Overview
The Planning Commission’s primary responsibility is to help plan for the community’s future. Planning Commissions are typically composed of volunteer residents appointed by the mayor to serve as an advisory body to the municipality’s legislative body on matters involving planning, land use, growth, and community development, typically for a period of 2-4 years. Although Planning Commissioners are not elected officials, they play an important role in shaping how a community grows and develops over time.
Planning Commissioners help ensure that decisions made today support the community’s long-term vision and goals. They review and make recommendations on planning documents such as the general plan, proposed amendments to land use regulations, zoning map changes, subdivision ordinances, and other policies that influence the future use and development of land. Their recommendations help the legislative body make informed decisions that balance private property rights with the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
Depending on the community’s ordinances, the Planning Commission may also serve as the land use authority for certain development applications. In that role, the Planning Commission acts in an administrative capacity by applying adopted ordinances to specific applications rather than creating new policy. Understanding when the Planning Commission is acting in an advisory role versus an administrative role is one of the most important responsibilities of every Planning Commissioner.
Effective Planning Commissioners are expected to review information carefully, ask thoughtful questions, consider public input, and base their recommendations and decisions on adopted plans, ordinances, and applicable state law. While Planning Commissioners often bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the table, they share a common responsibility to make fair, informed, and impartial decisions that serve the best interests of the entire community.
Planning Commissioners generally serve staggered terms and may be reappointed for additional terms, depending on the municipality’s ordinances. During their service, Planning Commissioners are encouraged to participate in ongoing training to remain familiar with changes in state law, planning practices, and local regulations.
Content Contributors: Jones and DeMille Engineering, Inc, Hansen Planning Group, LLC / Rural Community Consultants
Special Note: This material was developed by civiclinQ for the Land Use Academy of Utah (LUAU). Funding for the development of this material was provided by through the Land Use Training Fund, which is administered by the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman , utilizing a portion of the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.
The role of this organization in administering funding is primarily administrative and should not be viewed as legal advice. Always consult your legal representative when addressing land use activities.
Use the ‘Materials’ tab above to view related course materials, including printable pass-along card and PDF version of this online course.
Basic training; not technical and riddled with exceptions. This training would be good for people running for local public office to see as well as people who are nominated to planning commissions. It would also be good for government employees who compile and provide information to those bodies, so everyone understands the importance of thorough and correct information prior to any discussion.