A. Staff Evaluation. The Planning Director or designee shall review all discretionary applications filed pursuant to this title to determine whether they comply and are consistent with the provisions of this title, other applicable provisions of this code, and the general plan. Planning Department staff shall formulate a recommendation to the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission (as applicable) on whether the application should be approved, approved subject to conditions, or denied.

B. Staff Report Preparation. A staff report shall be prepared by the Planning Department that describes the department’s conclusions and/or other appropriate staff about the proposed land use and any accompanying development as to its compliance and consistency with applicable provisions of this code, applicable area and community plans, and the general plan. The staff report shall include recommendations on the approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the application, based on the evaluation and consideration of any environmental documents, any material which accompanied the application(s) and any other pertinent information available to Department staff.

C. Report Distribution. Staff reports for matters reviewed by the Planning Commission shall be furnished to applicant and shall be available to the public no later than one week prior to the scheduled public hearing on the application. (Formerly 20.08)