The Planning Commission is an advisory body to the City Council. The Planning Commission conducts public hearings to receive public comments on development proposals, subdivisions, zoning ordinance amendments, variances, re-zonings, and conditional use permits. The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council based on information provided by staff, various agencies, and public input.
In addition, the Planning Commission assists in preparing and updating the Comprehensive Plan, which contains the goals, policies, standards, and maps that guide the physical, social, and economic development of the community. The Planning Commission assists in establishing these goals and policies by studying background data, examining development problems and opportunities, and working to create a long-range vision of the community.
Planning Commission meetings are held regularly on the third Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Orono City Hall.
The Planning Commission is a seven-member commission. Officers of the commission shall consist of a chair and vice-chair, as elected by the commission. Planning commissioners serve three year terms.