These are two separate public bodies. The planning commission is empowered to study land use issues and develop comprehensive or specific plans relating to public infrastructure, transportation, or any development issues. The planning commission also reviews and recommends the zoning ordinance changes to the city council. These changes may include text changes to the zoning ordinance or rezoning, which changes the zoning designation of properties within the City. This commission also adopts subdivision regulations and reviews any division of property to ensure that appropriate public infrastructure is in place such as lot size, water and sewer services, any health department approvals, lot frontage on a public road. The subdivision regulations are adopted solely by the planning commission and any appeal from this commission’s decision must be taken to chancery or circuit court. The Board of Zoning Appeals is a quasi-judicial board that hears appears from property owners who think that the building official or any government official has acted in error on any permit relating to the zoning ordinance. It also handles interpretations and special exceptions when allowed in the zoning ordinance. Any appeal from the Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision must be taken immediately to a court of appropriate jurisdiction, usually chancery or circuit.

Both the commission and board meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm at City Hall.