What we do

The Minneapolis City Planning Commission generally meets twice a month and is charged with hearing and deciding applications for land use reviews, including site plan review, conditional use permits, changes or expansions of a nonconforming use, variances, and land subdivisions. In addition, the Planning Commission makes recommendations to the city council on planning decisions, including proposed rezonings, street and alley vacations, public land sales, zoning code text amendments, and amendments to the comprehensive plan. Please see section 525.100 of the Code of Ordinances for the Planning Commission’s powers and duties.

Committee of the Whole

The Planning Commission also meets the Thursday following a public hearing in a forum called Committee of the Whole. This meeting is designed to give City staff and applicants the chance to discuss proposals in an official but informal forum. While Committee of the Whole meetings are open to all, public testimony is not accepted. A typical Committee of the Whole agenda may include any of the following: 

• Public land sales. The Planning Commission takes action to determine if a land sale or purchase proposed by the City is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Project reviews. Staff and applicants present information related to an upcoming public hearing item for Planning Commission discussion.
• Major plans or zoning code text amendments. Staff presents information that will help Commissioners understand the item, and Commissioners often give guidance on elements that may need further consideration.

Committee of the Whole submittal guidelines