Agenda

Orientation Training for

Local Government Planning/Zoning Officials and Employees

 

Sponsored by the South Carolina Association of Counties

in cooperation with the S.C. ETV Public Services Network

 

This Orientation Training has been structured to equip local government planning and zoning officials and employees with the tools needed to perform their duties in the most responsible and effective manner, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the planning process to the benefit of the community and its citizens.  This is the second of two teleconferences to satisfy the six-hour orientation requirement. 

 

 

Part II is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of key concepts in planning and zoning with an emphasis on the various planning elements that local officials and employees must understand in order to make informed decisions.  An important part of this discussion includes legal concepts and how they impact the planning process.

 

THE PLANNING AND ZONING PROCESS

 

Why plan?  Why zone?  Proper planning and zoning define the character of a community and provide a blueprint for growth.  This segment will provide a brief history of the planning and zoning process and the benefits derived from carefully-constructed planning, zoning and land use development ordinances and regulations.  Assessing community needs is an integral part of this process, and ensuring that citizens’ needs and desires are heard is crucial. 

 

This discussion will include types of site development plans and agreements and how to review them; and principles and design elements of residential development to include subdivision regulations, planned unit developments; manufactured homes; and affordable housing.  The importance of a capital improvements program and the value of long-range planning will be stressed as it relates to future needs in transportation, housing, public facilities, and utilities. 

 

Other items to be covered include various design and land use development elements and controls; considerations in granting variances; and what constitutes nonconforming uses.  Participants will be briefed on the role building codes and permits and code enforcement play in the process.

 

 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

         Segment Length:  45 Minutes (35 Minutes + 10 Minutes for discussion, questions)

 

         Why Plan? – Michael Criss, AICP, Richland County Planning Director

         Who Plans? – Harold J. LeaMond, Jr., AICP, Dorchester County Director of Planning and Codes

 

 

 9:45 am. – 9:55 a.m.

— BREAK —

 

 9:55 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.

         Segment Length:  45 Minutes (35 Minutes + 10 Minutes for discussion, questions)

        

         How to Plan I – Michael Criss, AICP

         How to Plan II – Harold J. LeaMond, Jr., AICP

 

 

Mr. Criss holds a Master of Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a past president of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association.

 

Mr. LeaMond holds a Master of Public Administration from the College of Charleston and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and was previously employed as the Berkeley County Planner.

 

10:40 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

— BREAK —