December 14, 2010 > Planning Commission accomplishments 2010 Planning Commission accomplishments 2010 By Simon Wong Milpitas Planning Commission considered and approved six highlights of 2010 for publication to the city's website at its December 8, 2010 meeting. This is the second annual review of activities. Streamlined Planning Review Council adopted the Commission's recommendation to change the Zoning Ordinance to streamline the review process for planning applications. Restaurants, video rental and other uses are no longer subject to a lengthy, conditional use permit process and are now reviewed administratively by staff, thus, creating more time for the Commission to spend on other matters. Sign Ordinance Amendments The Planning Commission recommended amendments, which Council adopted, to the Sign Ordinance. There is now greater integration with the Zoning Ordinance in the form of a streamlined review process for sign proposals, a reformatted section within the Zoning Ordinance and the introduction of off-site electronic displays. A cohesive zoning ordinance creates efficiencies. Town Center Rezoning Council approved recommendations to re-zone more than 50 acres along East Calaveras Boulevard and Los Coches Street from Industrial and Highway Services to Town Center to create flexibility for future redevelopment and better use of existing properties. This action was taken in response to a request, by more than 50 percent of the property owners, to amend the zoning. Tour of Transit Area Opportunity Sites Planning Commissioners toured the Transit Area for a clearer idea of several future development sites, opportunities and constraints. Visiting the physical sites gives greater insight than examination of two-dimensional plans. Milpitas Station Residential Project Council accepted and approved the Commission's recommendation for a new 303-unit residential project within the Transit Area consisting of a mixture of town homes and small-lot single-family homes. McCandless Mixed Use Project Approval of a 1,300 dwelling unit and 75,000 sq. ft. mixed use, gateway project on 23 acres within the Transit Area Specific Plan. Inclusion of an Owners' Participation Agreement ensures development of a grocery store and affordable housing. "These decisions improve efficiencies in customer service and promote development based on trends in the Bay Area," said Senior Planner Sheldon Ah Sing. "None of these achievements would have been possible without staff's efforts," added Planning Commission Chair Cliff Williams. In 2011, staff will schedule the development of single-family homes on a five-acre site, adjacent to the freeway, for the Planning Commission's consideration. The proposed site is part of the recently re-zoned Town Center area. For more information, visit www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov