Walnut Creek Recruits For Commission Seats

WALNUT CREEK, CA — The city of Walnut Creek encouraged civic-minded residents to apply to fill vacant spots on its three city commissions and one county commission.

There is one seat open on the Design Review Commission., two seats on the Planning Commission; two alternate seats open on the Board of Appeals, and a vacancy for an alternate representative on the Contra Costa County Library Commission.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Monday, May 12. The City Council is set to decide May 20 which applicants it will invite for interviews scheduled for June 3. After the interviews, the City Council is expected to decide who to appoint to each seat.

Advisory commissions serve an important role in the city and give residents a first-hand perspective and involvement in shaping the city’s future.

Members of the Design Review Commission hear about new projects and design concepts around the city, and draw upon their personal and professional experience. The goal of the commission is to enhance the city's aesthetic and structural features.

The Planning Commission hears about innovative projects and new developments taking shape around the city. They also learn about the city’s General Plan and ordinances.

The Board of Appeals hears and decides appeals of notices, orders, decisions or determinations made by the city's building official regarding the application and interpretation of the California Building Standards Code and the Municipal Code.

The Contra Costa County Library Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the county librarian, providing a link between the community and the county library.

Applicants for the Planning Commission and Library Commission must be registered voters and residents of Walnut Creek. For the Design Review Commission, applicants must be registered architects but city residency is not required.

City residency is not required to serve on the Board of Appeals. Applicants should have experience and training related to building construction. Specifically, they should be knowledgeable in the California Building Standards Code and applicable local ordinances.

Applications can be completed online. For more information, see the city's website or contact City Clerk Suzie Martinez by phone at 925-943-5819 or via email at SMartinez@walnut-creek.org.