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Local government planning offices that gather information on existing physical, social and economic conditions; project future trends; examine alternative courses of action; and develop long and short-term land use plans to guide the growth and revitalization of urban, suburban and rural areas within the community. Planning staff promote effective use of the community's land and resources for residential, commercial, recreational and agricultural purposes; help local officials make decisions about social, economic and environmental problems; plan for the development of parks, schools, public housing and other infrastructure; and address traffic congestion, air pollution, water pollution and a wide variety of other issues that arise as a result of growth and change in a community.

Local commissions staffed by a set number of residents appointed by the local legislative body (usually the city/town council or board of supervisors) to consider minor zoning adjustments such as conditional use permits and variances. They are generally empowered to conduct public hearings and to impose conditions of approval. Their decisions may be appealed to the local legislative body.