Regional Workshops

PLANNING & ZONING ESSENTIALS

This program is a robust introduction for new planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members, but also a great refresher for more experienced officials looking to build upon existing knowledge. Public hearing procedures, site plan review, master planning, zoning ordinances, variances, how to determine practical difficulty, and standards for effective decision-making are covered.

Light meal provided.

Three dates and locations 

March 13, Frankenmuth

March 14, Taylor

March 20, Kalamazoo

11 am - 4:30 pm

MAP Member Rate:  $100

Non Member Rate:  $130

ZONING ADMINISTRATION 

The zoning administrator is responsible for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the zoning process and for the public support it receives. Since he or she is often the initial contact with affected property owners, intelligent administration and enforcement conducted with sensitivity to public relations is essential. This program is for zoning administrators in rural, suburban, or urban settings as well as municipal officials, other staff members, or citizens interested in a more complete understanding of all facets of zoning administration.

Light meal provided.

3 Master Citizen Planner Credits 

March 6, Mount Pleasant

11 am - 4:30 pm

MAP Member Rate:  $110

Non Member Rate:  $135

MASTER PLANNING PROCESS 

This workshop is designed for those communities updating existing master plans as well as those creating entirely new ones. Roll up your sleeves and learn step-by-step about the requirements, components, and stakeholder involvement you’ll need to organize when drafting or amending a master plan.

Light meal provided.

3.5 Master Citizen Planner Credits

March 7, Gaylord

5 pm - 9 pm

MAP Member Rate:  $95

Non Member Rate:  $125

SITE PLAN REVIEW 

This program will demonstrate the site plan review and approval process and provide practical tools and techniques on how to read a site plan. You’ll discuss site design principles, such as pedestrian and traffic considerations, lighting, utilities, ADA compliance, inspections, and landscaping. Participants in this hands-on workshop receive an engineering scale, turning template, and a sample site plan to evaluate.

Light meal provided.

3.5 Master Citizen Planner Credits

March 13, Frankenmuth

5 pm - 9 pm

MAP Member Rate:  $110

Non Member Rate:  $135

MANAGING RISK: MAKING SOUND PLANNING & ZONING DECISIONS 

As more communities face litigation related to planning and zoning decisions, this is essential training for all elected officials, planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members and emerging planning professionals. Topics include identifying a conflict of interest, applying discretionary standards during special land use reviews, reasonable expectations of a developer and how your comprehensive plan can minimize risk.

Light meal provided.  

2.5 Master Citizen Planner Credits

March 20, Kalamazoo

5 pm - 8 pm

MAP Member Rate:  $95

Non Member Rate:  $125