MSU Extension Planning

Many planning commission meetings focus on zoning permit requests with a rare consideration of, or discussion on, the master plan. If that is all that is being done, the community may not be realizing the full potential of their planning commission.

The Michigan Planning Enabling Act charges local government planning commissions with doing much more. This article reviews the fundamental duties and purposes of a planning commission. Each duty should get the same amount of attention as a request for an administrative zoning decision, such as a special land use permit. Each duty is equally important to the next and listed as follows:

• Conduct studies of existing and future conditions, surveys, probable growth (MCL 125.3831, 125.3807, 125.3831(2)(a)). This is often a fact book or data portion of the master plan. It often includes sections on economic development, demographics, physical development and the environment.
• Prepare an assessment of the community’s existing and forecasted housing demands, with strategies and policies for addressing those demands (125.3833(2)(e)).
• Create a master plan to guide development, often projecting 20 years or more into the future focusing on land use, transportation, public transit, waterways, waterfront, sewer, water supply, utilities, recommendations for redevelopment, improvements to public infrastructure, a conceptual plan for zoning (i.e., the zoning plan) and policies for the implementation of master plan goals (MCL 125.3831, 125.3833, 125.3867).
• Promotion of public interest and understanding of the master plan and promotion of the master plan (MCL 125.3851). This is often done by producing a flyer, summary or poster about the plan.
• Prepare subplans to more closely study and guide development in specific geographic areas or on special topics (MCL 125.3835).
• Adoption of part or all of a county master plan (MCL 125.3847).
• Manage the master plan, subplan, plan amendment adoption process (MCL 125.3839 to 125.3845).
• Cooperate with neighboring and area local governments (MCL 125.3831(2)(b), 125.3831(3)).
• Cooperate with state and federal governments (MCL 125.3831(2)(c)).
• Cooperate with other agencies of its government (MCL 125.3831(2)(c)).
• If it is a county planning commission: Serve as a coordinating agency for all planning in the county (intergovernmental coordination). If it is a municipal planning commission: Participate in the county or larger regional planning efforts (MCL 125.3837).
• Prepare a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for capital expenditures of the government (MCL 125.3865). The local legislative body may assign this function elsewhere or retain final approval of the CIP.
• Recommend CIP elements regardless of who prepares the CIP (MCL 125.3867).
• Infrastructure reviews of proposed public improvements in the jurisdiction (MCL 125.3861).
• Subdivision (site-condo) reviews as well as development of a land division/subdivision/site-condo ordinance (MCL 125.3871).
• Prepare an annual report (MCL 125.3819(2)).
• Prepare and submit a budget for the coming year (MCL 125.3823(2)).
• Prepare an annual work program as part of the annual report and budget (MCL 125.3823 & 125.3819(2)).
• Keep public records of its meetings and other documents, in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (MCL 125.3819).
• Hold at least four meetings per year, with all meetings complying with the Open Meetings Act (MCL 125.3821).
• Respond to requests for a copy of the zoning ordinance (and updates as they happen) by the county planning commission (MCL 125.3869).

In addition, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act and the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act provides planning commissions with certain powers to perform the duties listed above. They are:

• Hire a planning director and/or zoning administrator (if delegated to the planning commission) (MCL 125.3825).
• Contract for services (if in budget and delegated to the planning commission) (MCL 125.3825).
• Apply for and receive grants (if supported by the legislative body) (MCL 125.3823(3)).
• Review city, village, township, county (within and adjacent) plans (MCL 125.3841(3)).
• If a county planning commission: Review township zoning and amendments (MCL 125.3101 et seq.).
• Adopt bylaws (MCL 125.3819).
• Elect officers (chair, secretary) (MCL 125.3817).
• Appoint advisory committees (MCL 125.3817).
• Regularly attend educational training programs and meetings (MCL 125.3823(1)).

A commitment to regular training and education for new and experienced commissioners is a critical element for all local and county planning commissions. Michigan State University Extension offers many programs and resources for local government planning commissions to realize their full potential. Programs can be customized to the planning commission based on member needs or interest. Typical training topics include Ethical Decision-making, Master Planning, Public Engagement, Site Plan Review and much more. Explore MSU Extension planning resources and land use planning and zoning training programs.