The City of Redmond is creating a new commission to advise the City Council on rewriting the city’s zoning code.

Those with an interest in bringing clarity and predictability to the Redmond Community Development Guide (RCDG) are invited to apply for a position on the Code Rewrite Commission (CRC). Code Rewrite Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council and will serve until the code rewrite is complete in spring 2011.

The commission’s role is to review proposed zoning code updates to ensure they are consistent with the RCDG rewrite mission and adopted principles, analyze materials prepared by staff, hold public hearings and make recommendations to the City Council for final action. Desirable qualities of a commissioner include commitment to the project mission, some knowledge of land use regulations, diverse life experiences and the ability to work well in a team setting.

It is expected the commission will meet twice per month from Sept.—Dec. 2009, and then weekly during 2010. Meetings will most likely take place on Monday evenings and will last three to four hours. This ambitious schedule is necessary to achieve the goal of zoning code adoption in spring 2011.

The new commission will draw two of its seven members from the existing Planning Commission. Of the remaining members, at least three will be Redmond residents while two others must own or work at a firm or organization that does business in Redmond (need not be residents).

Interested individuals should download a community service application form at www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/boards.asp or contact the Mayor’s office at (425) 556-2101 for form. Mail the completed application along with a letter of introduction describing reasons for applying and qualifications (max. one page) and proof of residence and/or proof of employment or firm ownership (if applicable) to the Office of the Mayor, City of Redmond, PO Box 97010, Redmond, WA 98073-9710 or fax to (425) 556-2110. All board and commission members are volunteers.

Applications received by June 5 will be given first consideration; however, applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Interviews will be held during the summer with final appointments confirmed in September. For information about the new commission and its roles and responsibilities, contact Lynda Aparicio, senior planner at laparicio@redmond.gov or (425) 556-2438.