Module 6: Overview of the Zoning Processes
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Discover what zoning options are available to use in implementing a comprehensive plan. Units within this module will consider several zoning related processes, including amendments, variances and enforcement. Register online now!
Unit 6.1: Overview of the Zoning Processes
This unit gives you an overview of the zoning processes. The remaining units in this module provide details that will assist with actually performing each process. Learn More
Unit 6.2: Create the Zoning Ordinance
How do you actually put pen to paper? Who does it? What is included? What rules do you have to follow? Creating a zoning ordinance requires planning and the right people. Learn More
Unit 6.3: Adopt the Zoning Ordinance
In this unit, you will learn how the community adopts its zoning ordinance. Now that you have completed the process of creating the ordinance, it is time to present it to the public and elected officials for adoption. By the end of this unit, you will be aware of the legal processes involved in the ordinance adoption process and the importance of involving the public. Learn More
Unit 6.4: Amending a Zoning Ordinance
Quite often, a community will have a zoning ordinance in place but something has changed requiring the ordinance to be updated or amended. In this unit, we will consider reasons why you would amend an ordinance and the processes associated with doing so. Learn More
Unit 6.5: Special Land Uses and Planned Unit Development Processes
The Zoning Acts state that: "If a ... zoning ordinance authorizes the consideration and approval of special land uses or planned unit developments ... or otherwise provides for discretionary decisions, the requirements and standards upon which the decisions are made shall be specified in the ordinance." This unit provides basic information regarding these two important decisions. Learn More
Unit 6.6: Appeals, Variances, & Interpretations
What happens if the zoning ordinance has requirements that cannot be fulfilled on a particular property? What happens if the zoning ordinance is ambiguous or unclear as it applies to specific circumstances? How should landowners in your community go about seeking relief from the ordinance requirements when those requirements prevent a reasonable use of land? In this unit, we will consider appeals, variances, and interpretations. The perspective of this presentation should benefit members of the Zoning Board of Appeals, those wishing to bring their issues to the ZBA, and anyone else involved in the zoning process.
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Unit 6.7: Zoning Enforcement
Even the best ordinances are of little value without the resources and the willingness to enforce them. An effective enforcement program requires three essential pieces that together make up the COP: Commitment; Ordinances; and Process. This unit will consider each of these. Learn More
Unit 6.8: Making Zoning Decisions
Knowing what is included in a zoning ordinance, that it can be amended, and that exceptions to the rules can be made is the first step in understanding how zoning ordinances, ordinance amendments, variances, Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and special land uses (SLUs) relate to each other. This unit takes the next step. It offers a series of questions that you can use to help you decide which is the best course of action when it comes to changing land use and/or intensity of an existing property. Learn More
