Register Today: PZC Offers Spring 2013 Michigan Zoning Administrator Certificate Program

• Registration Brochure
• Training Schedule
• Feedback from Past Participants
• Module Topics
• Future Training Option

Zoning Administrators are among the most important local officials. They are the front line for new development in a community. How well they do their job has a great effect on the future of their community. However, unlike building inspectors who must pass state exams and take continuing education classes in order to practice, there is no law requiring training for Zoning Administrators.

The Land Policy Institute's Planning & Zoning Center at MSU has provided the Zoning Administrator Certificate Program for the last four years. In the Spring of 2013, the training program is again being offered in two locations. The training is recommended for all new and current Zoning Administrators, along with private consultants and county planners who consult with local Zoning Administrators. The training schedule is as follows:

Three-Days-in-a-Row Training: St. Ignace
Monday, February 18-Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Quality Inn, St. Ignace, MI

Four Days of Training: Oakland County
Tuesdays: February 26, March 5, 12 and 19, 2013
Oakland County Executive Office Bldg., Waterford, MI

The rigorous training (24 hours of instruction) requires a substantial time commitment, which includes completion of eight modules leading to a certificate for those that pass an exam associated with each module. The program also provides techniques for doing zoning administration in ways that reduce legal risks to the Zoning Administrator and their community. Module topics include:

1. Job Description, Responsibilities and Basic Ethics;
2. Legal Issues;
3. Reviewing Applications: Common Procedures and Use of Forms;
4. Reviewing Plot Plans and Site Plans;
5. Inspections and Violations;
6. Preparing Files, Reports and Record Keeping;
7. Interactions with other Professionals and Agencies, and Departmental Duties; and
8. Customer Service and Counter Behavior.

Here is some feedback from past program participants.

• “I had high expectations for this course. Happy to say you FAR exceeded my expectations.”
• “I was presented with many practical ideas that I should be able to implement immediately.”
• “Knowledgeable instructors, excellent material!”
• “Gave me a great idea of how to do my job, and how to keep myself and my community out of trouble. Definitely recommend this for all ZAs.”
• “The most experienced, open, honest, and knowledgeable instructors.”
• “This should be a state mandated program.”
• “You can learn about the pitfalls to avoid legal issues.”
• “Very targeted to what zoning administrators do – not esoteric information.”

Registration for the training is now available. To be eligible for a certificate upon completion of this program, participants will need to have also completed MSU Extension’s Michigan Citizen Planner program, either classroom-based or online, or be AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certified and successfully pass a multiple choice examination. See the prerequisites section of the registration brochure for complete details. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve a seat today!

Future Training Opportunity
For those unable to attend the dates offered this spring, the series will be offered again in Spring 2014. Please let us know if you are interested in the 2014 program, so you can be added to the contact list.

To register and learn more, visit Spring 2013 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program.