The Planning and Development Department recommends amending Chapter 33 of the Code of Ordinances, Sections 14 and 18. The amendments will add a representative of Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to the commission as an ex-officio member and adjust the term of the Planning Commission Chairperson, to align it with the tenure of elected officials.

 

The proposed amendment to Chapter 33, Section 14, will increase the number of Planning Commission members from 25 to 26 by adding one, non-voting, ex officio member. The ex officio member will be the Executive Director of the HCFCD or his or her designee. HCFCD is currently a consulting partner with the Planning & Development Department on development and subdivision plat review. Adding this position as an ex officio member of the Planning Commission will bring its role in line with other partners such as Houston Public Works and METRO, as both organizations have an ex officio appointment on the commission.

 

The proposed amendment to Chapter 33, Section 18, will remove the requirement for annual elections of chair, for continuity, but we anticipate addressing election of chairman in the Commission's rules of procedure.  Additionally, it extends the tenure of the Chairman from “not more than six consecutive years” to “not more than eight consecutive years.” The current tenure was established when Mayoral terms were a maximum of three two-year terms. The proposed amendment will align the Planning Commission Chair’s tenure with the current Mayoral term limit not to exceed two four-year terms. 

  

 

 

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Margaret Wallace Brown, AICP, CNU-A

Director

Planning and Development Department