Update: In addition to our in-person workshops that will be held Spring 2021 if conditions allow, we will offer online workshops on an ongoing basis.
Registration will close the day before the workshop. But, if possible, please register at least one week in advance as we will be mailing the workbooks to you so you can follow along and take notes as we move through the presentation. If you register less than a week before the workshop you will still receive a notebook, but it may be after the workshop.
Participation will require a computer with a strong internet connection, but all interaction will take place through chat and interactive questions on the screen. No microphone or camera are necessary for participation. We will send you the link for participation the day before your scheduled workshop and you will have access to a recording of the presentation for one month after the date of the workshop.
The cost to participate is $45 per registrant or $35 each if a city or county registers five or more. Workshops are limited to 50 participants.
Dates and times for upcoming workshops will be posted as they are scheduled.
To register click on the date that you would like to register for. New dates will be added three months in advance. In addition, we can conduct an online workshop tailored to an individual community upon request.
Video of Program Details
About the Introduction to Planning and Zoning Workshops
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.
Certification Credits
The workshop has been pre-approved by the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association and the Iowa League of Cities for credits toward certification.
Other matters?
New board or commission members? We will conduct a workshop tailored to your community’s needs anytime throughout the year. Contact for costs and scheduling: (515) 231-6513 or ejchr@iastate.edu