News

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.
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.
Nonconformities in zoning is the source of much confusion

Published on December 13, 2019
Zoning cannot be retroactive and has to grandfather existing land uses. Those are called nonconformities which take on many characteristics and are different than zoning violations.
Category 4 sites under the Right to Farm Act Site Selection GAAMP

Published on November 19, 2019
Site Selection GAAMP provides local authority to permit livestock keeping in primarily residential areas
Right to Farm Site Selection GAAMP needs local government attention

Published on November 19, 2019
Site Selection GAAMP provides opportunity for local government to lead discussions about urban agriculture and local food production, and work to accommodate this economic activity.
The case for data literacy in public sector organizations

Published on November 8, 2019
Why public sector organizations need to become more data literate.
Code of conduct for planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members

Published on November 7, 2019
Use of a code of conduct/oath of office is recommended for planning commissioner and zoning board of appeals members. It helps underscore a person’s role, expected behavior, and differences between elected officials and members of administrative bodies.
Not all public participation events are charrettes

Published on November 6, 2019
Charrette is a very specific type of public involvement system for design and planning projects. Do not be fooled by people calling every public participation event a charrette.
Preparation, deliberation and documentation are key to effective government meetings

Published on November 6, 2019
Public planning and zoning meetings go better when each member actively engages in preparation, deliberation, and documentation. These activities occur before the meeting starts and continue for the duration of the meeting.
Difference between a zoning ordinance and a master plan

Published on October 10, 2019
The zoning ordinance is a law with penalties and consequence for not following it. A master plan is a policy document that expresses intent. It is not an enforceable document and is not law.