Planning Commission

Overview

Ordinance #113 adopted in August of 1968, established the Planning Commission. The City Council appointed Commission consists of nine members who serve terms not exceeding three years without reappointment. The Commission is an activity within the General Fund charged with several key responsibilities. The mission of the Planning Commission involves the preparation of a Master Land Use Plan for the physical development of the City. In furthering the policies and objectives of the adopted Master Land Use Plan, the Planning Commission is also empowered to review and approve a comprehensive Municipal lmprovement Program (MIP) for public structures and improvements.

Similarly, the Planning Commission reviews and approves the development plans on all parks in accordance with the City's adopted Recreation Plan and Municipal lmprovement Program.

The Planning Commission reviews and approves subdivision plats of land for conformity with various elements of the Master Land Use Plan and adopted City ordinances. The Commission also provides recommendations to the City Council on amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Regulation Ordinances. The Commission reviews and recommends plans related to municipal facilities.

The review and approval of special land uses, temporary uses, and temporary buildings are also included among the key responsibilities of the Planning Commission. Recommendations are provided to the City Council relative to proposed projects under the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The members of the Planning Commission are compensated as appointed officials. Much of its budgeted expenditures are related to the recording services for the meetings, the publishing of notices or minutes, education and training, and other related matters.

The current Master Land Use Plan was developed and adopted by the Planning Commission in February, 2017.

Board and Commission Member Standards

In addition to the outlined qualifications for all Board and Commission members as outlined by the City, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals members shall seek to achieve certain standards for membership. Click here to learn more.

To see an overview of the appointment process, please click here to learn more. 

To view the bylaws for the Planning Commission, please click here to learn more.  

Annual Report

The Planning Commission provides an Annual Report to City Council to report on the prior year's activities. To view the current and previous annual reports, click the link below. 

Annual Reports Page

Master Plan

Our Master Plan is now open for public comment. Comments and feedback can be sent to jparcell@sterlingheights.gov.