Planning commission
A planning commission is an appointed board that reviews development requests and long-range plans, then advises or decides.
Also called planning and zoning commission, P&Z, or planning board.
What it tells you
Planning commission agendas are often the first place a project shows up in public, with a staff report, plans, and the applicant's name. The commission's recommendation and conditions show what the council will be asked to approve.
How it moves through a city or county
- Staff place the request on the agenda with a report and a recommendation.
- The commission holds a public hearing when one is required.
- It votes to approve, deny, recommend, or continue the item.
- Recommendations go to the council; some decisions end at the commission unless appealed.
In some places the commission makes final decisions on plats and use permits; in others it only advises. Names vary too, like planning and zoning commission or planning board.
Recent site plans, plats, and use permits
From public filings in Florida, New Mexico, and Utah.
| Project | Location | Developer | Type | Size | Stage | Latest meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45-Lot Residential Subdivision on 11.17 Acres | Bernalillo, NM | Gamma Development LLC | Single-family | 45 units11.2 acres | Approved | |
| 21-Unit Residential Subdivision on 13.4 Acres | Syracuse, UT | Davis School District | Single-family | 21 homes13.4 acres | Approved | |
| 71-Unit Residential Development on 10.87 Acres | Indiantown, FL | D.R. Horton | Single-family | 71 homes10.9 acres | Approved |
As of How we count
Common questions
- Does the planning commission make the final decision?
- The planning commission makes the final decision on some requests and only recommends on others. It usually recommends on rezonings and plan amendments, and often decides plats, site plans, or use permits, depending on the local code.
- Where can I find planning commission agendas?
- Planning commission agendas are posted on the city or county website, usually several days before the meeting, with packets and later the minutes. Boardwalk collects them and links each project to its filing.
Related terms
Rules vary by state, county, and city. These pages describe common practice, not legal advice.
See what planning commissions are reviewing.
Boardwalk reads planning commission agendas, minutes, and packets, and links each project to them.