Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning Course Gains Partners

The NJ County Planners Association (NJCPA) has agreed to promote training partnerships among its members. This collaboration will reduce the costs and travel time necessary for volunteer municipal board members to participate in training. In addition, county based delivery of the course will allow the training to be tailored to incorporate regional issues and case studies important to the local communities. Hopefully, providing multi-municipal training sessions with county endorsements will enhance learning through the networking that occurs across municipal boundaries.

The pilot course, “Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning” for planning board and zoning board of adjustment members was originally collaboratively devised by The Center for Government Services—Rutgers University; MLUC; New Jersey Future; The Office of Smart Growth within the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the American Planning Association—New Jersey Chapter.

The course includes an explanation of the development review application process and its relationship to master plan and zoning ordinances, using a case study approach. This course also includes training in the review and interpretation of plans. Participants learn how to evaluate supporting application materials and review and understand site plans during the case study field site-visit.

The first pilot testing of the course took place in the fall 2004. Positive feedback was expressed by the 11 pilot participants. A second pilot course in partnership with the Somerset County Planning Board and the Regional Center Partnership, which includes Bridgewater Township, Somerville and Raritan Borough took place on June 29, 30 and July 18, 2005. Participants responded with great energy and enthusiasm to the training provided by volunteer planners John Kellogg, Betsy McKenzie, Donna Drewes and land-use attorney Susan Rubright.

Steps beyond the pilot testing for this training will include developing a delivery system to provide similar training throughout the state. Efforts are underway to recruit licensed planners and land-use attorneys to teach the 10-hour course at least once each year at a variety of locations. The American Planning Association - NJ Chapter is currently soliciting its members for participation in a planned “train the trainers” program in September. MLUC will continue to report on this still evolving, but valuable and innovative training approach.