Understanding our City's Planning Commission

As a Statutory City, Troy's Planning Commission is made a bit differently

Our hometown of Troy stands out as a distinctive community due to its unique system of governance. Unlike most cities in the region, Troy is classified as a "Statutory City," meaning its laws are derived directly from the Ohio Revised Code. This contrasts with other cities that operate under a City Charter, which serves as a constitution-like framework for local governance. This article explores Troy's governance structure and its implications for civic engagement and urban planning.

The Role of the Planning Commission

In both charter and statutory communities, the planning commission plays a crucial role in land use and urban planning. These commissions are responsible for recommending re-zoning applications and plat layouts to city councils. They also provide insights into significant documents like the community's comprehensive plan. In Troy, the planning commission has additional responsibilities, such as approving alteration applications within the downtown historic district, which includes decisions on physical aspects of downtown such as exterior paint colors, window signage and even building demolition.

Composition of the Planning Commission in Troy

In most charter communities, the planning commission consists of 5 to 7 individuals appointed by the City Council. These members typically serve without compensation and are tasked with envisioning the community's future. However, in statutory communities like Troy, the Ohio Revised Code Section 713.01 dictates the membership requirements for the planning commission. It includes the Mayor, the Director of Public Service and Safety, the President of the Board of Park Commissioners, and four citizen members appointed by the mayor.

The Challenges of the Current Structure

An interesting aspect of Troy's planning commission is that both the Mayor and the President of the Board of Park Commissioners serve as members. This arrangement is not problematic; in fact, it strategically promotes coordination between boards dealing with land use. The Mayor's inclusion ensures that voters have a direct say in the planning commission's composition, while the President of the Park Board facilitates collaboration between the Park Board and the Planning Commission.

Despite these advantages, having the Director of Public Service and Safety as a voting member of the planning commission raises concerns. The principle of separation of powers, a cornerstone of American democracy, suggests a clear distinction between legislative and administrative roles. In cities, legislative powers are vested in the city council, while administrative powers rest with the Mayor and are executed by the Director of Public Service and Safety.

The planning commission, in its role as the final decision-making authority for items such as downtown exterior alterations, assumes a policy-making role. It establishes standards and enforces them, even when providing zoning recommendations to the council. However, the presence of the city's chief administrator on the planning commission blurs the line between policy-making and policy-enforcement roles. This dual role can lead to an imbalance of information and influence, as the Director of Public Service and Safety often has greater access to information and insights, potentially disadvantaging other commission members.

Proposals for Reform

To address these challenges, one potential approach is to restructure the planning commission by having the Director of Public Service and Safety serve in an ex-officio capacity. This would allow the Director to provide valuable insights without having voting rights, thus maintaining the separation between policy-making and policy-enforcement. The inclusion of ex-officio members is common in many government and non-profit boards and is supported by the Ohio Revised Code, which does not explicitly require the Director to have voting rights.

Moving Forward

Even if immediate reforms are not implemented, it is crucial for the community to engage in discussions about the planning commission's structure. By considering changes that empower ordinary citizens and reduce the influence of appointed bureaucrats, Troy can enhance its civic engagement and ensure a more balanced governance system.

Putting it All Together

Troy's unique governance structure offers both opportunities and challenges. By understanding and potentially reforming the planning commission's composition, the city can better align its governance with democratic principles and promote effective urban planning. As Troy continues to grow and evolve, these discussions will be vital in shaping a future that reflects the community's values and aspirations. This expanded article maintains the original content's essence while adding depth and context to reach the desired word count and improve search engine optimization.

What do you think?

Is it time for significant reforms to our Planning Commission? Do you feel our Planning Commission is working here in Troy? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment thread!

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