Citizen's Guide to the Planning and Zoning Commission

What is the Planning and Zoning Commission?

The Planning and Zoning Commission is a seven (7) member body of citizens appointed by the City Council, whose main task is to conduct thorough reviews of development proposals to ensure that the development proposals are consistent with the community’s established land use patterns and development standards. The Commission bases its reviews on the goals and policies of the City, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Regulations. Upon completion of its review, the Commission makes a recommendation for approval, conditional approval or denial of the development proposal to the City Council, who has final decision-making authority.

What types of projects are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission?

The Commission reviews the following development-related topics: Comprehensive Plan and area plan reviews, rezonings, subdivisions, site plans, street and easement vacations, annexations, Zoning and Subdivision Code text amendments, and other miscellaneous development topics.

How is the project review process conducted?

An application which includes all necessary drawings and documents as outlined in the application submittal requirements is submitted to the Planning and Community Development Department and the Development Review process is started. Copies of the application are distributed to various City departments and other applicable outside agencies for their review and comments. The comments are summarized by the City staff in a letter back to the applicant and any major problems are worked out. Once all issues are appropriately addressed by the applicant, the project is tentatively placed on a Commission and Council agenda. City staff prepares a staff report which summarizes the proposed project, discusses any major problems or issues, actions necessary to resolve them, and recommends approval, conditional approval or denial of the project. The project is then reviewed at a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and a recommendation to Council is made by the Commission.

How are Planning and Zoning Commission meetings conducted?

First, the applicant is asked to explain the proposed project and identify any conditions of approval with which they disagree. Second, City staff discusses the project explaining any issues or conditions and answers questions from the Commission. Next the Commission will invite any member of the audience wishing to speak on the proposal to come forward. Upon hearing all comments applicable to the proposed project, the Commission will discuss the project, ask any additional questions of the applicant and/or staff, and vote on a recommendation to the City Council. The Commission’s options are: recommend approval, recommend, approval which includes conditions of approval, or recommend denial. In some situations, the Commission may decide to continue its review to a subsequent meeting to allow additional time for research or problem solving.

What happens after the Planning and Zoning Commission makes its decision?

The Commission does not have the authority to approve or deny a project. They are a recommending body only and therefore make a recommendation for approval, approval with conditions, or denial to the City Council who has final authority to approve or deny a project proposal. An applicant can proceed to Council with a recommendation of denial from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The City Council takes into consideration the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation when making their decision and may concur, modify, or reject the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendations.

When and where does the Planning and Zoning Commission conduct meetings?

Unless otherwise posted, the Commission meets every second Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, Bondurant City Hall, 200 Second Street NE. At times a meeting date may be changed to avoid conflict with some other activity, holiday, special event, etc. On rare occasions, a special meeting may be scheduled; therefore, you are advised to verify the time and date of proposed meetings. The agenda for the upcoming meeting is typically available on the City’s website prior to the meeting. Visitors to the City’s website can view a specific agenda (i.e. City Council Agenda, Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commission, etc.) by going here: https://www.cityofbondurant.com/minutes-and-agendas and clicking on the corresponding agenda.

How are the Commissioners selected to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission?

As specified in Chapter 23 of the Bondurant City Code, Commissioners are appointed by the City Council to serve a five (5) year term. Terms. The terms for the Commissioners are staggered to ensure there are always experienced members serving on the Commission. Residents of Bondurant interested in becoming a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission may contact the City Clerk’s office at (515) 967-2418 to request an application.

How do I obtain additional information regarding the Planning and Zoning Commission?

For additional information, please contact the Planning and Community Development Department at (515) 967-2418 or at planning@cityofbondurant.com; visit the office located at 200 Second Street NE, Bondurant, IA; or find information on the City’s website at: https://www.cityofbondurant.com/planning-and-development.

How do I participate in a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting or provide input to the Planning and Zoning Commission?

There are several ways for a resident to provide input. First, on each Planning and Zoning Commission agendas, there is a section in which anyone who wishes can present to the Commission on an item that is not on the agenda. (See highlighted section below.) If the item is on the agenda, a participant should wait until that item is being discussed by the Commission and present their comments at that time.

Additionally, if the item is a public hearing (see highlighted section below), someone wishing to provide input can speak on the record during the public hearing or provide written comments in advance of the public hearing. Those comments will then be included in the record and considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission when making their recommendation on the project or issue.

What can I expect at a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting?

If you attend a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, you can expect the Commission to entertain your comments at the appropriate junctures throughout the meeting. For example, if you are attending a public hearing, the public hearing process is governed by certain rules and state law. A public hearing will have been published in the newspaper in advance of the meeting. Even though a public hearing is a more formal process than a regular public meeting, there are similarities to both for the audience.

The Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission will call the meeting to order. Roll call is taken and the agenda is approved. When the time is appropriate and you wish to address the Commission, the Chair will ask you to step to the microphone and provide your name and address for the record. In preparation for the meeting, please outline your comments so that you can provide relevant information in an organized manner. It is not necessary to duplicate the comments of others who have gone before you. You can share that you agree with the points already made and then add any additional perspectives you wish to contribute. In certain circumstances, the Chair may need to limit the amount of time each participate has.

As mentioned earlier, in the case of a public hearing, you are also welcome to submit written testimony. Written testimony can be addressed to: Planning and Community Development Director, City of Bondurant, 200 Second Street NE, POB 37, Bondurant, IA 50035 or planning@cityofbondurant.com.

Persons attending a meeting or public hearing are expected to conduct themselves with decorum to ensure a smooth meeting. It is helpful for participants to know that they will be expected to:

Turn off mobile phone ringers or other audible devices that could produce noise;
Step to the microphone and provide name and address;
Address all comments, testimony, or questions to the Commission (The Commission will answer those questions or request additional information from City staff.);
Be courteous to others in attendance, allowing them to present their comments without disruption.

Where can I find additional information?

The Planning and Zoning Commission agenda is posted in advance of the meeting. Additionally, the entire packet is available. (See highlighted information below.) You can choose to download the entire packet or pull up an individual agenda statement or resolution.

Whom do I contact with questions about the information in this guide?

If you have questions about the information in this guide or the Planning and Zoning Commission, please contact the Planning and Community Development Director at (515) 967-2418 or planning@cityofbondurant.com or info@cityofbondurant.com.