda Report Draft City Council Ordinance Notice of Exemption Attachments: 3.Receive Presentation for the Quality of Life Master Plan Website and Provide General Recommendations Regarding the Same (Long Range No . LR21-0021) That the Commission receive the presentation for the Quality of Life Master Plan Website and provide general recommendations regarding the same. Recommendation: Agenda ReportAttachments: 4.Receive Budget Engagement Session and Provide General Recommendations Regarding the Same That the Commission receive the budget engagement session and provide general recommendation regarding the same . Recommendation: Agenda ReportAttachments: COMMISSIONER REPORTS COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORT ADJOURNMENT Page 2 Planning Commission Agenda March 20, 2024 The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers located at 41000 Main Street, Temecula, California . NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC The full agenda packet (including staff reports and any supplemental material available after the original posting of the agenda), distributed to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on the agenda, will be available for public viewing in the main reception area of the Temecula Civic Center during normal business hours at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. The material will also be available on the City's website at TemeculaCa.gov. and available for review at the respective meeting. If you have questions regarding any item on the agenda, please contact the Community Development Department at (951) 694-6444. Page 3 Item No. 1 1 ACTION MINUTES TEMECULA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 41000 MAIN STREET TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA FEBRUARY 21, 2024 - 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER at 6:00 PM: Chair Bob Hagel FLAG SALUTE: Commissioner Adam A. Ruiz ROLL CALL: Hagel, Ruiz, Solis, Turley-Trejo, Watts PUBLIC COMMENT - None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes Recommendation: Approve the action minutes of February 7, 2024 Approved the Staff Recommendation (5-0): Motion by Watts, Second by Turley-Trejo. The vote reflected unanimous approval. PUBLIC HEARING 2. Planning Application No. PA23-0450, a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Type 47 (On-Sale General - Eating Place) license for Toast restaurant located at 31093 Temecula Parkway, Suite D6, Yannin Marquez Recommendation: Adopt a resolution entitled: PC RESOLUTION NO. 2024-01 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA APPROVING PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA23-0450, A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR A RESTAURANT TO OBTAIN A TYPE 47 ALCOHOL LICENSE (ON-SALE BEER, WINE, AND DISTILLED SPIRITS) AT THE COMMERCIAL SITE LOCATED AT 31093 TEMECULA PARKWAY, SUITE D6 AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) (APN 961-410-048) Approved the Staff Recommendation (5-0): Motion by Solis, Second by Ruiz. The vote reflected unanimous approval. 2 3. Planning Application Number PA18-1390, a Modification to an existing Conditional Use Permit to allow an existing restaurant (Old Town Pub & Grub) to revise the previously approved overall operating hours and entertainment hours. Proposed operating hours are Monday thru Sunday 9:00 AM to 1:30 AM. Proposed entertainment hours are Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday 7:30 PM-12:30 AM, Wednesday 8:00 PM-12:30 AM, and Friday/Saturday 6:00 PM-1:30 AM. The project is located at 28677 Old Town Front Street, Eric Jones Recommendation: Adopt a resolution entitled: PC RESOLUTION NO. 2024-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA DENYING PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA18-1390, A MODIFICATION TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW AN EXISTING RESTAURANT (OLD TOWN PUB & GRUB) LOCATED AT 28677 OLD TOWN FRONT STREET TO REVISE THE OPERATING HOURS TO MONDAY THRU SUNDAY 9:00 AM TO 1:30 AM AND THE ENTERTAINMENT HOURS TO MONDAY/TUESDAY/THURSDAY/ SUNDAY 7:30 PM-12:30 AM, WEDNESDAY 8:00 PM-12:30 AM, AND FRIDAY/SATURDAY 6:00 PM-1:30 AM, AND MAKING A FINDING OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) (APN: 922-045-033) Approved the Staff Recommendation (5-0): Motion by Turley-Trejo, Second by Watts. The vote reflected unanimous approval. COMMISSIONER REPORTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORT ADJOURNMENT At 7:04 PM, the Planning Commission meeting was formally adjourned to Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM, City Council Chambers, 41000 Main Street, Temecula, California. Bob Hagel, Chair Luke Watson, Deputy City Manager Item No. 2 1 STAFF REPORT – PLANNING CITY OF TEMECULA PLANNING COMMISSION TO: Planning Commission Chairperson and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Patrick Thomas, Director of Public Works DATE OF MEETING: March 20, 2024 PREPARED BY: Julie Tarrant, Principal Management Analyst PROJECT SUMMARY: Long Range Application No. LR24-0028, Amending Chapter 8.48, Heritage Tree Ordinance, of the Temecula Municipal Code in its Entirety to Establish the City of Temecula Protected Tree Ordinance RECOMMENDATION: Recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 8.48 of the Temecula Municipal Code CEQA: Categorically Exempt Sections 15378 (b)(5) and 15061 (b)(3) BACKGROUND SUMMARY On July 14, 2009, the City Council adopted the Heritage Tree Ordinance, adding new Chapter 8.48 to Title 8 of the Temecula Municipal Code. On March 15, 2019, the Department of Public Works applied to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire), for the Temecula Urban Forest Management Plan and Inventory project, for consideration of grant funding from the 2019/20 CAL Fire Urban and Community Forestry Program. On March 20, 2019, the City was notified that it had been awarded grant funding in the amount of $323,930 for the project. The project includes the planting of approximately 300 trees, developing a tree inventory and canopy assessment, preparing an Urban Forest Management Plan, ordinance, and policy updates, and providing tree-planting events for community input. In addition, as part of the grant program guidelines and overall project close out requirements, the City is to formally adopt the Urban Forest Management Plan. The Public Works Department staff, along with Dudek, a consulting services firm, developed and completed the City of Temecula’s Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). The UFMP provides an outline of Temecula’s urban forest that will be implemented over the next 40 years, including a strategic plan with goals, objectives, and actions based on identified needs. The UFMP incorporates the current Street Tree Master Plan, the City’s existing tree inventory and canopy analysis, and key findings as to current practices, plans, policies, and ordinances. In accordance 2 with the Urban and Community Forestry Program Grant Guidelines, applicants must agree to officially adopt the UFMP as a guiding policy document in an ordinance, a general plan element, or other binding, enforceable way as approved by CAL Fire. In addition to the adoption of the UFMP, staff will bring forth to City Council a recommendation amending Chapter 8.48, Heritage Tree Ordinance of the Temecula Municipal Code to establish the Protected Tree Ordinance and make a finding that it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA guidelines Sections 15378 (b)(5) and 15061 (b)(3). ANALYSIS As part of the development of the UFMP an analysis of current practices, plans, policies, and ordinances was conducted, including a comprehensive review of the status of Temecula’s urban forestry program and related plans, policies, and ordinances provides a baseline for understanding the effectiveness of City tree management. This review included analyses of urban forest funding, staffing policy and procedure manuals, municipal plans and contracts, public education programs, tree ordinances, design guidelines, and long-range planning documents. Knowing and understanding the baseline conditions provides a guide for monitoring present achievements to compare to future urban forestry practices and goals. Review of tree related ordinances and policies revealed that the City’s ordinances needed updating to align with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) best management practices. Planning documents were also reviewed as part of the UFMP development process, to ensure that the UFMP directly supports implementation of the many policies, goals, or actions that relate to trees, and provides updated information that should be incorporated as these plans are updated. STRATEGIC PLAN Eight guiding principles were established as part of the UFMP to preserve and expand a sustainable urban forest that embraces the City’s shared history and enhances the quality of life by improving the health, safety, connectivity, economy, and resilience of our community. Guiding Principle and Strategy, as follows:  A welcoming and equitable City - The urban forest is a vital component of our community character and is equitably distributed to create inviting spaces throughout Temecula.  Healthy, safe, and connected neighborhoods - Parks, trails, pathways, and open spaces will have an abundance of trees contributing to the safety and connectivity of our community.  Sustainable and resilient urban forest - A thriving urban forest that will result in reduced urban heat islands, increased energy efficiency, resilience to pests and diseases, and landscapes that conserve water.  Enhance the quality of life and the environment - The quality of life in Temecula and its environs is further enhanced by the benefits and services of our urban forest.  Preserve mature and historic trees - Heritage trees are protected for their significant environmental and historic value. 3  Balance nature and development - Trees are included in the beginning of the planning process to provide landscaped settings and habitat, maximize environmental benefits, and reduce infrastructure conflicts.  Sufficient resources and funding - The urban forest will be sustainably managed through financial investment and staffing.  Expand canopy cover - Existing trees will be maintained, and new trees will be strategically planted to increase canopy cover equitably across Temecula and to ensure no net loss of canopy cover. Overview of Revisions to Chapter 8.48, to include but not limited to, as follows: Title 8 – Chapter 8.48:  Change Title of Chapter 8.48 from ‘Heritage’ Tree Ordinance to ‘Protected’ Tree Ordinance, and  Incorporate UFMP to set forth City’s policies and guidelines for planting, maintenance, and for care and protection of its trees, and trees on the street tree master list shall be periodically reviewed, and  Include additional species of oak trees, common names and Latin names genus of each tree species protected by ordinance, and  Update the definition of a Certified Arborist, as an arborist that is certified by either the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA), and  Revise applicability to any protected tree located between city right-of-way and an adjacent residence, and  Add specificity and align with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards, and  Specify diameter at standard height (DSH) measurement to be taken for identifying a protected tree, and  Add designation of protected trees as a valued environmental asset, ecological resource, permit requirements and exemptions, truck diameter, and protected species of trees including oak trees, and  Add clarification on pruning, routine maintenance, and determination to be made by a certified arborist that a tree is dead or diseased, or poses a danger to public safety or property damage, and  Add detail regarding the permit review process to remove or relocate protected trees, person responsible for decision making, standards of approval. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the proposed project has been deemed to be categorically exempt from further environmental review as there is no possibility the proposed ordinance would have a significant impact on the environment pursuant State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061 (b)(3) and 15378 (b)(5). The amendment to Chapter 8.48 of the Temecula Municipal Code makes revisions to the Heritage Tree Ordinance and updates to tree care and preservation regulations. The amendment does not permit any physical changes to the environment and no construction of any kind will occur due to the passage of this Ordinance. A Notice of Exemption will be prepared and will be filed in accordance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft City Council Ordinance 2. Notice of Exemption ORDINANCE NO. 2024- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA AMENDING CHAPTER 8.48, HERITAGE TREE ORDINANCE, OF THE TEMECULA MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE CITY OF TEMECULA PROTECTED TREE ORDINANCE AND FINDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378 (B)(5) AND 15061 (B)(3). THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Chapter 8.48 of the Temecula Municipal Code, Heritage Tree Ordinance, is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows: CHAPTER 8.48 PROTECTED TREE ORDINANCE Article I. General Provisions 8.48.100 Title. This chapter shall be known as “The City of Temecula Protected Tree Ordinance.” 8.48.110 Purpose. A. This Chapter will incorporate the City's Urban Forest Master Plan which sets forth the City's policies and guidelines for planting and maintenance programs for the care and protection of its trees. The Public Works Director shall periodically update and make revisions and amendments to the plan, subject to City Council approval. This plan shall include the species, sizes, and locations of street trees to be planted. B. This Chapter will set forth that trees on the street tree master list shall be designated by the Director and approved by the City Council. The list shall be reviewed periodically by the Director and planning commission and shall be kept on file in the Director's office. C. This Chapter is established to recognize oak (Quercus spp.), California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica), California black walnut (Juglans californica), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and California sycamore (Platanus racemosa) trees as well as other mature trees as significant valuable ecological resources as well as valuable environmental assets of special significance to the community, that justify special efforts to preserve and protect them from development activity. D. This Chapter will also encourage the application of management techniques to control the pruning, cutting, shaping, removal, and relocation of Protected Trees within the city. The preservation program outlined in this Chapter will contribute to the welfare and aesthetics of the community and retain the great historical and environmental value of these trees. 8.48.120 Applicability. A. Except as noted under subsection B of this section, this Chapter shall apply to: 1. Any Protected Tree that is located between the city right-of-way and an adjacent residential single-family or multi-family home; 2. Any development application that requires a discretionary permit; 3. Any tree designated as a Protected Tree through the nomination process; or 4. Designated species pursuant to Section 8.48.160(A), located within General Plan Open Space areas, within riparian areas, within Western Riverside County Multi -Species Habitat Conservation Plan Important Wildlife Corridor Linkage areas, or within Protected Tree Grove areas. B. This Chapter shall not apply to: 1. Statutory extensions of time for previously approved parcel and tract maps when there are no changes to the project and no amendments to the adopted conditions of approval; 2. Previously adopted specific plans and future specific plan areas. Such plans contain their own requirements for protection and preservation of Protected Trees. 8.48.130 Definitions. For purposes of this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning set forth in this section. “Certified arborist” are third party arborists that are certified by either the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). “City” means the City of Temecula. “City right-of-way” means the part of the public street right-of-way between the curb, or edge of paved roadway where there is no curb, and the property line separating the street right -of- way from abutting private property. Parkways are generally used for public sidewalks, public utility poles, fire hydrants, street signs and other public facilities. “City’s tree policy” means a document prepared by the public works department which states policies, standards, procedures, and other relevant information regarding the selection, planting, maintenance, and removal of all city trees. “Cutting” means the detaching or separating, from a protected tree, any limb, branch, or root. Cutting shall include pruning. “Damage” means any unpermitted action, including, but not limited to, cutting, poisoning, over watering, removal, relocation, transplanting, trenching, excavating, or paving within the protected zone of a tree, that causes the injury, death, or disfigurement of a Protected Tree. “Director” means the City’s Director of Community Development or his or her designee or such person as designated by the City Manager. Director of Community Development shall also mean the Director of Planning or Planning Director as used elsewhere in this Code. “Discretionary permit” means an application for new construction that requires the exercise of judgment or deliberation or decision on the part of the decision-making authority in the process of approving or disapproving a particular activity, as distinguished from situations where the decision-making authority merely has to determine whether there has been conformity with applicable statutes, Chapters, or regulations. “Deadwood” means limbs, branches, or a portion of a tree that contains no green leaves during a time of year when they would be present on a healthy tree of that type. “Development” means the improvement or use of real property that requires the city’s discretionary review and approval. “Drip line” means the area from the trunk of a tree to the outermost edge of the tree canopy. “Excessive pruning” means removing more branches, stems, and roots than necessary to accomplish the desired objective. Typical maintenance requires that no more than twenty-five (25) percent of a tree’s total number of major branches or canopy volume be removed in a single year. Any maintenance that requires pruning in excess of the twenty-five (25) percent threshold described in this section can injure a tree and is prohibited unless approved by the tree manager. “Encroachment” means any intrusion into or human activity within the protected zone of a Protected Tree including, but not limited to, pruning, grading, excavating, trenching, parking of vehicles, storage of materials or equipment, or the construction of structures or other improvements. “Hazard” or “hazardous” means a tree, or part of a tree, that has been assessed for risk and found to be very likely to fail and cause severe consequences by causing injury, damage, or disruption. “Injury” means any damage to a tree resulting from any activity, including but not limited to excessive pruning, cutting, topping, trenching, excavatin g, altering the grade, paving or compaction within the tree protection zone, including deliberate damage such as vandalism. “International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)” is a tree care industry (private and public) membership association and credentialing program for the professional practice of arboriculture. “Licensed landscape architect” means an individual who holds a professional license to practice landscape architecture, as defined under Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 5615 or is licensed by the state of California Landscape Architects Technical Committee (the licensing and regulatory agency for the practice of landscape architecture in California). “Oak Tree” means any oak tree of the genus Quercus including, but not limited to, California or coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), coastal sage scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), Engelman oak (Quercus engelmannii), scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), and valley oak (Quercus lobata). “Owner” means a legal owner of real property within the city of Temecula or any lessee of the owner. “Person” means any individual, firm, association, corporation, organization, or partnership or any city, county, district, the state or any department or agency thereof. “Private property” means any land or property not owned by the City or another governmental agency. “Protected Tree” means a tree designated as a Protected Tree pursuant to Section 8.48.160 of this Chapter. “Protected Tree grove” means a location confirmed by site visit or other empirical evidence that is known to contain multiple Protected Trees. Such Protected Tree grove areas may occupy portions of one or more parcels, the location(s) of which shall be indicated on maps maintained by the planning department. “Protected Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines” means the collection of administrative rules, procedures, and requirements prepared and published by the Director of Community Development pursuant to Section 8.48.140 of this Chapter. “Protected zone” means the area extending horizontally outward from the trunk of a Protected Tree to a point five feet beyond the drip line but in no case extending less than fifteen feet from the trunk. “Pruning” means to reduce the size of a tree in order to control the height and spread of a tree, preserve its natural appearance, improve structure, increase safety in the landscape by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, or make adjustments which will increase its longevity in an urban environment. “Recreational and Resort” means any property designated by the City that has specific landscape needs to maintain the property for its intended purpose. “Relocation” means the transplanting of a tree from its original location to another suitable location. “Removal” means the physical removal of a tree or causing the death of a tree through damaging, poisoning, or other direct or indirect action. “Right-of-way” means any dedicated street right-of-way, or recorded easement for maintenance or utility purposes. “Routine maintenance” means pruning, spraying, fertilizing, watering, treating for disease or injury, or other similar acts which promote the growth, health, safety, beauty, and the life of trees. “Special district” means an agency having a board of directors that is voted in by the public, such as a school district or water district. "Street trees" are any City owned or maintained tree located within the City right -of-way or easement, including, but not limited to, park-strips located between the sidewalk and the curb, City-maintained medians, and all trees located within 12 feet from the curb-line in locations where the sidewalk and curb are adjacent. “Tree canopy” means the top layer or crown of mature trees. "Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP)" is the City of Temecula’s Master Plan, on file with the City Manager. This plan shall be periodically reviewed by the Director of Public Works and Community Development, subject to City Council approval. 8.48.140 Protected Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines. The Director shall formulate and publish “The City of Temecula Protected Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines” as necessary in order to implement the provisions of this Chapter, subject to approval of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall have the authority to change, update, or revise the guidelines as necessary in order to implement the provisions of this Chapter. 8.48.150 Protected Tree Preservation and Protection Plan. Upon submittal of an application for a discretionary permit, the applicant shall also submit a tree inventory as part of the required conceptual landscape plans which shall list and identify all trees located within the proposed project site. Such tree inventory shall identify all trees by their common and scientific names, diameter at standard height, and location on the site. If Protected Trees are identified on site, the applicant shall adhere to the preservation standards contained in the Protected Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines or may hire a certified arborist to prepare a Protected Tree Preservation and Protection Plan for each potential Protected Tree to protect them during grading and construction activities and for the life of the project. 8.48.160 Designation of Protected Trees. A. Protected Trees are recognized as valued environmental assets and significant aesthetic and ecological resources. Any proposed removal or encroachment upon the canopy or Protected Zone of a Protected Tree shall be subject to the provisions set forth in subsection 8.48.210 Permit Requirements and Exemptions. Protected Trees shall include the following: 1. Any of the following species with a trunk diameter that measures twelve (12) inches or more when measured at a point four and a half feet above the natural grade of the base of the tree. Trees with multiple trunks are deemed to have reached the required diameter if the sum of the diameters of the multiple trunks exceeds the diameter required for a single t runk tree by two inches: a. Oak trees of the genus Quercus including, but not limited to, California or coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), coastal sage scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), Engelman oak (Quercus engelmannii), scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), and valley oak (Quercus lobata); b. California sycamore (Platanus racemosa); c. California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica); d. California black walnut (Juglans californica); e. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutafolia); B. Mature Tree. Any tree that has a trunk diameter larger than twenty-four (24) inches measured at a point four and one-half (4½) feet above the root crown, or trees with multiple trunks if the sum of the diameters of the multiple trunks exceeds the diameter required for a single trunk tree by two inches. C. Designated Areas. For purposes of this Chapter, designated species pursuant to Section 8.48.160(A) and located within the following areas are determined to be Protected Trees: 1. General Plan Land Use Map Open Space areas; 2. Riparian areas; 3. Western Riverside County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan Important Wildlife Corridor Linkage areas; 4. Protected Tree grove areas identified by the city of Temecula and shown on exhibits maintained by the planning department. D. Designation of Protected Trees Through Nomination. 1. Public Initiated Nominations. Upon the submission of a Protected Tree nomination application by any member of the public, the planning commission may, after holding a noticed public hearing, consistent with Section 17.03.040, designate any tree, regardless of species or location, as a Protected Tree if the owner of the subject tree supports the application and the planning commission determines the tree should be preserved and protected due to one or more of the following criteria: a. Rarity. The nominated tree is an unusual species in Temecula, California, or North America; b. Size. The nominated tree is of notable size, height, diameter, or canopy width compared to other trees of the same species; c. Age. The nominated tree is of significantly advanced known or estimated age for its species; d. Historical Association. The nominated tree is related to a historic or cultural building, site, street, person, or event; e. Cultural Appreciation. The nominated tree is of particular value to a certain cultural group in the neighborhood or the city; f. Neighborhood Appreciation. The nominated tree is supported by multiple indicators including but not limited to letters of support, petition, outdoor gatherings, and celebrations adjacent or related to the tree; g. Planting Defines Neighborhood Character. The nominated tree defines or contributes to the neighborhood aesthetic; h. Profiled in a Publication or Other Media. The nominated tree has received print, internet, and/or video media coverage; i. High Traffic Area. The nominated tree has a high level of visibility and/or a possible traffic calming effect; j. Low Tree Density. The nominated tree exists in a neighborhood with few trees; k. Extends Between Multiple Properties. The nominated tree has a high level of visibility and provides benefits to two or more adjacent properties; l. Accessible from Public Right-of-Way. The nominated tree possesses high visibility and provides benefits to the general public; m. Important Wildlife Habitat. The nominated tree provides or potentially provides a source of shelter and/or food for wildlife; n. Interdependent Group of Trees. The nominated tree is part of a super canopy and removal may have an adverse impact on adjacent trees; o. Erosion Control. The nominated tree contributes to soil stability and prevents erosion; p. Wind or Sound Barrier. The nominated tree reduces wind speed or deflects wind, and/or mitigates undesirable noise; q. Prominent Landscape Feature. The nominated tree is a striking and outstanding natural feature; r. Character Defining Form. The nominated tree is an example of good form for its particular species; s. Tree Condition. The condition of the nominated tree shall be a factor in determining its status for protection as a Protected Tree. 2. City-Initiated Nominations. The city, in exercising its police powers, may designate any tree in the city of Temecula as a Protected Tree, regardless of species or size. Any city-initiated Protected Tree nomination application shall be subject to the same noticed public hearing of the planning commission as detailed in Section 8.48.160(D)(1), except that there shall be no application fee and the property owner’s consent shall not be required. The property owner shall be notified of the public hearing and will have the opportunity to speak in favor of or against the nomination. A city-initiated Protected Tree nomination application shall be approved only if the decision maker determines that: (i) the tree should be preserved and protected due to its age, size, rarity, location, or appearance; or (ii) the tree is determined to be historically significant. A tree shall be deemed historically significant if any of the following findings can be made: a. The tree is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California’s history and cultural heritage; b. The tree is associated with the lives of persons important in our past; c. The tree embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or d. The tree has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. E. The planning commission or city council, may, when reviewing a development application, designate any tree on the site of the proposed development, regardless of species, as a Protected Tree if it determines the tree should be preserved and protected as a condition of development due to its age, size, rarity, location, or appearance. Any Protected Tree so designated shall continue to be a Protected Tree for purposes of this Chapter regardless of whether the approved development is ever initiated. F. Any tree planted as a replacement for a Protected Tree pursuant to this Chapter shall constitute a Protected Tree. G. Any tree designated as a Protected Tree shall cause the applicant/owner to record with the Riverside County clerk and recorder’s office a covenant and/or a Notice of Condition Affecting Real Property to protect the tree from future ground disturbing activities. H. If a tree is designated as a Protected Tree under Section 8.48.160(D)(2), the city shall pay the recordation fees. 8.48.170 Non-liability of city. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to impose any liability for damages or a duty of care and maintenance upon the city or its officers, employees, agents, or volunteers. Article II. Cutting, Removal, Relocation, or Encroachment Upon Protected Trees 8.48.200 Protected Tree maintenance and preservation. A. All owners of real property on which a Protected Tree is located and that is improved, approved for development, or part of or associated with the approved development of another piece of property, including but not limited to property required to be maintained as permanent open space or for recreational purposes, shall maintain such Protected Trees in a state of good health. Failure to do so will constitute a violation of this Chapter. B. Damaging a Protected Tree is prohibited. Each action that damages a Protected Tree shall be a separate violation. 8.48.210 Permit requirement and exceptions. A. Except as allowed under subsection B of this section, no person shall cut, remove, or relocate a Protected Tree, or encroach into the Protected Zone of any Protected Tree without first obtaining a Protected Tree Removal or Relocation Permit from the city in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. B. A Protected Tree may not be cut, removed, relocated, or encroached upon without a Protected Tree Removal or Relocation Permit, except under the following circumstances: 1. Pruning according to International Society of Arboriculture standards and maintenance activities that promote the health and vigor of the tree; 2. The tree has been determined by a city arborist to be irreparably diseased or dead; 3. A city arborist has determined in his or her official capacity that the tree poses an imminent danger to the public or to property, in which case the tree may be cut, removed, relocated, or encroached upon only to the extent necessary to avoid the danger presented. The Director shall be promptly noticed of the nature of the emergency and action taken; 4. Fire department personnel actively engaged in fighting a fire have determined that removal of the tree is necessary to their firefighting efforts; 5. City staff has determined it is necessary to cut, remove, relocate, or encroach upon the tree to prepare a site or undertake an approved capital improvement project that has received environmental clearances under the California Environmental Quality Act; 6. The director of public works or the city traffic engineer has directed the cutting, removal, relocation, or encroachment in order to: (i) maintain public rights-of-way or adequate line-of-sight distances; and (ii) construct improvements within existing or proposed General Plan Circulation Element rights-of-way, adjacent slopes, and appurtenances; 7. Cutting, removal, relocation, or encroachment is required to widen a principal intersection to accommodate additional dedicated turning lanes in accordance with adopted goals, objectives and policies contained in the General Plan Circulation Element; 8. Cutting, removal, relocation, or encroachment occurs as part of construction or maintenance activities for facilities owned or operated by or for a public agency, special district, or a utility company under the jurisdiction of the public utilities commission; 8.48.220 Permit application and review. A. An applicant for a Protected Tree Removal or Relocation Permit shall submit an application on a form designated by the Director of Community Development and pay the appropriate filing fee as set by council resolution. B. If an application for a Protected Tree Removal or Relocation Permit pertains to five or fewer trees located on a single parcel, the Director, or designee, shall review the application, and approve, deny, or conditionally approve the request. The Director’s decision may be appealed to the planning commission, which may uphold, modify, or reverse the decision of the Director. C. The planning commission shall review all applications for a Protected Tree Removal or Relocation Permit not reviewed in the first instance by the Director or designee. The planning commission shall approve, deny, or conditionally approve the request. The planning commission’s review shall be consolidated with its consideration of all other entitlement applications for the property, if any. D. All decisions of the planning commission pursuant to this Chapter may be appealed to the city council in accordance with Section 17.03.090 of the Temecula Municipal Code. Any such appeal shall be consolidated with an appeal on other planning commission decisions related to the project. 8.48.230 Standards of approval. A. An application for a Protected Tree Removal or Relocation Permit may be approved only if the Director finds and determines that the requested cutting, removal, relocation, or encroachment is necessary to: 1. Maintain or aid the health, balance, or structure of the Protected Tree; 2. Protect life or property from a danger posed by the Protected Tree that cannot be reduced or eliminated by use of reasonable preservation and/or preventative procedures and practices; or 3. Enable the reasonable use of the property, which is otherwise prevented by the presence of the tree. B. When deciding whether to approve, deny, or conditionally approve a Protected Tree Removal or Relocation Permit, the decision maker may consider the following factors: 1. Whether a public purpose is being provided by the issuance of the permit or if the removal is primarily to facilitate private development; 2. The overall condition, species, approximate age, size, and general health of the Protected Tree(s) to be removed; 3. A certified arborist’s report on the likelihood for survival of any Protected Tree(s) to be relocated; 4. The species, size and number of replacement tree(s) being provided as mitigation; and 5. Other factors as appropriate, in accordance with a certified arborist’s report. C. The decision maker may impose conditions to offset or mitigate the requested cutting, removal, relocation, or encroachment, including, but not limited to, any of the following: 1. The relocation of the subject tree to another location on-site or off-site; 2. The on-site planting of three replacement trees of species which will achieve the same approximate size at maturity as the Protected Trees for every one Protected Tree removed; 3. The off-site planting of two forty-eight-inch box trees of species which will achieve the same approximate size at maturity as the removed Protected Tree for every one Protected Tree removed when it is not feasible to meet the requirements of Section 8.48.230(C)(2); 4. The initiation of an objectively observable maintenance and care program in accordance with a certified arborist’s report to insure the continued health and care of Protected Trees on the property for a period of five (5) years; 5. Payment of a fee to the city equal to the cost of procuring, planting, establishing, and maintaining one replacement tree for every one Protected Tree removed, which cost shall be based on the latest edition of either the “Guide for Plant Appraisal” by the International Society of Arboriculture or the “Standards for Valuation of Amenity Trees” of the International Society of Arboriculture. Any such payments collected by the city shall be used solely to fund the cost of replacing trees that have been removed. Article III. Violations and Enforcement 8.48.300 Violations. A. Intimidating, harassing, or otherwise retaliating against any person who seeks to attain compliance with this Chapter is prohibited. B. Causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, or concealing a violation of any provision of this Chapter is prohibited. C. Violations of this Chapter are subject to criminal misdemeanor penalties and administrative citations pursuant to Section Chapters 1.16, 1.20 and 1.21 of this Code. D. A violation of this chapter is declared to be a public nuisance and may be abated pursuant to the procedures in Chapter 8.12 of this Code. 8.48.310 Remedies. A. The remedies provided by this Chapter are cumulative and in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity. The city may seek to remedy any violation of this Chapter by a civil action, including, without limitation, administrative or judicial nuisance abatement proceedings, civil or criminal code enforcement proceedings, and suits for injunctive relief. B. If a violation occurs during development, the city may issue a stop work order suspending and prohibiting further activity on the property pursuant to the grading, demolition, and/or building permit(s) (including construction, inspection, and the issuance of certificates of occupancy) until a mitigation plan has been prepared by a certified arborist, filed by the developer, and approved by the Director. C. If a violation occurs in the absence of development, or while an application for a building permit or discretionary development approval is pending for the property upon which the tree is located, the Director may: (1) issue a stop work order halting all activity on the parcel; or (2) request the city council issue a temporary moratorium on development of the subject property pursuant to law if the violation is found to be the result of willful misconduct. The purpose of this stop of activity shall be to provide the city an opportunity to determine appropriate mitigation measures, if any, for the tree removal and to ensure such measures are incorporated into any future or pending development approvals for the property. Mitigation measures may be imposed as a condition of any subsequent permits for development on the subject property. 8.48.320 Restitution. A. In addition to any other remedy or penalty provided for by this Chapter, the city may seek restitution from any person who damages, removes, or relocates a Protected Tree in violation of this Chapter in the form of replacement of the Protected Tree so removed or damaged or a fine in lieu of restitution. The Director shall determine the form of restitution required. 1. If the Director determines that restitution should be made in the form of a replacement of the Protected Trees removed or damaged, the replacement trees shall be a species of tree, having the approximate size, age, and health as the tree(s) damaged or destroyed, at a ratio of three new replacement trees for every one damaged or destroyed tree. Additional funds will be provided to the city that will cover the cost of the city to water and maintain the replacement trees for a period of three (3) years after planting. The location of such plantings shall be determined by the Director. 2. If the Director determines that payment should be made in lieu of restitution, the payment required shall include but is not limited to, the costs of procuring, transporting, planting, establishing, and maintaining replacement trees for the life of the project at a ratio of three new replacement trees for every one damaged or destroyed tree. The cost of the replacement trees shall be based on the actual replacement cost for the damaged Protected Tree or the latest edition of either the “Guide for Plant Appraisal” by the International Society of Arboriculture or the “Standards for Valuation of Amenity Trees” of the International Society of Arboriculture. Payments made in lieu of restitution shall be used solely to fund the cost of replacing trees that have been damaged or removed in violation of this Chapter. B. If the size of a Protected Tree cannot be determined due to its unauthorized removal, the size shall be determined by measuring the stump that remains, anecdotal evidence, or interpolated from photographs or adjacent trees. The Director shall presume that a missing Protected Tree was in perfect health unless the photographs or other verifiable evidence demonstrates otherwise. C. All decisions of the Director pursuant to this Section may be appealed to the Planning in accordance with Section 17.03.090 of the Temecula Municipal Code. 8.48.330 Collection of penalties. A. Fines and payments in lieu of restitution for violation of this Chapter is payable at the city’s finance/cashier office. Fines must be paid within thirty business days of the citation date. The city’s finance department is authorized to collect all unpaid civil fines. B. Any unpaid costs or penalties, or payments in lieu of restitution imposed pursuant to this chapter shall constitute a special assessment against the real property upon which a violation of this chapter has occurred. All costs and/or fines shall be itemized in a written report of assessment. The Director shall cause a copy of the report and assessment to be served to the owner of the property not less than five days prior to the time fixed for confirmation of the assessment. Service may be made by enclosing a copy of the report of assessment in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, addressed to the owner at his or her last known address as the same appears on the last equalized assessment rolls of the county of Riverside and depositing the same in the United States mail. Service shall be deemed complete at the time of mailing. C. A copy of the report of assessment shall be posted in the city clerk’s office on the bulletin board designated for the posting of agendas, not less than three days prior to the time when the report shall be submitted to the city council. The city council shall hear the report, together with any objections from the property owner. After the assessment is made and confirmed by the city council, it shall be a lien on said property. The lien shall be submitted with the Riverside County tax collector, where it shall be levied on the next regular property tax bills for said property, and collected at the same time and in the same manner as other municipal taxes are collected and shall be subject to the same penalties and procedures under foreclosure and sale in case of delinquency as provided for other municipal taxes. SECTION 2. Chapter 8.49, City Tree Care and Preservation, of the Temecula Municipal Code is hereby repealed. SECTION 3. California Environmental Quality Act Findings. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, this Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15378(b)(5) and Section 15061 (b) (3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the Ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The proposed Municipal Code amendments are minor policy changes, reorganization of existing ordinance provisions, changes required by state law or revisions that reflect the City’s standard practice and patterns with respect to preservation, protection, management, and maintenance of trees. The City Council of the City of Temecula hereby adopts a Notice of Exemption for the Ordinance and directs the City Manager to file it as required by law. SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause it to be published in the manner required by law. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Temecula this day of , . James Stewart, Mayor ATTEST: Randi Johl, City Clerk [SEAL] STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss CITY OF TEMECULA ) I, Randi Johl, City Clerk of the City of Temecula, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. - was duly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Temecula on the day of , , and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Tem ecula at a meeting thereof held on the day of , , by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Randi Johl, City Clerk VIA-ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL CEQAProcessing@asrclkrec.com March 26, 2024 Supervising Legal Certification Clerk County of Riverside P.O. Box 751 Riverside, CA 92501-0751 SUBJECT: Filing of a Notice of Exemption for Long Range Application No. LR24-0028, Update to Temecula Heritage Tree Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.48 of the Temecula Municipal Code Dear Sir/Madam: Enclosed is the Notice of Exemption for the above referenced project. In addition, pursuant to Assembly Bill 3158 (Chapter 1706) please find a receipt in the amount of $50.00, for the County Administrative fee to enable the City to file the Notice of Exemption required under Public Resources Code Section 21152 and 14 California Code Regulations 1507. The City of Temecula is paying the $50.00 filing fee under protest. It is the opinion of the City that the administrative fee has been increased in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of State Law. Under Public Resources Code Section 21152 and 14 California Code Regulations 1507, the County is entitled to receive a $25.00 filing fee. Also, please email a stamped copy of the Notice of Exemption within five working days after the 30-day posting to the email listed below. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Katie Garcia at email katie.garcia@TemeculaCA.gov. Sincerely, Matt Peters Assistant Director of Community Development Attachments: Project Notice of Exemption Form County Administrative Filing Fee Receipt City of Temecula Community Development 41000 Main Street • Temecula, CA 92590 Phone (951) 694-6400 • Fax (951) 694-6477 • TemeculaCA.gov City of Temecula Community Development Planning Division Notice of Exemption TO: County Clerk and Recorders Office FROM: Planning Division County of Riverside City of Temecula P.O. Box 751 41000 Main Street Riverside, CA 92501-0751 Temecula, CA 92590 Project Title: Long Range Application No. LR24-0028, Update to Temecula Heritage Tree Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.48 of the Temecula Municipal Code Description of Project: An amendment to Chapter 8.48 of the Temecula Municipal Code making minor revisions to the Heritage Tree Ordinance and updates to tree care and preservation regulations. The amendment is part of the implementation of the recent Urban Forest Management Plan adoption. Project Location: City of Temecula, Citywide Applicant/Proponent: City of Temecula The Assistant Director of Community Development approved the above described project on April 9, 2024 and found that the project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, as amended. Exempt Status: (check one) Ministerial (Section 21080(b)(1); Section 15268); Declared Emergency (Section 21080(b)(3); Section 15269(a)); Emergency Project (Section 21080(b)(4); Section 15269(b)(c)); Statutory Exemptions (Section Number: ) Categorical Exemption; (Section Number 15061 (b)(3) & 15378 (b)(5)) Other: Section 15162 Categorical Exemption Statement of Reasons Supporting the Finding that the Project is Exempt: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed ordinance has been deemed to be exempt from further environmental review as there is no possibility that the proposed ordinance would have a significant impact on the environment pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061 (b)(3) and 15378 (b)(5). The amendment to Chapter 8.48 of the Temecula Municipal Code makes minor revisions to the Heritage Tree Ordinance and updates to tree care and preservation regulations. The amendments do not permit any physical changes to the environment and no construction of any kind will occur due to the passage of this Ordinance. Contact Person/Title: Katie Garcia/Planning Technician Phone Number: (951) 240-4216 Signature: Date: Matt Peters, Assistant Director of Community Development Date received for filing at the County Clerk and Recorders Office: Item No. 3 1 STAFF REPORT – PLANNING CITY OF TEMECULA PLANNING COMMISSION TO: Planning Commission Chairperson and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Matt Peters, Assistant Director of Community Development DATE OF MEETING: March 20, 2024 PREPARED BY: Katie Garcia, Planning Technician PROJECT SUMMARY: Receive Presentation for the Quality of Life Master Plan Website and Provide General Recommendations Regarding the Same (Long Range No. LR21-0021) RECOMMENDATION: That the Commission receive the presentation for the Quality of Life Master Plan Website and provide general recommendations regarding the same. CEQA: Exempt: Not a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4) BACKGROUND SUMMARY: The City’s Quality of Life Master Plan (QLMP) 2040 is a visionary and living document created to express the aspirations, ideals and strategic priorities of the City and community. In the past ten years, the QLMP has been a very successful tool for City goal setting and project implementation. The initial version of the plan, referred to as QLMP 2030, reflected a 20-year planning period from 2010-2030. That document included specific goals; key accomplishments; key findings; metrics of progress; and strategic priorities. Given the substantial progress made on the QLMP 2030, it was determined an update to the QLMP was needed to set direction for the City over the next twenty years. The QLMP 2040 was adopted in November of 2022 after more than a year of meetings and input from a Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) and contains seven Core Values, including: 1. A Safe and Prepared Community; 2. Transportation Mobility and Connectivity; 3. Healthy and Livable City; 4. Economic Prosperity 5. A Sustainable and Resilient City 6. Accountable and Responsive City Government; and 7. Equity 2 Each Core Value contributes to our overall quality of life and they guide the measurement of strength of our goals as we implement the Citizen’s 20-year priorities. All City Departments maintain performance indicators based on the QLMP Core Values and all Capital Improvement Projects are evaluated in terms of their adherence to the QLMP values. In addition, the Core Values will serve as the organizing principles and a foundation for a comprehensive update to the City’s General Plan. Part of the QLMP update process included creating a digital and interactive version of the document that would be easily accessible for all users. The website includes a dashboard that displays the indicators used to measure the City’s progress in reaching the goals and aspirations outlined in the document. There is a designated page for each Core Value containing the community survey results, the accomplishments, objectives, and goals of that specific Core Value as well as displaying current City data. In addition, you will find a designated webpage for the Citizen’s 20-year Priority Timeline that is broken up in 5 – 10-year periods. The timeline includes city development, private development and public-private development or multi-public agency development. This allows the community to see what we have done, what we are doing, and where we are going. A link to the QLMP website can be found here: TemeculaCA.gov/QLMP ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION The Quality of Life Master Plan Website Launch is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. The QLMP Website is not a “project” within the meaning of Section 15378(b)(4) of the CEQA Guidelines and is therefore exempt from the requirements of CEQA. Section 15378(b)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines states that a project does not include administrative activities. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact. ATTACHMENTS: None. Item No. 4 AGENDA REPORT CITY OF TEMECULA PLANNING COMMISSION TO: Planning Commission FROM: Jennifer Hennessy, Director of Finance DATE: March 20, 2024 SUBJECT: Receive Budget Engagement Session and Provide General Recommendations Regarding the Same PREPARED BY: Jennifer Hennessy, Director of Finance RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission receive the budget engagement session and provide general recommendation regarding the same. BACKGROUND: Each year in February, City staff begins the development of the Annual Operating Budget (AOB) and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which include Budget Engagement Sessions with each of the City’s Boards and Commissions. These sessions are designed to engage the Board and Commission members and community early in the development of the Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget process. Feedback obtained through the Budget Engagement Sessions is utilized to support programs, projects and events that are recommended in the Proposed Budget and CIP. The aggregated feedback from these sessions will be reported back to the City Council in their Budget Workshop held in May. FISCAL IMPACT: None.