The Planning Commission consists of a seven member Board who are tasked with reviewing land use applications such as a Rezone, Conditional Use Permit, Preliminary Subdivision Plat, and Final Subdivision Plat. Other tasks as a Planning Commission member are to review the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Regulations, and Subdivision Regulations for possible amendments. The Planning Commission conducts public hearings on various land use applications and provides a recommendation on the land use application to the Board of County Commissioners.
A Planning Commission member also serves as a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) member. The BZA is tasked with reviewing Variances, Special Exceptions, and Appeals from an Administrator’s decision. The BZA conducts public hearings on these land use applications and provides a decision on the land use proposal. BZA decisions do not go to the Board of County Commissioners for a final decision.
Terms: Members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners for a three-year term. Members can be appointed to a maximum of three, 3-year terms. No more than three members may reside in an incorporated city limit boundary.
Experience: No experience is required but land use knowledge is helpful as the member learns the role of the Planning Commission. County staff will provide yearly training on the various roles of a Planning Commission member and can assist with additional training if necessary.
Meeting Dates: The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of every month at 4:30 pm at the Public Works Facility located at 600 Scott Blvd., S. Hutchinson, KS 67505. The average meeting length 1.5 hours.
Expectations: A Planning Commission member is expected to attend the meetings, study the material outside of the meeting time, be an active participant, and have an open mind on all land use proposals.
Please fill out an application online (Online Application Form here). Paper applications (PDF Here) may be brought to Administration at the County Courthouse at 206 W 1st Avenue.
To learn more about the role and duties of a Planning Commission/BZA member contact Don Brittain, Director of Public Works, at 620-694-2976 or Mark Vonachen, County Planner II at 620-694-2978. You may also email don.brittain@renogov.org or mark.vonachen@renogov.org for information. Deadline is Friday, October 13, 2023. The three-year term begins January, 2024, for the two current Reno County Planning Commission board openings.