DESCRIPTION: Utah law provides for the appointment of municipal planning commissions to assist city councils by originating development plans, drafting zoning laws, and monitoring growth in public spaces (Utah Code Annotated, 1953, 10-9-4). The Kanab city council created a planning commission in August 1956, but it apparently did not become fully functional at that time. From February 1968 to April 1979 Kanab planning and development issues were addressed by the Kane County planning commission. Since 1979 the Kanab city council has appointed and worked very closely with a Kanab planning commission on all land use and development issues. Kanab planning commission minutes summarize the discussion at monthly meetings and describe all issues brought before the commission. Each set of minutes is dated and indicates the names of those present including commission members and individuals making requests.

In 1980 the Kanab planning commission completed drafting a comprehensive zoning ordinance which the city council adopted after a public hearing. The commission revised Kanab's master plan and the city council adopted it in November 1981. The commission has also been responsible for developing an annexation policy for Kanab. According to statute, once a general plan and zoning laws have been adopted no public space, whether publicly or privately owned, can be altered without the express approval of the planning commission. Planning commission decisions are subject to city council review. The Kanab planning commission evaluates development proposals, reviewing plans for such things as a new mortuary, bicycle repair shop, or clinic. The planning commission evaluates requests for zoning changes and annexation. In 1987-1988 the Kanab planning commission was involved with the annexation of Kanab Creek Ranchos, a substantial development on the opposite side of Kanab Creek from the original city. The planning commission has considered such issues as whether or not to allow mobile homes or prefabricated motel units in the city, and how to regulate a private school (home for troubled youth). The Kanab planning commission considers many requests for conditional use permits. These permits allow exception to city zoning law or building code, such as allowing an individual to operate a day care center in a residential zone or allowing a church steeple to exceed regulation height. Planning commission minutes include occasional copies of agenda, maps, letters and other documents related to the business of the commission.