In 1974, Ordinance No. 393 was approved that allowed for the creation of the Canton Planning Commission. In February 2026 Ordinance No 393 was amended to reduce to 5 members.

The Commission consists of five members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council.  Three of the five members must be residents of the City and two members must reside outside the City but live within three miles of the corporate limits of the City.

The Planning Commission shall make recommendations to the City Council regarding zoning changes or variances within the corporate limits of the City.