Planning Commission

The Planning Commission's first function is the research and development of the Master Plan for presentation and approval by the City Council. The Master Plan sets long term goals for determining the intensity and geographical arrangements of various land uses. The Master Plan allows for long range strategies. The past and current Planning Board has adopted a strategy of Smart Growth Tenets that help insure maximum land use benefits for the residents of the City.

Secondly, the Planning Commission monitors the use and implementation of the Zoning Ordinance, and makes recommendations for revisions to the City Council when needed. The Zoning Ordinance is the legal and regulatory structure of land use with the purpose of protecting the public health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of the City.

Other functions of the Planning Commission include review of: special use permits and requests for zoning amendments for submission to the City Council, or any other powers or duties assigned by the City Council derived from the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, 2008 PA33

The Planning Commission is a, non-political, five (5) member board. Each member holds a three (3) year appointment. The Planning Commission meets regularly on the Second Monday of each month. Meetings are held at 3:30 pm in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Any special meetings will be posted as to meet the requirements of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976.