Planning Commissioner, Planning Boards, Boards of Appeals Two Part Training Course Available February 24 and March 3 (1 - 3 pm)
Attendance both days is required (all four hours) to earn your certificate
The Smart and Sustainable Growth Act of 2009 requires local (county and municipal) Planning Commission/Board and Board of Appeals members to complete an education course. The Planning Commissions, Planning Boards, and Boards of Appeal Education Course, which meets the state requirements, covers topics such as the role of the comprehensive plan and proper standards for special exceptions and variances, as applicable. The course covers additional subjects such as zoning ordinances and regulations, subdivision ordinances, land use law, ethics, methods for land preservation, and important land management tools such as adequate public facilities ordinances.
The training is free of cost!
Register Here
In response to feedback received following a digital training course in July 2020, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) and the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA)decided to expand the course to four full hours to ensure enough time to sufficiently cover every topic and leave room for all questions.
This training course is covered in two virtual sessions. NOTE: You must attend both sessions (all four hours) to receive credit for completing the course.
- Wed, Feb 24, 2021 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
- Wed, Mar 3, 2021 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Wednesday February 24
- 1:00 p.m. Welcome and Introductions: Chuck Boyd
- 1:05 p.m. Foundations of Planning: Joe Griffiths
- 1:35 p.m. Comprehensive Planning & the Planning Commissioner’s Role: Joe Griffiths
- 2:15 p.m. Growth Management Tools: Chuck Boyd
- 3:00 p.m. Day One closes
Wednesday, March 3
- 1:00 p.m. Welcome and Introductions: Chuck Boyd
- 1:05 p.m. Law: Paul Cucuzzella
- 2:20 p.m. Ethics: Paul Cucuzzella
- 3:00 p.m. Day Two closes
Following completion of the course, everyone attending both sessions will receive a signed certificate from Planning.
Register Here
If you have any questions about this training, contact Joe Griffiths, Manager, Local Planning & Assistance at the Maryland Department of Planning: joseph.griffiths@maryland.gov.