The Basic Sessions are designed to orientate newly elected and appointed officials, clerks, administrators, and others to planning and zoning.
Advanced Sessions - $20
These sessions cover specific zoning topics including conditional uses, variances, and updating the zoning ordinance.
Complete the order form. Advanced webinar recordings are $20 each. A link to the webinar and an invoice will be emailed to you.
Meeting and Hearing Conduct
In this session, we’ll look at meeting vignettes to learn how to conduct more effective meetings and hearings. We’ll discuss the difference between legislative and quasi-judicial decision-makers and the importance of creating an effective record of planning and zoning.
New Rules for Conditional Uses
Take a deep dive into conditional uses! Designed for planning and zoning staff and experienced officials, this session will review new rules that apply to conditional uses. Learn how to apply the new standards, and discuss how to update your ordinance, forms, and procedures.
Refreshing Your Zoning Ordinance
From a simple rezone to complex ordinance updates, learn about the process for updating your zoning ordinance. Take a closer look at how communities are addressing new and emerging land uses, replacing long lists of dated uses with use categories, and incorporating graphics and other user-focused features.
Shoreland Zoning to Protect Property Values, Fish, Lakes and Streams
Want to SEE what shoreland zoning standards accomplish? We've developed a new graphic to illustrate the benefits to fish, lakes and rivers. We’ll take a photo tour of waterfront properties and discuss how they are likely to impact the lake or river.
Subdivision Regulations
Subdivision regulations provide a legal process for dividing and recording land. In this session, we’ll review state requirements for subdivisions, options for local land division ordinances, and the role of local government officials in reviewing plats and certified survey maps.
Variances
Designed for planning and zoning staff and the zoning board of adjustment or appeals, this session will take a closer look at variances. Learn about different types of variances, legal standards for granting a variance, and how to create a complete record for the courts.
Zoning as a Tool to Protect Groundwater
We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of zoning as a tool to protect groundwater. Topics include minimum lot sizes for homes on septic systems, zoning options for high nitrogen uses, and wellhead protection ordinances.