City Seeks Applicants for Planning Commission Vacancy

The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants for three expiring terms and one current vacancy on the Vancouver Planning Commission. One appointment will be for a partial term, ending December 31, 2010 and the other three positions are full terms, ending December 31, 2013. One expiring term can be filled by an applicant outside the city limits, but within the Vancouver Urban Growth Area.

For applications or further information, contact Terry Lenhart, Community Planning Department, 1610 "C" Street, Suite 203, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, Wash., 98668 or call (360) 487-7955 or FAX (360) 487-7965. On-line applications are available at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. The deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18.

The seven-member Planning Commission serves as a citizen advisory body and makes recommendations to the City Council. Commissioners work in a voluntary capacity to conduct studies and public hearings on comprehensive plan amendments, zoning amendments and other land use matters.

The Vancouver Planning Commission reflects a broad range of neighborhoods, professional and community experience and perspectives and seeks to be representative of the cultural diversity of the Vancouver community. The Commission is seeking candidates with interest and experience in community planning, urban design or housing development, and who are active in business, neighborhood or community affairs.

Participation in the Planning Commission requires a significant time commitment, approximately 20 hours per month and First Tuesday training sessions. This includes regular attendance at monthly meetings which are on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Attendance at other sub-committee or City Council meetings may be required. Commissioners prepare for meetings by reviewing a variety of maps and technical information related to the projects presented at workshops and public hearings and making site visits.