As background for its comprehensive plans and any ordinances it may prepare, the Planning Board may gather maps and aerial photographs of human-made and natural physical features of the area, statistics on past trends and present conditions with respect to population, property values, the economics base of the community, land use and such other information as is important or likely to be important in determining the amount, direction and kind of development to be expected in the area and its various parts. In addition, the Planning Board may make, cause to be made or obtain special studies on the location, condition and adequacy of specific facilities, which may include, but are not limited to, studies of housing, commercial and industrial facilities, parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities, public and private utilities, and traffic, transportation and parking facilities. All officials of the city shall, upon request, furnish to the Planning Board such available records or information as it may require in its work. The Board or its agents may, in the performance of its official duties, enter upon lands and make examinations or surveys and maintain necessary monuments thereon.
(1995 Code, § 2-33)