The Introduction to Planning and Zoning for Local Officials workshop is a three-hour session designed to introduce the basic principles of land use planning and development management to elected officials, planning and zoning officials, and board of adjustment members without formal training in the subjects.  Using case scenarios in a highly-interactive format, the workshop highlights issues frequently faced in the land use process, such as the roles and responsibilities of the planning and zoning commission, the board of adjustment, and the elected council and board of supervisors. It also will highlight legal issues frequently faced by local officials, such as variances, special uses, nonconforming uses, spot zoning, hearing procedures, and conflicts of interest.

We offer between 6 and 8 workshops conveniently located across the state each spring. Be on the lookout for an announcement of the 2023 workshop locations and dates soon! We also offer 'a-la-carte' trainings for cities, counties, and other organizations tailored to your individual needs anytime throughout the year.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is pleased to announce the 2023 edition of the popular Introduction to Planning and Zoning for Local Officials workshops. These 3 hour-long workshops cover the essentials of land use planning and Iowa zoning law, featuring relevant examples, common situations, and a newly updated and revised curriculum for 2023. Workshop registration costs $65 per person, but if three or more participants from the same city, county, or nonprofit register, their registrations are discounted to $55 per person. Registration includes a light dinner and a spiral bound copy of the presentation and our series of land use planning fact sheets.

• April 4^th - Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, 200 North Main Street, Fairfield, IA. Registration at 5:30pm, workshop at 6pm. Registration link: https://go.iastate.edu/YBAUGA
• April 11^th - Hotel Julien, 200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA. Registration at 5pm, workshop at 5:30pm. Registration link: https://go.iastate.edu/7HYUAC
• April 18^th - Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center,1405 U.S. Highway 71, Okoboji, IA. Registration at 5pm, workshop at 5:30pm. Registration link: https://go.iastate.edu/T16NZK
• April 25^th - Hilton Garden Inn and Suites Des Moines/Urbandale, 8600 Northpark Drive, Johnston, IA. Registration at 5pm, workshop at 5:30pm. Registration link: https://go.iastate.edu/MRTLWN
• April 27^th - Hilton Garden Inn and Suites Sioux City Riverfront, 1132 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City, IA. Registration at 5pm, workshop at 5:30pm. Registration link: https://go.iastate.edu/FTGVS1
• May 22 - Council Bluffs. Registration at 5pm, workshop at 5:30pm. Registration link: https://go.iastate.edu/GIBMIM.