About the Department

In January 2005, the Venango County Planning Commission became the Venango County Regional Planning Commission (VCRPC) in order to provide more direct professional planning services to our municipalities. As evidence of the support for this regional approach to planning, we are happy to report that all 31 municipalities in Venango County are members of the VCRPC.

Mission

The mission of the Venango County Regional Planning Commission (VCRPC) is to support and advise all municipalities, other partners, and organizations to aid in growth, development and land use in accordance with the comprehensive plan.

The Venango County Planning Commission was created in 1961 and consisted of a nine-member board. In 2005, the Venango County Planning Commission became the Venango County Regional Planning Commission consisting of a 15-member board comprised of county residents, elected officials, and members of the area COGs. All members are appointed by the County Commissioners. The VCRPC employs a staff of 6 full-time employees to carry out administrative and technical responsibilities. The responsibilities include countywide comprehensive and functional planning in the areas of community development, stormwater management, and recycling. The VCRPC also compiles and analyzes information about county characteristics and trends for use in evaluating proposed activities and projects and in preparing studies and plans.

Technical assistance is provided to county and local agencies on numerous matters including planning, zoning, subdivision, and development. The VCRPC administers the county Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, which requires that plans for subdividing land or engaging in major land development be reviewed and approved by the VCRPC. The VCRPC maintains a library of publications and data used by the VCRPC in carrying out its responsibilities; and it is made available for use by other agencies and individuals.

The VCRPC coordinates its efforts with local and regional planning organizations. The VCRPC Executive Director serves on the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission, which includes representation from Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties. The VCRPC is a member of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Associations. The VCRPC's functions and responsibilities are governed by state law, primarily the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), which provides for the creation, funding, and operation of planning commissions at the discretion of each municipal or county government.

Services

Each municipality in Venango County is invited to be a member of the Venango County Regional Planning Commission. Membership will not only assist municipalities in the day to day functions related to subdivision, land development, and grant applications, but will also provide long term benefits in terms of obtaining grants, providing realistic opportunities for economic development and working with communities to protect their built and natural environments.

  • Subdivision and land development review
  • In-house staff review of small project stormwater management applications
  • Administration of engineered stormwater management plan review
  • Environmental reviews
  • Floodplain management
  • Geographic Information Services (GIS) including the preparation of specialized maps for use by municipalities
  • Grant administration
  • Preparation of grant applications
  • Ordinance preparation and review
  • Zoning administration
  • And other planning related functions

Participant Fees

Each participating municipality will pay a fee of $0.55 per capita based on the most recent census information (2020). 

Review Fees

Residents of member municipalities will have the minor subdivision review fee of $100 waived. 

Looking for more information about review fees for subdivisions or development projects? Click here for more information.

Annual Reports

2022 Thumbnail Opens in new window

Front page of the 2021 Annual Report with broad landscape photo of Emlenton in the fall season. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2019-20 Annual Report showing front façade of courthouse's freshly painted towe Opens in new windowFront page of the 2018 Annual Report with artistic watercolor of the Oil City Bank Building. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2017 Annual Report with proposed architectural design of Multimodal Hub. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2016 Annual Report with artistic representation of a historic back-alley. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2015 Annual Report showing an oblique photo of historic oil city bridges. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2015 Annual Report showing an oblique photo of historic oil city bridges. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2013 Annual Report with an artistically altered black/white photo of courthouse. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2013 Annual Report with an artistically altered black/white photo of courthouse. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2011 Annual Report with photo collage including river scene, flowers, and barn.  Opens in new windowFront page of the 2010 Annual Report with photo collage depicting barn, birds, flowers, and biking. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2009 Annual Report showing a downtown storefront, rural barn, and historic bridge. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2008 Annual Report showing a serene, wooded forest with trickling stream.  Opens in new windowFront page of the 2007 Annual Report sporting photo of a water scene taken from kayak. Opens in new windowFront page of the 2006 Annual Report depicting a serene water landscape overlooking the river. Opens in new window


Other Resources

Venango County Comprehensive Plan Executive Summary, 2004 (PDF)

County National Heritage Inventories, 2010 (link to PNHP website

Comprehensive Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Plan, 2010 (PDF, Appendix

Venango County Greenways Plan, 2010 (PDF, website)