Planning Commission

About the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission works to develop and maintain a comprehensive plan that provides a vision of what the city will look like in 20 years. The commission also manages the city’s zoning ordinance which is the main tool used to implement the comprehensive plan and regulate land use. Another responsibility of the commission is to review various types of development proposals within the city based upon the guidance provided by those resources.

An ongoing responsibility of the Planning Commission is to review various types of development proposals within the city. A major responsibility of the planning director is to provide recommendations to the commission regarding those proposals. The city’s chief zoning official is charged with administering the zoning ordinance on a day-to-day basis, with the assistance of Community Development Department staff. The deputy city attorney is available to consult on the legal ramifications of the decisions made by the commission. Other municipal officials are also consulted as needed.

Membership

The Planning Commission is comprised of nine members. The mayor, the city manager, and a council person are automatically members of the Planning Commission. The other six members are appointed from among the residents of the city. The council person and citizen members of the commission are appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval.

If you would like to serve as a member of the Planning Commission, an application can be found here: Board/Commission Application.

Meetings and Agendas

The Planning Commission meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor City Council Chambers of Jackson City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201. A 2023 meeting calendar and schedule is available online. The latest meeting information is posted on the City Meeting and Event Calendar.

Meeting agendas and minutes are available in the City's Agenda Center.

Contact Us

  1. Chris Atkin
    Director of Planning and Zoning Administrator
    Phone: (517) 768-6433

    Email

    3rd Floor City Hall
    161 W. Michigan Ave.
    Jackson, MI 49201

    Staff Directory