[Added by L.L. No. 2-1969; as amended in its entirety by L.L. No. 3-1977; L.L. No. 6-1997]
There shall be a Department of Planning and Community Development, the head of which shall be a Commissioner of Planning and Community Development, who shall be appointed by the Mayor to hold office during his pleasure. The Commissioner of Planning and Community Development shall appoint to hold office during his/her pleasure, except as otherwise provided by law, a First Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Community Development, a Second Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Community Development and such other subordinates in the said Department as may be prescribed by the Board of Estimate and Contract. In case of absence or disability of the Commissioner of Planning and Community Development or a vacancy in the office, the Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Community Development shall discharge the duties of the office until the Commissioner of Planning and Community Development returns, his disability ceases or the vacancy be filled. In case of an absence or disability of both the Commissioner of Planning and Community Development and the Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Community Development, the Mayor shall designate one of the administrators of the Division of Research and Grant Administrator and the Division of Planning to act in the place or stead of the Commissioner until either the Commissioner or Deputy returns, their disability ceases or their office is filled. The Commissioner of Planning and Community Development shall be a professional, educated and experienced in the administration and techniques of planning, community development and grants administration.
The Commissioner of Planning and Community Development shall have the following powers and duties, which he shall exercise and perform subject to the provisions of law:
1. 
Formulate and recommend major development and redevelopment policies, in the form of statements, plans, maps and other appropriate material, to serve as reference guides with the object of achieving a development of the City that will be orderly, harmonious, economically sound, and of attractive appearance. Such policies shall relate, among other things, to: land use; population density; transportation facilities, including roads and highways; parks, recreation areas, and other open space; community appearance; and public buildings.
2. 
Advise and assist the Mayor, the City Council and the Board of Estimate and Contract, the Capital Projects Board and other departments, officials and agents of the City with respect to the physical, social, economic and environmental planning and public improvement aspects of all matters related to the development and redevelopment of the City.
3. 
Confer with the appropriate officials of federal, state or county governmental agencies, other municipalities or other agencies with respect to any matters affecting the orderly development of the City and to coordinate all applications for funds under any state or federal program.
4. 
Conduct continuous studies and collect statistical and other data to serve as the basis for planning recommendations, and as may be necessary in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties as set forth in this article.
5. 
Be the consultant of and advise the Planning Board and to attend each of its meetings and to provide assistance to it in all matters under its jurisdiction.
6. 
Administer the City's on-street and off-street parking program, including collection of revenues from permits, usage of meters and parking lease agreements.
7. 
Perform such other functions as are assigned to him by the Mayor, or as may be required or empowered under any other provision of law not inconsistent with this article.
[Added 11-23-2020, approved 11-4-2020]
The City Council shall pass an ordinance to adopt a Comprehensive Plan that will be updated and reviewed at least once every 10 years. Such Plans shall be consistent with General City Law § 28-A. The cost of the Comprehensive Plan shall constitute a charge upon the general funds of the City. The Planning Commissioner shall prepare, develop, implement and update the Comprehensive Plan with input and support from the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and applicable City departments and agencies, and with input from the community for the development and improvement of the City, which Comprehensive Plan shall include, but not be limited to, reports and data on the following matters: (i) transportation; (ii) socio demographics; (iii) economic development; (iv) community facilities; (v) land use and zoning; (vi) capital projects; (vii) environment sustainability; and (viii) historic preservation. The Comprehensive Plan shall also include a specific policy statement indicating the relationship of the proposed development of the municipality as developed in the Comprehensive Plan to: (i) master plans of contiguous municipalities; (ii) the master plan of the county; (iii) any regional master plans; and (iv) any statewide master plans. The process and preparation of the Comprehensive Plan shall commence no later than the year 2022, and be completed as soon as reasonably possible. This local law shall become effective on January 1, 2021.