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Planning Commission Membership

Overview

As outlined in the bylaws of the Planning Commission and pursuant to State law their duties are as follow:

  1. Draft, conduct hearings, and recommend a Zoning Ordinance, and subsequent amendments thereto, to the city council.
  2. Assist the City Council in adopting a Master Plan, review the Plan regularly, and make necessary updates as required.
  3. Prepare an Annual Report to the City Council.
  4. Review and take action, or recommend appropriate actions to City Council on-site plan, special land use, and planned unit development requests.
  5. Prepare special studies and plans, as deemed necessary by the Commission or City Council.
  6. Attend training sessions, conferences, or meetings as needed to properly fulfill the duties of commissioner.
  7. Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be requested by the City Council.
  8. Members of the commission may conduct such site visits as deemed necessary to evaluate the application and supporting material. Site visits shall be conducted individually unless otherwise scheduled by the commission, obeying all requirements of the Open Meetings Act.

The Planning Commission enjoys all the powers granted to it by Public Act 33 of 2008, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, as well as the St. Ignace Code, Chapter 2, Division III.

Desired Background

The only formal membership requirements for the Planning Commission are that it shall consist of 7 members, nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Members of the commission shall be residents of the City of St. Ignace, except that two members may reside outside the City, pursuant to 125.3815 Section 15 (4) of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act.

While no other formal requirements exist, members should have a general interest or working knowledge of land use planning, architecture, building construction, economic development, engineering, real estate development, or community service. Leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are a plus. 

Expectations

Members are expected to

  1. Attend all meetings,
  2. Engage in planning & zoning training,
  3. Keep an open mind,
  4. Review all materials before meetings,
  5. Have a working knowledge of local government and governing documents, such as the City Code and the Zoning Ordinance,
  6. Follow the Planning Commission bylaws.

How Can I Become a Commissioner?

Planning Commission vacancies are filled by the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council. Vacancies will be filled as they occur; an application of interest can be submitted at any time to be kept on file.