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Municipal governmentSubject 11 of 19

Planning board

A local administrative body that may review subdivisions, site plans and special use permits when local law grants that authority.

Direct answer

What does Planning board mean?

A local administrative body that may review subdivisions, site plans and special use permits when local law grants that authority.

Exam cue: Determine which power the governing board has assigned to the planning board.

What does it look like in a question?

New York example

A planning board reviews the layout and infrastructure for a proposed subdivision.

Common exam trap

What should you not confuse it with?

A planning board generally does not grant zoning variances unless a statute specifically provides another route.

Related municipal government terms

Architectural review boardA local body that may review exterior design features under authority granted by local law.Building departmentA local office that administers building permits, code review, inspections and related records.Conservation advisory councilA local advisory body that may inventory natural resources and advise officials on environmental matters.County clerkThe county official or office that maintains specified public records, including land records recorded for property in the county.Historic preservation commissionA local body that may survey historic resources, recommend designation and review work under a local preservation law.Tax assessorThe local official responsible for valuing real property for assessment administration.
Sources used2 references with section locators

The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.

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