MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program

Feb. 8-9, 2024

Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites
Hotel and Conference Center
2424 S Mission St.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

Zoning Administrators are among the most important local officials. They are the front line for new development and redevelopment in a community. How well they do, or do not do, their job has a great impact on the future of their community.

Most Zoning Administrators have had no formal training. They learned on the job and may not have uniform skills, but courts expect them to know the rudiments of law as it relates to zoning administration. The MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program teaches zoning administrators how to prevent mistakes that lead to expensive lawsuits, while improving their day-to-day effectiveness.

Since 2009, the MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program has taught zoning administration techniques in ways that reduce legal risks to the zoning administrator and their community. It is the ONLY such program in the state!

The 2024 MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program will be held February 8 and 9, at the Mt Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel and Conference Center. With just 60 seats available, early registration is highly recommended.

The 2024 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program includes eight modules. One module will be delivered via Zoom video conference on January 18 from 1:30-4 p.m. ET. Two modules will be delivered using self-paced, online learning during the weeks of January 19 - February 7. Participation in all three modules is required prior to the Feb. 8-9 program in Mount Pleasant. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: New and current zoning administrators, private consultants, and county planners or state agency staff who consult with local zoning administrators

TOPICS COVERED: Job Description; Responsibilities and Basic Ethics; Legal Issues; Reviewing Applications: Common Procedures and Use of Forms; Reviewing Plot Plans and Site Plans; Inspections and Violations; Preparing Files; Reports and Record Keeping; Interactions with other Professionals and Agencies, and Departmental Duties; Customer Service and Counter Behavior

PREREQUISITES: To establish a common starting point in local planning and zoning knowledge, all registrants must have completed the MSU Extension Citizen Planner Program or have the AICP credential before starting the ZAC program.

REIMBURSEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS: A grant program, Risk Reduction Grant Program (RRGP), may be available from your community’s liability insurance provider. Michigan Township Participating Plan offers to its municipal members one per community, which covers the complete registration reimbursement with program completion, for participation in the Citizen Planner Program and a portion of the Zoning Administrator Certificate program fees. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.theparplan.com. For member governments of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), contact Cara Ceci at 800-243-1324 for more information regarding grants for education and training through the Risk Avoidance Program (RAP). For municipalities obtaining insurance through Nickel & Saph, Inc. Insurance Agency contact Stephen R. Saph, Jr. at 586-463-4573 or stephenjr@nickelsaph.com. Contact your local community liability risk insurance carrier to see if similar grants or reimbursement scholarships are available.

FEE: $550 Payment must be received by Dec. 20, 2023, or registration will be cancelled. Lodging is not included - Please contact Mt Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites, by clicking HERE to make your reservation online or call at: 989-772-4000 and mention the MSU Extension Group rate.

Cancellations received between Dec. 20, 2023 - Feb 1, 2024, will be assessed a $150 cancellation fee. Cancellations after Feb 1 will be responsible for the full registration cost of $550.