A planning commission is a group of appointed officials which oversees city planning. These officials are charged with controlling growth, promoting economic health, and improving the quality of life for all citizens. The exact organization and duties of a planning commission vary, depending on where it is, but generally the commission meets on a regular basis to consider issues of interest, including permit applications. These meetings are usually open to the public, and public comment on city planning issues is encouraged.The concept of civil planning is quite ancient. One of the earliest clearly planned cities is in India, and although the city is now in ruins, the traces of a sewer system and other measures taken to create a healthy, happy city can clearly be seen. The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans also used civil planning to map out their cities and consider acceptable boundaries for new construction and enterprise. As the human population has grown, the issue has become more important, and many nations around the world mandate some version of a planning commission in their towns and cities to ensure that growth is regulated. |