The City Planning Commission consists of 9 volunteer members who are appointed by the Mayor for a term of approximately 3 to 5 years. The Commission helps guide the orderly growth of the City by making recommendations to City Council regarding requested zone changes, revised site plans, zoning ordinance amendments, plats, and other development matters. Meetings are held approximately every three weeks, unless the date falls on a holiday or other special occasion. Special meetings are scheduled as needed. Members should have knowledge or experience in the planning process, zoning codes, land uses, the comprehensive plan for the city, and in the decision-making process regarding the comprehensive and long-range development of the community.

Duties

The City Planning Commission was established by City Code to review and make recommendations to the City Council on various land development issues including proposed City Comprehensive Plans, zoning regulations, requests for the rezoning of land, site development plans, conditional use requests, and subdivision of land.

Enabling Legislation

The Cedar Rapids Zoning Ordinance was first adopted in May 24, 1955, and was subsequently codified as Chapter 32 of the Municipal Code of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as allowed by the State Code of Iowa. The Zoning Ordinance was amended in 1979 and in 2006.

General Meeting Information

The City Planning Commission meets every three weeks on Thursday at 3:00 P.M. Please see the meeting schedule for meeting dates and submittal deadline dates for matters that come before the Commission. Meeting agendas are usually posted Friday of the week prior to a Commission meeting. Minutes of the City Planning Commission are posted after they are approved by the Commission at their next regular meeting.

The City Planning Commission consists of not more than 15 members and not less than seven members, who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Persons interested in serving on the Commission may submit a completed application form to the City Managers Office.

The City Planning Commission is comprised of volunteer members of the community. Under certain circumstances the City Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to assist a development in Cedar Rapids. Requests for a Special CPC meeting must meet the following criteria: