The Planning Files are largely text, with maps, plans (some of these hand-drawn by petitioners to the Board of Variance) and a few reports used or produced by the Planning Department. The records consist mainly of correspondence between planning staff and members of the public or developers. Typical letters addressed to the Planning Department request permission to subdivide, rezone or purchase property, or to contravene setback and height restrictions. There are also a number of petitions from local area citizens' groups protesting decisions made by the municipality, excerpts from committee minutes, decisions written by officials, and copies of pertinent by-laws.