§ 17.2.020 ASSIGNMENT OF REVIEW AUTHORITY.

   Land use reviews are assigned to the review bodies stated below.

   A.   Community Development Director . The Community Development Director (Director ) has the authority to consider all land use reviews that are subject to Type I and Type II review procedures. The Director may delegate review and decision-making authority to planning staff.

   B.   Planning Commission. The Planning Commission serves as the highest commission or board within the City of Forest Grove with respect to the review of land use permits. Where consideration of a landmark or significant tree registration or removal is part of another land use permit or legislative action requiring Planning Commission review, the consideration of the registration or removal shall be assigned to the Planning Commission as part of its public hearing process with recommendation from the Historic Landmarks Board or Community Forestry Commission. The Commission has the authority to consider land use reviews subject to Type III procedures. The Planning Commission also reviews Type IV legislative land use reviews and makes a recommendation to the City Council for a final decision .

   C.   Hearings Officer. Pursuant to O.R.S. 197.360 through 197.380, an applicant may request that a Hearings Officer consider an Expedited Land Division review subject to Type III procedures. The applicant shall pay all extra costs associated with the Hearings Officer review.

   D.   Historic Landmarks Board. Generally, the Historic Landmarks Board will consider matters related to historic resources. In some applications , the Historic Landmarks Board makes a recommendation for a final decision by the Planning Commission or City Council . The following land use reviews are assigned to the Historic Landmarks Board for at least an initial recommendation:

      1.   Landmark designations, and the removal of landmark designations;

      2.   Demolition review of landmarks and historic contributing buildings ;

      3.   Review of proposed work affecting the exterior of landmarks;

      4.   New development in a historic district;

      5.   Alterations, remodels, renovations or relocations of a historic landmark; and

      6.   Alterations, remodels, renovations or relocations of a historic contributing building .

   E.   Community Forestry Commission. Generally, the Community Forestry Commission will consider matters related to protected trees . The Community Forestry Commission is responsible for the designation of Register trees and the removal of a designated tree from the Register. The Community Forestry Commission will also consider permits for removal or major pruning of protected trees if the Director ’s review or decision is referred or appealed. The CFC will also review development project which impact protected trees if referred by the Director .

   F.   Public Arts Commission. The Public Arts Commission will be responsible to review and make recommendations to the relevant decision making authority on any art proposed by a development where the art is visible to the public.

   G.   City Council . The City Council is responsible for final decisions on plan amendments and zone changes and all land use reviews subject to Type IV procedures. All appeals of land use reviews subject to Type II and Type III procedures are also assigned to the City Council .

(Ord. 2009-01, passed 3-9-2009)