Planning and Zoning

This course offers a comprehensive overview of basic administrative procedures for planning and zoning support staff. Discussions cover the duties of each board, the legal responsibilities of the administrative officer, and such practical matters as the preparation of agendas and minutes, notice requirements, and the management of escrow accounts. A written examination is given at the conclusion of the course.

In this seminar, both the financial and record-keeping aspects of the board secretary’s job are explained. The morning portion focuses on traditional records management topics. Practical advice on file management is given, and state records retention and disposal requirements are reviewed. The second half of the seminar emphasizes escrow account administration in the context of the application review process. Other financial management topics include budget preparation and administration, application fees, and post-approval guarantees and inspection fees. A written examination is given at the conclusion of the course.

In this course, the administrative officer and board secretary are exposed to some of the technical aspects of plan review. The administrative processing requirements for applications are discussed. Planning and engineering terminology is explained, and the symbols for various physical features and design elements are identified. Classroom exercises offer opportunities to become familiar with various types of plans and to review plans for completeness. A written examination is given at the conclusion of the course.

This course focuses on the technical knowledge and skills necessary for an individual to effectively interpret and enforce a municipal zoning ordinance. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of the job, including on-site inspections and compliance options. An introduction to the Municipal Land Use Law is provided, and the content and structure of zoning ordinances are thoroughly discussed. A written examination at the conclusion of the course includes both in-class and take-home components.

In this seminar, the zoning official is exposed to some of the technical aspects of plan review. The administrative processing requirements for applications are discussed. Planning and engineering terminology is explained, and the symbols for various physical features and design elements are identified. Classroom exercises offer opportunities to become familiar with surveys, site plan, and subdivision drawings; to review plans for completeness; and to learn how conditions of approval are enforced. A written examination is given at the conclusion of the course.

The third course in the series builds on the first two. Students are taught zoning case law, advanced administrative and investigative techniques, and communication skills. Significant zoning-related court cases are reviewed, and students learn how to perform such tasks as writing reports and conducting survey inspections. Homework assignments, case studies, and other classroom exercises are used extensively. A written examination is given at the conclusion of the course.

In 2005 the New Jersey State Legislature enacted N.J.S.A. 40:55D-23.3 and 23.4, which require that members of municipal planning boards, zoning boards of adjustment, and combined boards successfully complete a basic training course within 18 months of their appointment. The statute and implementing regulations call for five hours of instruction offered by course providers approved by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. For more information about the requirements, go to the Planning/Zoning Education page on the DCA website.

With over sixty years of experience in training New Jersey officials, the Center for Government Services understands the demands placed on board members. Now, CGS — as a member of the Partners for Municipal Land Use Education — is offering a six-hour course for planning and zoning board members. The partners who helped develop the course are:

• Rutgers Center for Government Services
• The Municipal Land Use Center at the College of New Jersey
• New Jersey Future
• New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association
• New Jersey Association of Planning and Zoning Administrators

This course satisfies the requirements of the "Basic Course in Land Use Law and Planning" Training Program required pursuant to P.L. 2005, c. 133 and has been approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.