Planning Commission Established 1946

Mission Statement

To promote the health, safety and general welfare by encouraging the
most appropriate use of land; provide adequate open spaces for light and
air; prevent undue concentrations of population; lessen congestion on
streets; facilitate adequate provisions for community utilities and
facilities such as transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks and
other public requirements; and, designate, regulate and restrict the
location and use of buildings, structures and land for residents,
commerce, trade, industry and other purposes.

Responsibilities, Jurisdiction, Authority

The Planning Commission shall have the power and be required to:
(a) After a public hearing thereon, recommend to the City Council the
adoption, amendment or repeal of the Master Plan, or any part thereof,
for the physical development of the City;
(b) Exercise such control over land subdivisions as is granted to it
by the governing body of the City and by the laws of the State of
California;
(c) Make recommendations concerning proposed public works and for the
clearance and rebuilding of blighted or substandard areas within the
City; and
(d) Exercise such functions with respect to zoning as may be
prescribed by ordinance.

Composition

The Planning Commission consists of seven Santa Monica residents, none
of whom shall hold any paid office or employment in the City Government,
and shall serve four-year terms. (SMCC 1007)

American Planning Association Ethical Principles in Planning