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Portola Valley seeks volunteers for commission seats

The Portola Valley Town Council is seeking volunteers with a serious and sustained interest in the town's residential character for positions on two panels central to the life of the town: the Planning Commission and the Architectural & Site Control Commission (ASCC).

Both commissions have five members and both advise the Town Council, but on different matters. The Planning Commission concerns itself with policies about land use and development, including applications for variances and the hearing of appeals by property owners over decisions made by Town Hall staff as they administer zoning and subdivision ordinances. The Planning Commission's decisions may be appealed to the Town Council.

The ASCC administers the town's residential design guidelines and oversees significant new residential and commercial development in town, including major additions and changes of use. The ASCC, according to its mission statement, is principally responsible for "the visual character of the community, minimizing disturbance to the natural setting and ensuring that improvements are properly related to their site and adjacent uses."

Membership on these commissions requires a major commitment of time, both behind and away from the dais. The terms are for four years and the commissions typically meet twice a month in the evening, the Planning Commission on the first and third Wednesdays and the ASCC on the second and fourth Mondays.

Each commission will have three openings for four-year terms in January. Applicants should send a letter indicating their interest to the Town Council by Friday, Nov. 9. For questions or more information, contact Interim Planning Manager Steve Padovan at 851-1700, ext. 212.