Planning Commission

Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission

Overview

The Planning Commission was formed by an Interlocal Agreement as a planning advisory body to the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in 1954; the agreement was renewed in 1988. Its primary responsibility is to advise council on short and long-range land use and design plans and general planning matters, including land use, zoning, land development, transportation/transit, economic development and community facilities. The Planning Commission primarily conducts its business in two committees: The Planning Committee and the Zoning Committee.

The Planning Committee meets on the third Tuesday of the month to discuss long range policy issues such as area plans and Mandatory Referrals. The Committee makes recommendations concerning land use, urban design, transportation and other policies relevant to the planning process and also reviews and recommends action on capital projects and on acquisition or sale of real property (Mandatory Referrals).

The Zoning Committee meets fifteen (15) days after the City Council Zoning Public Hearing to review and discuss rezoning petitions. The Committee makes recommendations on rezoning, zoning ordinances, and regulations to Charlotte City Council and hears and decides on subdivision variances and appeals. Zoning Committee members are required to attend City Council rezoning hearings held the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

To view the Planning Commission Rules of Procedure click on Rules of Procedure(PDF, 66KB)

Membership

The Planning Commission is composed of 14 members (2 appointed by the Mayor, 5 appointed by City Council, 7 appointed by County Commission – including 2 nominated by the Board of Education). City Council appointees must take an oath of office. All members are subject to City Council's Attendance and Anti-Harassment Policies, Code of Ethics, Gift Policy, and Disclosure Requirements.  Each member must file a Statement of Economic Interest by February 1st of each year.

The term of office is three (3) years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.  Membership on the two committees rotates to allow commissioners to serve on both during their tenure.

To view the Charlotte, NC Code of Ordinances click on "City Code".

Planning Commission Members

As of April 2020, Planning Commission meetings are streamed live on the Charlotte Planning, Design & Development YouTube page.  You may call the Planning Department's office at 704.336.2205 to verify meeting times and locations.  ALL Meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change. 

Public Attendance

All official meetings of the Planning Commission and its committees are open to the public under the North Carolina open meeting laws. Copies of all minutes are part of the public record and are available at the Planning Department's office.

How to Apply

To view and apply for City of Charlotte boards and commissions, visit the City of Charlotte Board and Commissions webpage.

To view and apply for Mecklenburg County boards and commissions, visit the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners' Advisory Boards webpage.

Agendas/Minutes/Results

To view, the Zoning Committee Work Session agendas click on "Zoning Committee".

For more information regarding the Commission Members

Please contact:

Candice Rorie

candice.rorie@charlottenc.gov

Elle Knight

elle.knight@charlottenc.gov

Planning, Design & Development
600 E. Fourth St. (8th Floor)
Charlotte, NC 28202