Definition

Noun: A planning commission is a formally appointed group or committee tasked with developing and proposing comprehensive plans for future activities, land use, and development within a specific jurisdiction, such as a city or county.

Usage

A planning commission is an official advisory or regulatory body. Its primary function is to study long-term needs and create detailed proposals (plans) to guide growth, infrastructure, zoning, and community development. These plans are then typically submitted to a legislative body (like a city council) for approval.

Examples

• The planning commission will review the proposed downtown redesign next Tuesday.
• Before the new housing subdivision can be approved, it must meet the guidelines set by the local planning commission.
• Citizens are encouraged to attend planning commission meetings to voice their opinions on the new park.

Advanced Usage

• Serve on/Sit on a planning commission: To be an appointed member of such a group.
  • She served on the city's planning commission for over a decade.
• Planning commission hearing/meeting: A formal gathering where the commission discusses proposals and takes public input.
  • The developer presented the project at a planning commission hearing.

Variants and Related Words

• Plan (n/v): The detailed proposal or the act of creating such a proposal.
• Commission (n): A group of people officially authorized to perform certain duties.
• Zoning Commission/Board: A related body that often works closely with or is part of a planning commission, specifically focused on zoning regulations.
• Urban Planning: The professional discipline concerned with the design and regulation of urban spaces.

Synonyms

• Development committee
• Planning board
• Urban planning commission

Related Phrases

• Master plan: The comprehensive long-term plan often developed by a planning commission.
  • The planning commission spent two years drafting the new master plan.
• Submit to the planning commission: To formally present a project or proposal for their review.
  • All major construction projects must be submitted to the planning commission.

Noun

1. a commission delegated to propose plans for future activities and developments