Direct answer
What does planning board mean?
A planning board is 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?
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 boardAn architectural review board is a local body that may review exterior design features under authority granted by local law.Building departmentA building department is a local office that administers building permits, code review, inspections and related records.Conservation advisory councilA conservation advisory council is a local advisory body that may inventory natural resources and advise officials on environmental matters.County clerkA county clerk is the county official or office that maintains specified public records, including land records recorded for property in the county.Historic preservation commissionA historic preservation commission is a local body that may survey historic resources, recommend designation and review work under a local preservation law.Tax assessorA tax assessor is the local official responsible for valuing real property for assessment administration.
Sources used2 references with section locators
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