Conceptual Introduction to Municipal Zoning

This presentation will enable you to understand how the seven basic elements of zoning operate to control (1) how land is used, and (2) what is built upon the land.  You will understand zoning terminology and procedures, as well as how and why many of these procedures developed over time.  You will understand the differences between vested and “grandfathered” rights, and the criteria appropriate for the review of the basic three zoning permits: Variances, special use permits, and modifications to non-conformities.   You will understand the differences between planned development permits, planned development overlay zones, and all generally applied zoning adaptations.  You will understand why zoning laws impact affordable housing and transportation planning.

Webinar Objectives

Zoning law can appear to be very complex and convoluted.  If you understand the basic seven elements of every zoning ordinance, you can understand even the most complicated of zoning permit processes.

Webinar Agenda

• Separation of Uses
• Development Standards
• Non-conformities
• Permit Review Evaluation Criteria
• Procedures
• Definitions
• Maps

Webinar Highlights

• The difference between a floating zone and an overlay zone 
• How to correctly file a zoning permit decision appeal
• The difference between performance, form-based, and traditional zoning
• Hearings Officer functions
• Varieties of types of municipalities as opposed to special districts
• Pyramidal zoning and development codes

Who Should Attend?

• Building Officials
• Zoning Officials 
• City Council members 
• Planning Commissioners 
• Boards of Supervisors 
• Municipal Attorneys
• Citizen Activists 
• City Managers 
• Planning Directors 
• Members of Boards of Adjustment 
• Municipal Engineers 
• Surveyors Assessors 
• Transportation Planners 
• Planning Officials 
• Housing Officials