The Planning Commission makes the final decision on subdivision plats, development plans, waiver requests and elevation plans for some commercial buildings. For zoning map amendments, the Commission makes a recommendation that is forwarded to the City Council.

The Planning Commission prepares the Comprehensive Plan under the procedures of state law for the community to use in the development of local land use regulations such as the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. The five-member Commission also holds hearings for map amendment requests and zoning text amendments and conducts commercial design review for development projects.