TO: Chair and Members of the Planning Commission
THRU: Anna Pehoushek, Assistant Community Development Director
FROM: Hayden Beckman, Planning Manager
1. SUBJECT
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Public Hearing to consider an Ordinance modifying the duties and responsibilities of the Design Review Committee and finding of CEQA exemption.
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2. SUMMARY
The proposed Ordinance amends the Orange Municipal Code to focus the purview of the Design Review Committee (DRC) on projects in historic districts or involving historic structures outside of a district in order to streamline the review process and ensure timely decision-making for projects subject to design review.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
recommendation
1. Conduct and close the Public Hearing.
2. Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 10-25 recommending the City Council adopt an Ordinance amending Title 12, Title 16 and Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code to update duties and responsibilities of the Design Review Committee.
3. Find the Ordinance categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3).
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4. AUTHORIZING GUIDELINES
Orange Municipal Code (OMC) Section 17.08.020 authorizes the Planning Commission to review and make advisory recommendations to the City Council on Zoning Ordinance Amendments.
5. PROJECT BACKGROUND
The City of Orange Design Review Committee (DRC) (formerly the Design Review Board) was established in 1974 by Ordinance No. 4-74 for the purpose of upholding community aesthetics by reviewing the architectural design of new buildings and structures. The DRC currently provides discretionary review and approval for certain development projects and acts in an advisory capacity to the Planning Commission and City Council.
6. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
At the August 12, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to prepare an Ordinance that modifies the current purview of the DRC to focus its review on the projects involving ...
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