Site Visits: Necessary But Tricky
Site visits can result in ex-parte contacts, since they occur outside the public forum. It’s important for planning commissions and commissioners to think through how best to conduct a site visit.
Greg Dale
C. Gregory Dale, FAICP, is a founding Principal with McBride Dale Clarion, the Cincinnati affiliate office of Clarion Associates. He has managed planning projects throughout the country, and is a frequent speaker at planning and zoning workshops throughout the country.
Between 1991 and 2009, Dale authored 21 articles in the Ethics & the Planning Commission series for the Planning Commissioners Journal, and also covered a range of transportation and zoning topics. He is also a co-author of The Planning Commissioners Guide (American Planning Association, 2013).
All of Dale’s Planning Commissioners Journal articles are listed below. Click on the title to read excerpts. PlannersWeb members can also download the complete articles in pdf format, as published in the PCJ.
Independent and Informed
PCJ columnist Greg Dale explains why it’s critical that planning commissioners be independent and informed when reviewing development applications.
Caution: Conflicts of Interest
Greg Dale tells how conflicts of interest created a stir in one New England community. With suggestions on how to be proactive in dealing with conflict situations.
Working With Planning Consultants
In part I, Greg Dale outlines ten key elements to successfully getting started on a project that will involve consultants; part II examines how RFQs can be used in finding planning consultants; and part III focuses on steps planning departments can take to ensure a good working relationship with consultants.
Getting Even
Planning commissions sometimes feel the urge to “get even” with a developer who has “burnt” them in the past. Greg Dale examines the ethical issues involved in getting even.
No Strings Attached?
Has anyone ever offered you a gift or favor because you’re a planning commissioner? asks Greg Dale.
Bending Your Ear
What do you do when you’re asked, confidentially, for advice about a possible rezoning request?
The Residential Street – Parts I, II, & III
Part I: the origins of today’s typical residential street standards, and why some planners have begun to question them. Part II: curves and cul-de-sacs. Part III: the influence of the modern land development pattern
When Information Is In Question
Greg Dale on what to do when you don’t believe what you’re hearing?
Who Do You Work For?
When the Mayor sees you as his voice on the planning commission, what should you do? Greg Dale offers some answers.
Planning for Parking Series
1. The Parking Conundrum provides an overview of parking standards; 2. Parking Lot Design looks at issues in the landscaping and design of parking lots; 3. Parking Lots: Storm Water Runoff & Shared Parking considers these two issues.
The Commissioner As Applicant
When a commissioner appears before the board as a permit applicant what, asks Greg Dale, should you do?
The Ethics of Bias
Greg Dale on why its important for planning commissioners to be aware of the border between personal values and bias.
