Department of Community Affairs Releases Evaluation of Planning Commission

In 2007, the local Legislative Delegation of State Senators and Representatives, requested a review of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission by the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA).  The Department recently released the analysis and evaluation.  The report offers the following statements as it relates to the Planning Commission and its operations:

• The Planning Commission adheres to the general and special laws as well as the various rules it falls under.
• The staff of the Planning Commission is recognized as highly competent and dedicated.
• The Planning Commission’s most important contributions to growth management are 1) the urban service boundary; 2) innovative planning for community development and redevelopment; 3) coordination of land use planning and planning for transportation, water supply management, public school facilities, and other policy areas.
• The Planning Commission provides independent, professional, and objective support for ongoing planning throughout the county.

The report goes on to recommend the following:

• The balance of the Planning Commission's City-County representation should be maintained.
• The Planning Commission's financial independence should be strengthened.
• The Planning Commission should be allowed to review and make recommendations on impact fees.
• A charter based process should be established for regulating voluntary annexations.

The full report can be viewed by clicking here.