The Planning Commission is a seven (7)-member board appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council.  They have the responsibility of overseeing and enforcing the Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the provisions of Act 207 of the Public Acts of Michigan for 1921.  Their purpose is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community; to promote and to determine the highest and best use of the property and to prevent as much as possible the adverse impacts resulting from competing land uses.  Their decisions have a serious effect on the use and value of land in the City and surrounding area and they consider the long-term interest of the community and its growth.  Their job includes site plan review and issuing conditional use permits for property additions and new businesses.  They act as mediator, interpreter and visionary without being hampered by the political considerations that influence the elected officials.  The Planning Commission recommends to the Council adoption and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan
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