The roles and responsibilities of the Planning Commission and its members are prescribed and directed by the County Planning Commission Ordinance and By-Laws, under the authority bestowed to it by the Michigan State Planning Enabling Act - MZEA (MCL 125.3801, et seq., Act 33 of 2008, as amended) and the Livingston County Board of Commissioners (Resolution No. 2013-03-079, March 4, 2013).

It shall be the function of the County Planning Commission to make a plan for the development of the county as a whole.  A master plan shall address land use and infrastructure issues and may project twenty (20) years or more into the future. A master plan shall include maps, plats, charts, and any other descriptive or explanatory matter that shall guide the Planning Commission’s recommendations for physical development of the planning jurisdiction.  It shall be the duty of the County Planning Commission to:

1. Make studies, investigations, and surveys relative to the economic, social, and physical development of the county;
2. Formulate plans and make recommendations for the most effective economic, social, and physical development of the county;
3. Cooperate with all departments of the state and federal governments and other public agencies concerned with programs directed towards the economic, social, and physical development of the county, and seek the maximum coordination of the county programs of these agencies; and,
4. Consult with representatives of adjacent counties in respect to their planning so that conflicts in overall county plans may be avoided.  The County Planning Commission shall serve as a coordinating agency for all planning committees and commissions within the county.