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LMC <br />INFORMATION MEMO <br />LEAGUE of Planning Commission Guide <br />MINNESOTA <br />CITIES <br />Learn ways the city may create, change, or discontinue a city planning commission. Get information <br />on appointment of members, commission powers and duties, and meeting rules. Understand council <br />and planning commission roles in creating a comprehensive plan for growth and development, and <br />how to implement it. Learn about ways to participate in joint or multijurisdictional planning. <br />RELEVANT LINKS: <br />Minn. Stat. § 462.355. <br />Minn. Stat. § 473.175. <br />Minn. Stat. § 462.352, subd <br />3. <br />Minn. Stat. § 462.354, subd <br />1. <br />Minn. Stat. § 462.354. <br />Minn. Stat. § 410.12. <br />See Handbook, The Horne <br />Rule Charter City. <br />I. Creation of a city planning commission <br />State law encourages all cities to prepare and implement a comprehensive <br />land use plan. In addition, cities within the seven -county metro area are <br />required to adopt comprehensive plans. Under state law, the city planning <br />commission or planning department is delegated the authority to create the <br />city's comprehensive plan. <br />A comprehensive plan is an expression of a community's vision for growth <br />and development. It is also a strategic map to reach that vision. <br />Comprehensive planning is an important tool for cities ensure a safe, <br />pleasant, and economical environment for residential, commercial, industrial, <br />and public activities. <br />The first step in creating a comprehensive plan is the creation of a city <br />planning agency. A planning agency can be either a planning commission or <br />a planning department with an advisory planning commission. Planning <br />commissions are the most prevalent form of planning agencies in Minnesota. <br />This memorandum discusses the commission form of a planning agency in <br />depth. In most instances, the laws related to planning commissions will apply <br />to planning departments as well. However, cities interested in forming a <br />planning department as their main planning agency, or who currently operate <br />a planning department, should consult their city attorney for guidance. <br />The planning commission must be created by city ordinance or charter <br />provision. When a planning commission is created by ordinance, a simple <br />majority of councilmembers present is needed to adopt the ordinance. When <br />a planning commission is created by charter, the statutory provisions for <br />amending a charter must be followed. In drafting a planning commission <br />ordinance or charter provision, a city will need to include provisions related <br />to: <br />• Size or number of planning commission members. <br />• Terms of members. <br />• Organization and structure. <br />• Powers and duties. <br />This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. <br />145 University Ave. West <br />Saint Paul, MN 55103-2044 <br />www.lmc.org <br />(651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-1122 <br />12/16/2024 <br />© 2024 All Rights Reserved <br />