Planning Commission

Overview

The Planning Commission is responsible for making recommendations to City Council on all phases of city planning, including preparation and maintenance of a Comprehensive Plan, zoning, use permits, subdivision control, and any other powers and duties provided by General Law and Council action. (VA Code 15.1-437, City Charter 12.02)

The Planning Commission Procedures and Rules (PDF) contains information regarding how to speak for or against a project on the agenda, typical meeting progression, when items are heard, and protocol for these public hearings. The proponents and opponents of the application will be requested to fill out a speaker card, located at the entrance of the Council Chambers, and submit it to the Recording Secretary of the Commission prior to the 7 p.m. opening of the meeting.

Electronic Comment Form

If you would like to submit comments electronically regarding an upcoming agenda item, please use the Electronic Comment Form and they will be shared with the Planning Commission prior to the meeting. Comments must be received by 4 p.m. on the day of the Planning Commission meeting.

Development Mapping

This mapping tool can be used to see where a development is proposed, track approval, and search a development near an address. 

Use this Step-by-Step Guide (PDF) to learn about all of the information available in our new web mapping tool.