Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/07/2011

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See LMC information memo Planning Commission Guide Minn. Stat. § 462.354, subd. 1 Minn. Stat. § 462.357, subd. 3 Minn. Stat. § 462.357, subd. 3 1. The zoning administrator Typically, a city will have a staff person who acts as the "Zoning Administrator" who is the first point of contact with the public on zoning matters and provides and receives zoning application forms. Generally, this person will also perform a preliminary review of the application, refer the application to the Planning Commission (if one exists) or City Council for review and offer one or both bodies a staff report reviewing the adequacy of the application. Depending on the size of the city and the number of zoning applications the city typically receives, the position of zoning administrator may be a full -time position or a part-time position. In some cities, the city clerk simply bears the additional title of zoning administrator. 2. The planning commission Cities may choose to establish planning commissions to assist in zoning administration, but are not required to do so. (However, if a city has adopted a comprehensive plan, a planning commission is mandatory). Usually, it is a good idea to create a planning commission, because city council officials have multiple budgeting, legislative and administrative duties that they must perform in addition to their land use responsibilities Planning commissions, on the other hand, are usually composed of people who focus solely on zoning and development and, thus, can devote their full attention. Planning commissions are created by ordinance or charter and may vary in size. City council members may be appointed to serve as commission members. Once formed, planning commissions, with city council consent, may adopt bylaws or their own rules of procedure. The city may provide the planning commission with staff, including legal counsel, as necessary. In many cities all zoning applications for conditional use permits, rezoning and variances are submitted to the planning commission for review. If a planning commission exists, state law requires that the planning commission must review zoning ordinance amendments and amendments to the official map. With limited exceptions, the planning commission's role in reviewing all types of zoning applications is generally advisory. The City Council usually gives the planning commission recommendations great weight in their considerations, but is not bound by them. The planning commission may hold required public hearings on behalf of the city council, such as a hearing for a zoning ordinance amendment. ZONING GUIDE FOR CITIES 29