The Planning and Zoning Commission advises the City Council on decisions affecting the overall physical development of the city. Specific functions of the commission include consideration of zoning change requests, and subdivision requests consistent with an overall comprehensive plan. Zoning establishes appropriate locations for land uses, while the subdivision process establishes the layout of lots, streets, drainage and utility easements, alleys and other public ways. The City Council may not make any final decision with regard to zoning or subdivisions until it has heard the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. In addition, the Commission functions to recommend the city's Comprehensive Plan which guides the future overall development of the City. As stated in the Code of Ordinances.