Applicants Sought for Planning Board

Oxnard residents who want to take on development issues can apply for a seat on the Planning Commission, which is being expanded from five to seven members.

Restructuring of the panel was approved by city officials this fall after Councilman John Zaragoza suggested that having more commissioners would result in closer scrutiny of subdivision proposals and housing projects.

Under the restructuring, the five present commissioners will have to reapply for their seats. Their names will go into a general pool of applicants, from which City Council members will choose the seven commissioners at a Dec. 16 meeting.

Four members will serve until December 1998, while the other three will serve until December 2000. After the initial term expires, commissioners will sit for four-year terms. City Council members will determine which appointees are to serve longer terms at the upcoming meeting, city officials said.

Joyce Parker, Oxnard’s planning and environmental services manager, said new commissioners will play an important role in Oxnard, where development is picking up as the economy grows stronger.

“It will be a very active time for the Planning Commission,” she said.

The board typically meets Thursday nights. Members approve or deny certain permits and provide advice to the City Council on big projects and policy issues.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in Oxnard, be registered to vote and not belong to any other citizen advisory groups.

Applications may be picked up at the city clerk’s office in City Hall, 305 W. 3rd St. Forms will be accepted until the Dec. 16 meeting, but city officials recommend turning them in before Dec. 1.

For information, call 385-7803.