Advises the Council concerning social welfare needs. Creates citizen awareness and encourages improved standards. Assists in the administration of the Community Action Program.  The commission shall consist of nine members. This commission is not subject to BMC Sections 2.04.030--…

Approves or denies permits related to the use and development of land in Berkeley.Current Year Meeting Dates 

Advises the City Council on matters relating to environmental sustainability and climate change.

Designates structures and sites having special historical and architectural interest and value.  Encourages preservation, maintains list of landmarks or historic sites, and reviews construction, alteration, and demolition permit applications.

The Commission recommends modifications to the General Plan and related policy documents. All Zoning Ordinance amendments are developed through this Commission and recommended to the City Council. Other purviews include subdivision map consideration and review and comments on substantial projects from surrounding jurisdictions.

Reviews and evaluates the community’s mental health needs, resources, and programs.

Review the vegetation management portion of the Fire Code to ensure that it is clear, reflects unique local conditions, and incorporates the best available fire science (inclusive of any more conservative code adopted by the California Board of Forestry); then return with additional amendments to the City Council before December 31, 2025 as part of the Fire Department’s Triennial Fire Code Update…

Charged with actively promoting the total integration and participation of persons with disabilities into all areas of economic, political, and community life. Membership shall be made up primarily of persons who have disabilities.

The SAFE STREETS Citizen Oversight Committee’s (SSCOC) mission is to review expenditures and progress reports from the City Manager and City Auditor to ensure compliance with the intent of Measure FF (passed by voters on November 5, 2024), evaluate the impacts and outcomes of tax expenditures on stated goals, and prepare public reports on the Committee’s findings.

Advises the City Council on all matters affecting fire safety and/or disaster resilience within Berkeley. Serves as the citizens’ oversight committee for expenditure of the proceeds of the Special Tax to Fund Fire Protection and Emergency Response and Preparedness, as set forth in BMC Section 7.81.060.