​Planning and Zoning Webinars

​​Upcoming ​​Webinars​​​

​Role of the Zoning Board of Adjustment/Appeals

​Tuesday, July 11, 2023  6 - 7:30​pm ​

This webinar is designed for new zoning board of adjustment or appeals and for those who would like a refresher. We’ll look at how zoning board members act like judges and how their decisions impact communities. 

We will also take a deep dive into varia​​nce decisions covering the different types of variances, legal standards for granting a variance, and how to create a complete record for the courts.

Brochure​

Registra​tion (Sold out)​​​

Previously Recorded Webinars

Previously recorded webinars are available for purchase. Webinar recordings are approximately 1 hour in length. The cost is $20 each and includes the video recording along with webinar materials. 

Contact us to order webinar recordings: landcenter@uwsp.edu. A link to the webinar and an invoice will be emailed to you.

Basic Sessions - Free

The Basic Sessions are designed to orientate newly elected and appointed officials, clerks, administrators, and others to planning and zoning. 

Watch the video recordings and access additional webinar materials. 

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 Zoning Fundamentals

This webinar takes a look at what zoning is and why most Wisconsin communities have adopted it. It also covers the roles of different local government bodies in adopting, amending and administering zoning.

Introduces three primary tools for land use decision-making: the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and subdivision ordinance. Also looks at zoning decisions and different rules that apply when your plan commission and elected officials adopt and apply ordinances.

Covers decisions typically assigned to the zoning board of adjustment or appeals, including variances, administrative appeals, and conditional uses. Also looks at the quasi-judicial role of the zoning board and how their decisions impact communities. 

Advanced Sessions - $20

These sessions cover specific zoning topics including conditional uses, variances, and updating the zoning ordinance. Advanced webinar recordings are $20 each.​​​​

To order, complete the order​ fo​rm​​. 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.