Planning Commission

Definition in Detail

A Planning Commission is a panel composed of citizens who are appointed by local government authorities to serve in an advisory capacity regarding urban development and land use regulation. The primary responsibilities of the Planning Commission include:

Conducting Public Hearings: To gather public opinion on proposed changes to zoning laws or comprehensive plans.
Recommending Amendments: Suggesting modifications to existing zoning ordinances and other land-use regulations based on their evaluation and public input.
Overseeing Planning Departments: Working closely with professional planning staff who develop and implement comprehensive plans.

These commissions are also charged with balancing community interests to foster fair, responsible, and sustainable development. They may also be referred to by different names such as a zoning commission, planning board, or zoning board, depending on the municipality.

Examples

Rezoning for Residential Use: Moore wishes to have her land rezoned from low-density to high-density residential. She submits her request to the Planning Commission. The commission conducts a public hearing and asks the planning department to evaluate the change. Following the review, the commission makes a recommendation to the city council on whether or not to grant the rezoning request.
Commercial Development: A developer proposes a new commercial project in a neighborhood currently zoned for residential usage only. The Planning Commission holds a series of hearings with stakeholders before making a well-informed recommendation to the local government for potential zoning change approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Planning Commission?

A Planning Commission provides guidance on zoning and land use issues, makes recommendations on amendments to zoning ordinances, and contributes to the development of comprehensive plans for urban growth.

How are members of the Planning Commission chosen?

Typically, members are appointed by local government officials such as the mayor or city council. Appointments often consider an individual’s expertise, community involvement, and willingness to serve.

Can Planning Commission decisions be overridden?

Yes, the decisions or recommendations made by a Planning Commission can be overridden or modified by higher authorities such as city councils or county boards.

What is the difference between a Planning Commission and a Zoning Board?

While the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, a Planning Commission typically focuses on the broader aspects of planning and development, including comprehensive planning and zoning recommendations. A Zoning Board often handles more specific issues, such as appeals on zoning decisions.

Is public participation important in the Planning Commission process?

Absolutely. Public hearings and forums are integral to the Planning Commission process as they ensure community members can have a say in land use decisions that affect their neighborhoods.

Zoning Ordinance: Laws adopted by local governments that regulate the use of land and structures built upon it.
Rezoning: The process of changing the zoning classification of particular parcels of land.
Comprehensive Plan: A long-term plan used to guide future growth and development of a community, focusing on land use, housing, infrastructure, and public services.
Public Hearing: A formal meeting where community members can express their opinions on issues being considered by the Planning Commission.
Urban Planning: The process by which a community shapes its physical development and the arrangement of its land use.

Online Resources

References

Local Government Commission. “The Role of Planning Commissions in Your Community.” [Online]. Available: http://www.lgc.org
American Planning Association. “Planning and Urban Development Basics.” [Online]. Available: https://www.planning.org

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The Practice of Local Government Planning” by Charles J. Hoch
“Urban Planning for Dummies” by Jordan Yin
“Reflections on Regionalism” by Bruce Katz

Planning Commission Fundamentals Quiz

### What is the primary function of a Planning Commission? - [x] To recommend changes to zoning ordinances - [ ] To issue building permits - [ ] To conduct property appraisals - [ ] To manage property taxes > **Explanation:** The primary function of a Planning Commission is to advise on changes to zoning ordinances and development plans within the community. ### In most local governments, who appoints members to the Planning Commission? - [x] Local government officials - [ ] Real estate developers - [ ] Homeowners associations - [ ] School boards > **Explanation:** Members of the Planning Commission are typically appointed by local government officials such as mayors or city councils. ### What type of proceedings do Planning Commissions commonly conduct to gather public input? - [ ] Private meetings - [ ] Financial audits - [x] Public hearings - [ ] Silent auctions > **Explanation:** Planning Commissions commonly conduct public hearings to gather input from community members on various land use and zoning issues. ### Which term is synonymous with a Planning Commission in certain localities? - [ ] Property Assessor - [x] Zoning Board - [ ] Building Inspector - [ ] Utilities Manager > **Explanation:** In some localities, a Planning Commission may also be known as a zoning board or zoning commission. ### When seeking a land rezoning, what is a property owner's first step? - [ ] Submitting a petition to neighboring residents - [x] Submitting a request to the Planning Commission - [ ] Directly contacting the city council - [ ] Hiring a private investigator > **Explanation:** When seeking a land rezoning, the property owner's first step is generally to submit a formal request to the Planning Commission. ### How can community members influence the decisions of a Planning Commission? - [ ] Purchasing stock in local businesses - [ ] Making anonymous cash donations - [x] Participating in public hearings - [ ] Circulating on social media > **Explanation:** Community members can influence the decisions of a Planning Commission by actively participating in public hearings and expressing their views. ### What is one of the main documents used by Planning Commissions to guide urban development? - [ ] A marketing plan - [ ] An inventory list - [x] A comprehensive plan - [ ] A weather forecast > **Explanation:** One of the main documents used by Planning Commissions to guide urban development is a comprehensive plan. ### Which factor is NOT typically within the purview of a Planning Commission? - [ ] Rezoning parcels of land - [ ] Reviewing development projects - [x] Collecting utility payments - [ ] Conducting public forums > **Explanation:** Collecting utility payments is not typically within the purview of a Planning Commission. ### How often are comprehensive plans updated? - [ ] Monthly - [ ] Quarterly - [x] Every five to ten years - [ ] Only once during a decade > **Explanation:** Comprehensive plans are generally updated every five to ten years to reflect growth and changes in the community. ### Why might a rezoning request be denied by a Planning Commission? - [ ] Excessive paperwork - [ ] Lack of public interest - [x] Conflicting with the comprehensive plan - [ ] High cost of evaluation > **Explanation:** A rezoning request might be denied if it conflicts with the comprehensive plan which serves as a guiding document for the community's development.