The Cumberland County Planning Commission (CCPC) was established in 1963.  The Commission consists of nine members who serve for four years.  Appointments to the Planning Commission are made by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.  Members of the CCPC must meet County residency requirements.  The Commission’s authorities and responsibilities are set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act of 1968, No. 247, as reenacted and amended.  In 2007, Cumberland County established a Planning Department under the guidelines of the MPC.  The CCPC and Planning Department act in an advisory capacity to the 33 municipalities in Cumberland County.

The CCPC provides policy development and guidance for all county planning programs.  The Planning Commission reviews and provides recommendations on all major amendments to municipal subdivision and land development ordinances and zoning ordinances.  It also reviews and comments on new or substantially revised municipal comprehensive plans and Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plans.  In addition, the CCPC performs blighted property reviews and certifications under the provisions of the Urban Redevelopment Law, reviews and updates the County Comprehensive Plan, and participates in transportation planning as a member of the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS).

The Planning Department provides technical support to the CCPC to achieve policy goals.  The Planning Department reviews and provides recommendations on all subdivision and land development submissions and sewage module submissions.  It also reviews and comments on minor amendments to municipal subdivision and land development ordinances and zoning ordinances.  The Planning Department is responsible for executing the Planning Commission’s technical planning programs including the Local Planning Advisory Service, Farmland Preservation Program, and education / training programs.

Technical planning support for the Cumberland County Planning Commission is provided by the Cumberland County Planning Department staff and supplemented by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission.