Can you name a well-functioning Planning / Zoning Commission or similar board?

I am working on a project and trying to find examples of well-functioning, respected administrative bodies that make decisions on land use permits.  Can you name any?

These bodies could be planning or zoning commissions, land use appeals bodies, boards of adjustment, or whatever your local community calls their land use administrative decisionmakers.  My interest is particularly in those bodies that are appointed by a local government and not staffed by professionals but by volunteers (or modestly paid citizens), but I would also be interested in any other recommendations, too. 

"Well-functioning" is admittedly a broad term, but right now I am looking for examples where these bodies have engendered respect for their work and decisonmaking, regardless of why or how.  I welcome any thoughts. 

E-mail me at [email protected] or reply in the comments below.  Thanks!  Stephen