MI Zoning Administrator Training Program

PZC to Offer Michigan Zoning Administrator Certificate Training Again This Fall

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.

In 2009, the Land Policy Institute's Planning & Zoning Center at MSU launched their "Zoning Administrator Certificate Program," providing training to 56 Zoning Administrators from around the state. Here is some feedback from the participants:

• "Great class . . . This addresses my every day responsibilities."
• "Covers a broad range of issues . . . everyone would learn something or several somethings regardless of their experience level."
• "A lot of information that you can actually use when you go back to your office."
• "Gained confidence from attending."

This Fall, the certificate-based training program is again being offered in two locations across Michigan. 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-Day Training:
Northwest Lower Peninsula
September 14-16, 2010
Kettunen Center, Tustin, MI

Four-Day Training:
South Central Lower Peninsula
Wednesdays: September 22 and 29, October 6 and 13, 2010
Manly Miles Building, Campus of MSU, East Lansing, 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:

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

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 the Michigan Citizen Planner program, either classroom-based or online-based, or be AICP 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 your space today.

Future Training Opportunity
For those unable to attend the dates offered this fall, the series will be offered again Spring 2011. Learn more at Zoning Administrator Certificate Program.