Beginning in Spring 2010, the Introduction to Planning and Zoning for Local Officials will be offered annually in eight locations across the state.  Locations will change from year-to-year so that city and county officials are able to attend a location near them at least once every two years.  The tentative dates and locations for 2010 are as follows:

 

Spring 2010                                                       

 

The Introduction to Planning and Zoning for Local Officials is a three-hour workshop designed to introduce the basic principles of land use planning and development management to elected officials, planning and zoning officials, and board of adjustment members without formal training in the subjects.  Using case scenarios in a highly-interactive format, it will highlight issues frequently faced in the land use process. 

 

5:30 p.m.    Registration and Light Supper

6:00 p.m.    Introduction to the Planning and Zoning System

                        - Roles and Responsibilities of Land Use Decision-Makers

                        - The Planning and Zoning Commission

                        - The Zoning Board of Adjustment

                        - The Elected Officials

                        - The Planner/Zoning Administrator

7:20 p.m.    Break

7:30 p.m.    Common Legal Issues

                        - The Need for a Comprehensive Plan

                        - Rezonings

                        - Nonconforming Uses ("grandfathered" uses)

                        - Variances and Special Uses

                        - Conflicts of Interest and Hearing Procedures

8:45 p.m.    Wrap-up/Adjournment

 

The registration fee is $55 per individual.  This fee is reduced to $45 per individual if a city or county registers 5 or more persons to attend.  The fee covers supper and the workshop materials.  Registration materials and payment must be received at least two weeks before the scheduled date of the workshop you wish to attend.  No registrations will be accepted at the door. 

 

Registration brochures will be mailed to city clerks' offices after the first of the year. 

Contact:        Cindy Stuve         515.294.5263

                     Gary Taylor          515.294.2973

                     Alan Vandehaar   515.231.6513