Planning commissioners are on the front line regarding the issues that matter most to many communities.  Their leadership is crucial in developing recommendations for implementing change in land use as well as promoting responsible and sustainable land use practice.  Planning commissions assist in defining how the community should grow, review subdivision and land development plans and assume primary responsibility for developing ordinances necessary to guide future growth.

Literally, the planning commission has two functions at the request of the governing body; to prepare a comprehensive plan and to keep records of all its actions.  Under the Municipalities Planning Code Section 209.1, it is also empowered to carry out sixteen other duties, among them:

1. Make recommendations to the governing body concerning the adoption or amendment  of an official map

2. Prepare, recommend and administer subdivision and land development and planned residential development regulations.

3. Prepare and present to the governing body of the municipality a zoning ordinance; and make recommendations on proposed amendments

Planning Commissioners are leaders in their communities, and as such, have great potential to shape the future of their homes.  As a whole the planning commission also has many responsibilities.  It is expected to oversee the growth and development of the community and to insure that community’s infrastructure is prepared for any growth and development.

1.  The Planning Commission in Pennsylvania; PA Governor’s Center for Local Government Services

Matt Milliren

Francene Drake        

Joseph Pampanin

Frank Pazzaglia       

Donald Rohrbach                      

Jennifer Yanek