Outline for Planning Commissioner Training
Part One: Introduction to Planning
1.A. What is Planning
1.B. Principles and Practice of Planning
1.C. Legal Foundation of Planning
1.C.1. Legal Foundation
1.C.2. Legal Issues and Case Law
Part Two: Decision Making and the Commission’s Role in the Planning Process
2.A. Powers, Duties, and Make-up of the Planning Commission
2.B. Ethics and Ethical Decision Making for Planning Commissioners
2.C. How to Prepare for and Conduct a Meeting
2.D. Working with Staff
2.E. Role of Expert Testimony and Consultant Reports
2.F. How to Prepare Findings of Fact; How to Reach and Record a Decision
Part Three: The Comprehensive Plan and Planning Tools and Techniques
3.A. The Comprehensive Plan
3.B. Elements of the Comprehensive Plan
3.B.1. Environment
3.B.2. Housing
3.B.3. Urban Design
3.B.4. Parks and Open Space
3.B.5. Economic Development
3.B.6. Infrastructure
3.B.7. Transportation
3.B.8. Urban Design and Design Review
3.B.9 Historic Preservation
Part Four: Special Plans for Special Areas and Resources
4.A. Arts and Culture
4.B. Neighborhood
4.C. Design Review and Historic Preservation
4.D. Downtown
Part Five: County, Regional, Federal, and Tribal Plans and Policies Related to Planning
5.A. County Planning and Interjurisdictional Planning
5.B. Regional Planning
5.C. Tribal Law and Planning with Tribes
Part Six: Subdivision and Site Plan Review Duties of the Planning Commission
6.A. Site Plans
6.B. Development
Part Seven: Other Plans and Techniques
7.A. Smart Growth
7.B. Health and Planning
7.C. Transfer of Development Rights
7.D. Food Systems Planning
7.E. Disaster Preparedness and Recovery
7.F. Climate Change Impacts
7.G. Social Equity
7.H. PUDs and Master Planning
Part Eight: Federal Laws and Case Law Related to Planning
8.A. First Amendment
8.A.1. Religious Freedom
8.A.2. Freedom of Speech
8.A.2.a. Signs
8.A.2.b. Adult Businesses
8.B. Telecommunications
8.C. Environment Protection (and wetlands, clean air, etc.)
8.D. Fair Housing
8.E. Americans with Disabilities Act
8.F. Takings
Part Nine: Zoning
9.A. Zoning
9.B. The Work of the Zoning Board of Adjustment/Appeals
9.C. Preparing and Updating Ordinances
9.D. New Urbanism and Form-Based Codes
Part Ten: Plan Implementation
10.A. Adopting, Implementing, and Amending the Plan
10.B. The CIP
10.C. Measurements and Indicators
10.D. Paying for Growth: Exactions, Dedications, and Impact Fees
Part Eleven: Engaging and Working with the Public
11.A. Working with the Public
11.A.1. Social Media and Online Tools
11.B. Informing and Responding to the Public
11.C. Techniques for Engagement
11.C.1. Youth Engagement
Part Twelve: Working with Elected Officials and Other Appointed Officials
Part Thirteen: Planning History and Landmarks
Part Fourteen: Emerging Issues
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