(1) 
The Planning Commission shall consist of seven members, appointed by the City Council.
(2) 
If qualified candidates are available, members should represent each of the following interests:
(a) 
Five members should consist of members qualified by experience or interests in areas related to topics related to growth management, land use, housing, transportation, economic development, parks, or environment management.
(b) 
One should include an owner, operator, or employee of a small business within the City limits.
(3) 
Requirements for Residency.
(a) 
Members of the Commission shall be residents of the City who have lived within the City for at least one year prior to appointment to the Commission.
(b) 
One member of the Commission may be a nonresident if the member has been an owner, operator, or employee of a small business operating within the City limits for at least one year prior to appointment to the Commission.
(4) 
Members of the Commission shall not sit on any other City standing commissions or committees.
(5) 
The term of office for members of the Commission shall be four years.
(6) 
Three of the seven initial appointments to the Planning Commission shall be appointed for two year terms as determined by the City Council.
(7) 
Commission terms shall be limited as stated in DMMC § 4.24.040(2).
(Ord. 1838, 12/11/2025)
The Planning Commission shall review staff proposals, hold public hearings, and submit recommendations to the City Council on certain Type IV and Type VI land use actions. The Planning Commission shall review such other matters and take such further action as the City Council may direct from time to time by motion, resolution, or ordinance.
Planning Commission meetings shall be scheduled once per month, and the Planning Commission shall meet no less than four times per year.
(Ord. 1838, 12/11/2025)
(1) 
Members of the Planning Commission will choose a presiding officer from their number. The presiding officer can be removed by majority vote of the Planning Commission or majority vote of the City Council.
(2) 
The Planning Commission may prescribe rules concerning procedures for hearings authorized in the Des Moines Municipal Code, subject to approval by the City Attorney. In the absence of rules of procedure approved by the City Attorney, hearings shall be conducted as required by chapter 4.12 DMMC, City Council - Rules of Procedure.
(Ord. 1838, 12/11/2025)
Between January 1 and April 16 of each year during which a member of the Planning Commission holds office, the member shall file with the City Clerk a financial disclosure statement on a form approved by the City Attorney. Failure to file such form in a timely fashion shall result in the immediate removal of the member from office.
(Ord. 1838, 12/11/2025)