Call-Ups
A call-up is an opportunity for the Council to review a decision made by a Board or Commission.
What is a Call-Up?
Some Boards and Commissions have decision-making authority on specific topics and can make decisions without the Council's input. Likewise, the City Manager has decision-making authority over particular issues. She can make decisions without a Board, Commission, or the City Council's input.
When a Board or Commission makes a decision, the Council sometimes has an opportunity to call it up for an independent review by the Council. Likewise, when the City Manager decides, some Boards and Commissions can call it up for an independent review.
What types of decisions can be called up?
Many! Development or redevelopment applications undergo one or more review processes to ensure they comply with city ordinances, plans, and policies.
The list below reflects simplified overviews of a few of the most common decisions subject to Council call-ups. It does not include all decisions subject to call-ups.
Use Review, Site Review
A use review considers whether activities inside the building align with city rules and regulations, and a site review considers whether the building's shape and size align with city rules and regulations.
The City Manager and staff make the first decision regarding use or site reviews. The Planning Board may call up the application, or a community member may appeal to the Board within 14 days. A public hearing is held within 60 days of the call-up or appeal, and a final decision is made within 30 days of the public hearing.
The City Council may call up the decision for a public hearing within 30 days of the Planning Board's decision. The public hearing must be held within 60 days of the Council's call-up, and a final decision must be made within 30 days of the public hearing.
Concept Plan
A concept plan gives applicants an opportunity for earlier, non-binding feedback on whether their initial plans address the city's requirements. The comments decision-makers give to applicants inform the later site review application.
The applicant submits the concept plan to the City Manager, who gets input from the community and forwards the community input and concept plan to the Planning Board. The Planning Board holds a public hearing and provides comments for the applicant. The Council can call up the concept plan for a public hearing within 30 days of the Planning Board hearing.
Landmark Alteration Certificates
A landmark alteration certificate is often required when someone wants to change a designated landmark site or a feature in a designated historic district. The Landmarks Board receives the application and approves or denies it. City Council may call up the Landmarks Board's decision within 14 days of an approval (or 30 days of a denial). The Council's public hearing must be within 45 days of the Board's decision and issue a decision within 30 days of the public hearing.
Why does a call-up happen?
Sometimes, the applicant asks for a call-up because they want feedback from one or more decision-making bodies (e.g., a concept plan). Sometimes, a decision-making body may wish to review the decision themselves (e.g., the Council isn't sure if they agree with the Planning Board on a Site Review). Sometimes, an issue may cause enough talk in the community that one or more decision-making bodies feel the issue deserves an extra public hearing for community members to provide feedback, regardless of the decision.
