News
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Planners must treat similar businesses the same way
Published on February 25, 2020
If planners are required to treat similar businesses in the same way, how can they respond to criticism for approving “too many of the same kind of business”?
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Proving a practical difficulty for a dimensional variance request
Published on January 20, 2020
While inherently rigid, there are mechanisms in zoning to allow for flexibility.
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Public hearing is not only way to involve the public
Published on December 18, 2019
There are many ways to effectively involve the public beyond the public hearing.
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The importance of discussing best practices for continuing education in planning and zoning
Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education is an important strategy for local government risk management. Bylaws and local policy should also address how much training is appropriate and what topics training should focus on.
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Bad zoning can be worse than no zoning at all
Published on December 16, 2019
Communities can evaluate planning and zoning programs using performance audit materials from Michigan State University Extension.
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Training, continuing education is best strategy for planning and zoning risk management
Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education and training is an important planning and zoning risk management strategy for local governments in Michigan. While Michigan has many training opportunities, participation could be greater.
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Local government has an important role for water quality protection: Part 3
Published on December 13, 2019
State and federal regulations help protect water resources but does not do the whole job. Local government has an important role also – buffers and greenbelts are enforceable and are not property takings.
