The mission of the City Planning Department is to understand the values and goals of the community, to facilitate progress towards a shared vision of the City’s future, and to ensure the protection and balance of property rights and quality of life.

The Department serves as staff to the City Plan Commission, which is empowered to conduct a variety of tasks influencing the City’s physical, economic, and social growth. The Plan Commission is responsible for preparing important documents such as the Comprehensive Plan, and the annual Capital Budget. The City Plan Commission is also authorized to approve subdivisions of land, planned districts, and land development projects, and serves as a recommending body on ordinances, zoning amendments, variances and special use permits.

The Plan Commission meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 in the City Council Chambers, unless otherwise noted. All City Plan Commission meetings are open to the public and are posted on the City Calendar.

Property owners interested in subdividing or developing their land are encouraged to consult with the Planning Department before moving forward. Planning staff stands ready to assist any person in need of guidance on the City's policies as they may relate to the development and/or use of land, preservation of natural and built environments, provision of public services, or the general health, safety, and welfare of Cranston's residents.

Important Links

City PLANNING DIRECTORY

Previously Approved Minutes

GIS Map

2012 Comprehensive Plan (Superseded October 2024)

Zoning Ordinance

Development Plan Review Ordinance

Subdivision & Land Development Regulations

PLAN COMMISSION TRAFFIC POLICY

Historic District Commission

Route 37 Cemetery Historical Report by PAL

Hazard Mitigation Plan

Development Plan Review Application

Development Plan Review Checklist

Admin Sub App Form & Checklist

Minor SubDiv Prelim Plan App Form & Checklist

Minor SubDiv Final Plan App Form & Checklist

Major SubDiv & MLD Master Plan App Form & Checklist

Major SubDiv & MLD Prelim Plan App Form & Checklist

Major Subdiv & MLD FINAL Plan App Form & Checklist

Open Positions

None

Comprehensive Plan Update

Comprehensive Plan Homepage

2024 Comprehensive plan UPdate (Phase I Approved Oct. 2024)

On August 29, 2024, the City Plan Commission voted to approve this draft of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update. Final Public Hearings dates with the City Council will be announced soon.

Past Workshops

February 22, 2024 Public Workshop Flyer

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Planning

Applications & Checklists