Planning and development refers to municipal functions governing land use, building construction, and community growth. Planning establishes where different uses (residential, commercial, industrial) can occur and sets rules for building form and density. Development processes review proposed projects against planning policies and building codes. Municipal planning departments create long-range plans, administer zoning bylaws, process development applications, and coordinate with other departments on growth impacts. Planning decisions shape communities for generations, affecting housing supply, transportation patterns, environmental quality, and economic development. Balancing growth pressures, community character, and diverse interests makes planning work inherently political and often contentious.