COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

110 S. Pine Street, No. 101
Santa Maria, CA 93458

The Community Development Department is responsible for the planning and building divisions functions. Staff reviews all residential, commercial and industrial projects in the City. The Planning Division writes and updates the City's General Plan and Specific Plans including the Downtown Specific Plan. Staff reviews all projects for zoning compliance, processes land division applications, and processes all environmental assessments and reports. The Building Division regulates building and associated construction activities to protect public health, safety and welfare pursuant to uniform construction codes governing land use and code enforcement. The staff's activities include building plan review and inspection during construction.

Reduced Office hours Effective July 1, 2011
Due to a reduction in staffing, as approved by the City Council on June 21, 2011, the Community Development Department will be reducing counter hours. New counter hours will be from 9:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. You may reach us by phone during business hours (8:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00-5:00 p.m.).

Additionally, over-the-counter permits will be processed and ready the following day. We will continue to be closed the third Friday of every month in accordance with the Mandatory Time Off program (MTO or otherwise known as furlough days). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during these tough budget times.

LARRY APPEL Director of Community Development City Phone: (805) 925-0951 x240 City Fax: (805) 928-7565 E-mail

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT:

• B.A. Environmental Studies (U.C. Santa Barbara)
• A.S. Biology (Santa Barbara City College)
• Certificate of Post-Graduate Education, Supervisory Skills (U.C. Extension)
• Director, Community Development Department, City of Santa Maria
• Acting Director, Development Services, El Dorado County
• Deputy Director, Development Services - Planning, El Dorado County
• Senior Planner, Planning and Development, County of Santa Barbara
• Environmental Specialist, Senior Environmental Planner, and Supervising District Planner, County of Santa Barbara
• Environmental Specialist, Interface Planning, Santa Barbara

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

• Member, Allan Hancock College Concert Band
• Member, Grace Baptist Church
• Rancho Verde HOA, past Recording Secretary
• El Camino Jr. High School, PTC past member

PERSONAL:

• Marital status: Married 33 years
• Children: Two
• General interests: Scuba, long-distance bicycling, music, and photography

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Community Development Department Director is responsible for Current and Advance Planning, maintenance of the General Plan, Specific Plans, and Secretary to the Planning Commission. The Community Development Director is responsible for the Building Division which processes and checks all plans for compliance with the building codes, processes all building permits and inspects all buildings. The Community Development Director is also the "Environmental Officer," "Noise Control Officer," "Secretary to the Planning Commission," and "Zoning Administrator."

Mission Statement To plan for the orderly growth of the City, consistent with the goals and objectives of the community's General Plan, to process projects quickly and efficiently consistent with the public's interest and safety in mind, and to provide departmental services in a courteous and responsible manner.

2011-12 Goals/Objectives

1. Continue to revise and update the Downtown Specific Plan to meet the needs of the community.
2. Develop a GIS-based Land Use map layer for the City website and display maps.
3. Assess the structure of the department and anticipated retirements, and develop a succession plan to ensure continuity of duties and departmental efficiencies.
4. Further enhance the “Citywide Development Activity Map” on the department’s webpage through collaboration with Information Technology staff.
5. Prepare for Council consideration revisions to the Municipal Code or new ordinances as needed to address concerns of the community.
6. Improve “e-distribution” of public hearing notices and draft documents, by updating and expanding the current e-mail distribution list.
7. Continue to operate the mobile home maintenance inspection program and distribute the recently revised staff-developed mobile home reference booklet to all mobile home parks within the City.
8. Provide training for all Building Inspectors to successfully pass the CASp (accessibility certification) exam so that the City is in full compliance with State regulations.
9. Work toward reintroducing a fee enhancement/cost recovery program for the Building and Planning divisions.
10. Continue to monitor Recurring Performance Measures to ensure quality customer service.