Planning Department Organizational Structure

A city's planning functions typically are divided between two groups, the planning department and the planning commission. Although their activities overlap, there are important distinctions between the two.

The planning department is a city staff made up of paid professional planners, whose job is to provide technical and professional input on planning issues and decisions. The organizational structure for the staff of a typical medium-sized city is shown below.


Planning Department Organizational Chart
Primary Responsibilities of a Planning DepartmentThe planning department has primary responsibility for a number of functions, as listed below:
  1. Maintain/ update the Master Plan and coordinate city planning efforts
  2. Provide planning recommendations to Planning Commission
  3. Provide info to the Planning Commission, City Council and the public
  4. Prepare capital improvements budget
  5. Facilitate interdepartmental cooperation

Coordination with other city agencies

Many city agencies have a role in giving approvals for development proposals. The planning department's role is to facilitate the coordination of these approvals and ensure interdepartmental cooperation. This can be a complex task, as illustrated in the list below describing Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Building Department
- Off-street parking
- Signs and outdoor advertising
- Landscape and screening
- Fences
Building/Engineering Departments
- Soil erosion
- Sedimentation control
- Storm water retention
Community Development Block Grant Department
- Housing Assistance Plan
Engineering Department
- Street curb cuts
- Construction specifications
Fire Department
- Fire Department standards
Historic District Commission
- Historic preservation
Parks and Recreation Department
- Street tree escrow regulations
- Resolution regarding guidelines for park dedication
Planning Department
- Zoning ordinance
- Resolution regarding public improvements for new developments
Solid Waste Department
- Refuse
Transportation Department
- Traffic impact regulations
- Street curb cuts
Suggested other pages...
Profile of Planning DepartmentThe Planning Commission
The Downtown Master Plan