Any Island County residents who want a hand in planning for growth and development have an opportunity to join a key volunteer board.

The county commissioners are seeking an applicant from each Commissioner District — South and Central Whidbey, Oak Harbor, North Whidbey and Camano — to serve on the Island County Planning Commission. These appointments shall run until Jan. 2, 2015. Members must reside in the district appointed to represent.

The terms of three commissioners are expiring at the end of the year. They are Mike Joselyn, Terry Reynolds and Wayne Havens. Traditionally, many of the appointees request another term after theirs expire.

The county commissioners appoint planning commission members for four-year terms. The planning commission consists of nine members, three from each county commissioner district, to assure county-wide representation.

According to a press release, the county commissioners seek to ensure that the planning commission is a balanced committee representing many different viewpoints with regard to land use.

The planning commission generally meets the second and fourth Tuesdays, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Courthouse Annex Hearing Room, Coupeville. Depending on the agenda, some meetings are held in the evenings or on Camano. Meetings run two to six hours or more depending on the complexity of the agenda. Preparation and research is necessary. Service on the planning commission is unpaid; however, members may obtain reimbursement for travel expenses to and from meetings.

Interested individuals should send a letter of interest including a statement of qualifications and a resume to: Island County Board of Commissioners, Attn: Ingrid Smith, Re: Planning Commission Vacancies, Post Office Box 5000, Coupeville, WA 98239, no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17. For additional information please phone 360-679-7353 or email  ingrids@co.island.wa.us.