Video
Nine seats, every other Thursday, in public. What the commission decides itself, what it recommends, and how to take part.
This is a transcript from a Frontera Facts video. Facts as of Oct 2, 2026.
Frontera Facts. Who decides what gets built on your street? El Paso has rules for what gets built where, and they plan for homes, streets, water and parks. Those rules exist to promote health, safety and the general welfare.
Every request to rezone land goes to the City Plan Commission before City Council can decide. The commission’s members are appointed by City Council representatives and the Mayor, not elected.
There are nine seats on the commission. Each of the eight City Council districts has one, and the Mayor picks the ninth.
The commission meets every other Thursday at 1:30 p.m. It meets downtown, and the meetings are open to the public.
Some cases it decides itself. On others, it recommends approval or denial to City Council. Either way, it applies rules made to promote the health and safety of the city.
It decides most plats: the drawings of new lots and streets. If a plat meets the rules, state law says it has to pass, and the commission can’t deny it. That’s called a ministerial decision.
A rezoning changes what a piece of land can be used for, like from residential to commercial. On these, the commission recommends approval or denial.
Before the hearing, the city mails a notice to every owner within 300 feet of the lot.
If the commission recommends denial, the case ends there unless the applicant appeals to City Council within 15 days. If it recommends approval, City Council decides, guided by that recommendation.
Anyone can speak, usually for three minutes. Public Comment, at the start, is for topics not on the agenda. To speak about an item, find it on the agenda, and wait for it. Sign up on the meeting day, before 1:30 p.m., by email or at the door.
Can’t come in person? Email the planner listed for your item. On a rezoning, the planner’s report to the commission counts the emails, for and against. Or call in to speak on your item; the number is on the agenda. Or write a letter, with the case number.
Find every Plan Commission agenda at fronterafacts.com. Facts as of October 2, 2026.
Data as of Oct 2, 2026