Planning Commissioner Resources

Following are resources that summarize many land use planning topics of importance to Colorado planning commissioners, staff, and elected officials. These are short and easy-to-read handouts, helpful to new as well as seasoned staff and elected and appointed officials involved in local land use planning efforts.

Planning Overview and Authority

• What is Planning and Why Should a Community Plan?
• Local Government Land Use Authority in Colorado

Long-Range Planning

• Master Plan Primer
• Three-Mile Long-Range Plans

Meetings and Decision-Making

• How to Encourage Citizen Involvement
• Planning Tips on Running Public Hearings
• Defensible Decision Making
• Parliamentary Procedure - Helpful Tips
• Open Meetings

Legal and Ethical Issues

• Due Process, Ex Parte Contacts and Conflicts of Interest

Additional Resources

PlannersWeb: This is a good resource on a variety of planning topics targeted to planning commissioners.

Note: The following resources are available online by a third party for purchase.

• Elliott, Donald L, ed. Colorado Land Planning and Development Law, 10th Edition. Denver: CBA-CLE (CLE in Colorado, Inc.), December 2015.
• Dale, C. Gregory et al. The Planning Commissioners Guide.Chicago/Washington DC: APA Planners Press, 2013.
• Land Use in Colorado Research Report (July 2022)