Local Planning Commissions

Local commissions staffed by a set number of residents appointed by the local legislative body (usually the city/town council or board of supervisors) to consider land use planning matters. The commission's duties and powers are established by the local legislative body and may include hearing proposals to amend the general plan or rezone land, initiating planning studies (e.g., road alignments, identification of seismic hazards), and taking action on proposed subdivisions. In some municipalities and counties, the planning commission simply advises the legislative body on the proposals that come before them, leaving actual approval to the council or board of supervisors. More commonly, they have the power to approve proposals, subject to appeal to the council or board of supervisors. Planning commissions do not, however, have final say on matters of policy such as zone changes and general or specific/area plan amendments.