I am not sure how those functions relate to environmental planning. I guess I don't really understand what an environment planning commissioner should be doing. But it sounds odd to me that they would approve small planning projects, issue conditional use permits and make certain zoning changes. WHen I think of environmental planning, I imagine concerns about groundwater, or trees, or compliance issues, so many it it appropriate. What does this commission do now?

Just what we need! another layer of non-elected government.

@jane: Environment hear means your surroundings in general, not nature and environmentalism. The EPC would be called the "planning commission" in other cities. It mainly has to do with development permits, zoning, etc.

There was an article a few weeks ago that "environmental" was added to the name to imply that they would review things like parking lots and not just buildings.

What's the size of the pension she's collecting from Mountain View and how much additional salary coming in from Atherton? Isn't this double dipping one of the causes of our state deficit?

In 1984, the Environmental Planning Commission drafted the Fresh Air Ordinance (i.e. No Smoking), held controversial public hearings, and sent the ordinance to the City Council where it passed. It was done under the "Environmental" imperative. The current EP commissioners should show some initiative and take responsibility for the city's planning vision. (Justr as the Parks Commission should develop a city-wide vision for the city parks.)

@old resident - In fact, the article states that the EPC is taking responsibility for the city's planning vision ("Currently the commission is busy with its most ambitious undertaking as of late, as it reviews a voluminous update to the city's general plan, a blueprint for future development city-wide.") and is taking the initiative to find a way to help make the city's development review processes more efficient and responsive ("giving decision-making authority to the commission could help streamline the planning process by reducing the "duplication" of effort among the various bodies that govern planning in Mountain View.").

Similarly, the PRC has already developed a city-wide vision for Mountain View's parks and open space. It's documented in the recently updated Parks and Open Space Plan 2008, which is available on the city's website at Web Link .