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The purpose of the Planning Commission is: 

• Hold public hearings to periodically update the City’s General Plan and to review applications for discretionary development within the City, including recommendations for projects requiring final City Council action.

The Planning Commission also acts as the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Relocation Appeals Board. The Board of Zoning Adjustment considers

• Requests for variances from zoning ordinance requirements and acts upon appeals of determinations by City officials.

The Relocation Appeals Board considers:

• Any appeal of a determination by the City as to appropriate payment for relocation assistance in accordance with City of Merced relocation guidelines.

As of July 17, 2013, the Planning Commission also acts as the Design Review Commission and Historic Preservation Commission.

The Design Review/Historic Preservation Commission performs the following:

• Comprehensive site plan and architectural review within the Downtown area in order to promote orderly development of the City and stability of land values and investments.
• Promote the protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of structures, sites, and areas that are reminders of past eras, events, and persons important to local, state, or national history.

The Planning Commission is made up of seven members and meets the Wednesdays after the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month (City Council meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month) at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Merced Civic Center at 678 West 18th Street. This position requires the filing of a Statement of Economic Interests under the California Fair Political Practices Act guidelines.

Authority: Section 708 of the Charter of the City of Merced 

For more information on the Planning Commission, please contact Kayla Abarca by email at AbarcaK@cityofmerced.org, or by telephone at (209) 385-6858.

Agendas, Videos, Meetings

For agendas, staff reports, and minutes prior to September 9, 2020, please contact the City Clerk's department by email at cityclerk@cityofmerced.org or by telephone at (209) 388-8650.

Current Roster 

• Chair Anthony Gonzalez, District 5 Commissioner
  • Full-term ending July 1, 2026
• Vice-Chair Jeremiah Greggains, At-Large Commissioner
  • Full-term ending July 1, 2028
• Walter Smith, District 1 Commissioner
  • Full-term ending July 1, 2027
• Yang Pao Thao, District 2 Commissioner
  • Full-term ending July 1, 2026
• Emanuelle Ochoa, District 3 Commissioner 
  • Full-term ending July 1, 2027
• Conchita Swiggart, District 4 Commissioner
  • Term ending July 1, 2025
• Jose Delgadillo, District 6 Commissioner 
  • Full-term ending July 1, 2025

Agenda Information