The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) has offered the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute (PMPEI) courses in community planning and land use regulations since 2014. These courses are targeted to planning commissioners, zoning hearing board members, zoning administrators, elected officials and others with an interest or involvement in planning. Nearly 300 people from the public, non-profit and private sectors have graduated from at least one of the courses since 2014. Included among them are 75 people who earned the distinction of being named a Certified Citizen Planner for attending three courses, ushering in a new era of community land use leadership.

UPCOMING COURSES

COMMUNITY PLANNING

5:30-9 PM: September 13, 20, 27

Where: LVPC, 961 Marcon Blvd., Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18109

This is a course to teach planning commissioners, local officials and others how to carry out their responsibilities under the PA Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), the statute that endows municipalities with the authority to plan. For those who don’t know or fully understand the provisions of the MPC, this course will teach them how instrumental it is in giving a jurisdiction the ability to make critical decisions involving land use, which can shape their community’s quality of life.

Who should go?

Municipal zoning hearing board and planning commission members, municipal elected officials, primary municipal support staff (managers and secretaries), prospective students of city and regional planning and engaged community members who wish to understand the zoning and subdivision approval processes.

What will we learn?

Participants will learn the essence of planning; where it fits in the framework of local government; how planning commissioners relate to the governing body, zoning hearing board and zoning officers; how municipalities can work with adjacent municipalities to foster multimunicipal planning; the role of the county planning agency; how to interpret the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and the importance of the 30-day or 45-day review time clock; the purpose of a comprehensive plan; how to implement a plan through zoning, subdivision and land development regulations; other means of land use control; what constitutes an effective planning commission; land use and development considerations unique to the region.

How much?

Online Payment: $125 Course Registration; $9.24 Service and Processing Fees

Check Payment: $125 Course Registration; $4.15 Service and Processing Fees.

Please make checks payable to Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and send to 961 Marcon Blvd., Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18109. Food will be provided.

ZONING ADMINISTRATION

5:30-9 PM: October 13 , 20, 27

Where: LVPC, 961 Marcon Blvd., Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18109

Participants learn the basic principles and procedures to effectively carry out their work administering municipal zoning. The course covers the rationale and technical aspects of zoning and how to build effective relationships with everyone involved in zoning administration. Hands-on experiences and practice exercises are built into each session. Attendees learn how to conduct effective and fair zoning hearings in a mock zoning hearing session.

Who should go?

Municipal zoning hearing board and planning commission members, zoning officials and municipal elected officials.

What will we learn?

Principles of zoning; Key zoning terms; The concept of the zoning administration team; Zoning officer duties; Enforcement notice procedures; Key issues related to variances, special exceptions and nonconforming uses; How to conduct a zoning hearing

How much?

Online Payment: $125 Course Registration; $9.24 Service and Processing Fees

Check Payment: $125 Course Registration; $4.15 Service and Processing Fees.

Please make checks payable to Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and send to 961 Marcon Blvd., Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18109. Food will be provided.

OTHER PMPEI COURSES

Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute (PMPEI) courses are all virtual.

Registration and payment is being handled directly by PMPEI. Please see the links below. Course questions should be directed to Terri Dickow (800-232-7722, Ext. 1042).

• Registration

• PMPEI Online Learning Series

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Local Technical Assistance Program

Click here for courses

Complete three courses at the Lehigh Valley Government Academy and you will be awarded the “Citizen Planner Certificate”. Certificates will be awarded during a ceremony at a Lehigh Valley Planning Commission meeting.

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

961 Marcon Boulevard - Suite 310

Allentown, PA 18109

Phone: (610) 264-4544

Toll Free: (888) 627-8808

Fax: (610) 264-2616

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