Planning & Zoning

The Planning Commission shall have the powers and duties provided it by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462 those indicated in this Ordinance, and such other powers and duties as the Township Board may delegate to it. Unless directed otherwise by the Township Board, the Planning Commission shall be responsible for conducting such hearings as may be required by law or by ordinance to implement and administer the Township’s official controls.

• Assist in preparing and updating the Comprehensive Plan. This plan contains the goals, policies, standards, and maps which guide the physical, social, and economic development of a community. The planning commission assists in establishing these goals and policies by studying background data, examining development problems and opportunities, and working to create a vision of the future of the community.
• Assist in preparing or reviewing official controls such as zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, site plan regulations, building codes, well ordinances, sanitary codes, gravel extraction ordinances, and others.
• Review and make recommendations on development proposals, rezoning, subdivisions, variances request and conditional/special use permits.
• Assist in the preparation of a Capital Improvement Program.
• Act as liaison to other governmental units such as the school district, regional planning agencies, and state agencies.

Through these activities, the planning commission instills the planning perspective into the local government’s decision making processes.

Commission Members