I just discovered another useful resource at the San Jose Planning Department website. Last time I wrote about the Historical Overview and Context maintained by Planning. Last week I found Planning in San Jose, a basic guide to what every San Josean should know about the planning department.

Some of the useful information in the booklet includes: a description of the planning and permitting process; the role of the Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, and City Council in Planning; the role of other agencies like Public Works and Code Enforcement; descriptions of the various kinds of permits available from the city; and a guide to participating effectively at public meetings.

There are a couple of public meetings coming up where you could show off your newfound knowledge after reading this booklet:

Envision San Jose 2040 Task Force

I wrote about Envision San Jose 2040 once before.

• Will select the growth scenarios to be studied in the environmental impact report.
• Informational web site
• Mon., March 23, 6:30 pm, at San Jose City Hall Wing Rooms

Community Meetings on the Sign Code Update

• Informational flyer (pdf)
• Wed., March 25, 7 pm, at Roosevelt Community Center, 901 E. Santa Clara St.
• Thurs., March 26, 7 pm, at Pearl Library Community Room, 4270 Pearl Ave.
• Contact: Carol Hamilton

Community Meeting on the Draft Housing Element

• To discuss San Jose’s plans to provide its fair share of the Bay Areas housing needs, as part of the 2020 General Plan
• Mon., March 30, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
• City Council Wing, Room W-119
• RSVP by email to Allen Tai.