Logo courtesy of the City of Gridley

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - City officials may consider a potential ordinance change that would expand eligibility rules for Planning Commission appointments, opening the door for more residents living just outside Gridley to serve.

The discussion emerged during the March 6 council review of Planning Commission vacancies, where officials noted ongoing difficulty filling seats under current restrictions. The existing municipal code allows only one commissioner to live outside Gridley’s city limits, within a half‑mile boundary.

City officials said that limitation has reduced the applicant pool, with half of recent applicants deemed ineligible because they lived just outside the city. Of four applicants, only two, Sierra Fisher and Jose Santana, met the current residency requirements and were appointed. 

Under the proposal being discussed, the council could amend the ordinance to allow additional seats to be filled by residents living just beyond city limits, while still maintaining a majority of commissioners within the city, Gidley officials said. 

“I would be interested in making at least two seats open to that, but not three,” Vice Mayor Bruce Johnson said, emphasizing the need to keep local representation as the majority.

Planning Commission Chair Maria Espino told the council she supported expanding eligibility, noting she currently serves as the lone commissioner living just outside city limits but remains actively involved in the community. Espino said her family participates in Gridley sports, shops locally, and is engaged in city activities, showing that many residents just beyond the boundary are deeply connected to the city.

Deputy City Attorney Landon Little said the residency requirement is not required under state law but is established by local ordinance. Any change would require a formal amendment with two readings by the council and a 30‑day waiting period before taking effect.

Prior to his appointment, former Planning Commissioner Santana addressed the council and spoke about his interest in serving again. He said he was born and raised in Gridley. With two children currently attending Gridley schools, Santana said he has always had a passion for helping the community, noting his volunteer work, coaching youth baseball and participating in local service efforts. 

“I want to make it better and have a better community,” he told the council.

Officials said expanding eligibility could help address recruitment challenges while still ensuring local oversight of planning decisions. 

The Gridley Planning Commission reviews development proposals, zoning changes and land‑use matters, making recommendations to the City Council on projects that shape the city’s growth and future development.

Little said there is no conflict for council members to actively seek volunteers to serve the city in that capacity.