Zoning Administrator Certification Training - Bay City Session 3

Date: Thursdays, October 22, 29, November 5 and 12, 2009, from 8:30am - 4pm
Location: AmericInn, 3915 Three Mile Rd, Bay City, MI
Registration: Download the registration form.
Eligibility: Participants will need to have completed the Michigan Citizen Planner "Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning" program and have AICP certification. See registration form for details.

Zoning administrators are among the most important local officials. They are the front line for new development in a community. How well they do or do not do their job has a great impact on the future of their community. Unlike building inspectors who must pass various state exams in order to practice and who must take courses to remain as building inspectors, there is no law requiring a zoning administrator to be certified. But zoning administrators make decisions every day that affect the rights of property owners and have implications on the integrity of the local unit of government.

To address this issue, the Land Policy Institute's Planning & Zoning Center at MSU is offering the "Zoning Administrator Certification Program" across Michigan this fall. This rigorous training program (24 hours of instruction) requires a substantial time commitment. However, the program should offer something new for veteran zoning administrators to learn, as well as new administrators about information and techniques for doing their job better and reducing legal risks to their community. This certification training is recommended for all new and current zoning administrators, along with private consultants and county planners who consult with local zoning administrators.

For those unable to attend the fall training, the series will be offered again in spring 2010.