Authority: Section 708 of the Charter of the City of Merced.

The City of Merced Planning Commission was formed in 1955 as called for in the City’s Charter. The Planning Commission is made up of seven members and meets the Wednesdays after the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month (City Council meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month) at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Merced Civic Center at 678 West 18th Street. This position requires the filing of a Statement of Economic Interests under the California Fair Political Practices Act guidelines.

The purpose of the Planning Commission is to hold public hearings to periodically update the City’s General Plan and to review applications for discretionary development within the City, including recommendations for projects requiring final City Council action.

The Planning Commission also acts as the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Relocation Appeals Board. The Board of Zoning Adjustment considers requests for variances from zoning ordinance requirements and acts upon appeals of determinations by City officials. The Relocation Appeals Board considers any appeal of a determination by the City as to appropriate payment for relocation assistance in accordance with City of Merced relocation guidelines. As of July 17, 2013, the Planning Commission also acts as the Design Review Commission and Historic Preservation Commission. The Design Review/Historic Preservation Commission performs comprehensive site plan and architectural review within the Downtown area in order to promote orderly development of the City and stability of land values and investments. The Historic Preservation Commission was established to promote the protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of structures, sites, and areas that are reminders of past eras, events, and persons important to local, state, or national history.

For more information on the Planning Commission, email abarcak@cityofmerced.org.

• Apply for this Commission
• View Planning Commission Meeting Agendas, Minutes & Staff Reports
• Planning Commission Agenda Packet 9/18/2024