R is for Regional Planning
Planning historian Laurence C. Gerckens, FAICP, takes a look at the history of regional planning in America — from Governor James Oglethorpe’s 1733 plan for Savannah, Georgia to the issues of Circular A-95 in 1969.
Editor’s Choices for New Planning Board Members
PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville’s selection of articles especially worth a look by new members of planning commissions.
Note: There are more Editor’s Choice articles than are visible on this page — when you get to the bottom of the page, please continue on to “Older Posts” to view the rest of our Editor’s Choice articles.
Z is for Zoning
Planning historian Laurence Gerckens provides an overview of the origins of zoning in America.
Taking Aim at Takings Claims
Takings claims can create enormous potential liability for local governments. Respected land use lawyer and planner Dwight Merriam provides an overview of basic takings principles, and addresses questions planning commissioners often have.
Why Downtowns (Should) Matter to Planning Commissioners
Noted national “main street” expert Kennedy Lawson Smith makes the case for why downtown should matter to planning commissioners and others..
What Planners Do
Four planners discuss the role of the professional planner; planning commission-staff relations; what commission chairs can do; pre-meeting workshops; and new commissioner orientation.
Basics of Variances
Attorney Robert Widner offers a primer on the basics of zoning variances.
Zoning Boards & Planning Commissions
Michael Chandler provides an overview of the role of local zoning boards, and why it’s important for planning commissions to be familiar with zoning board decisions.
It’s All Relative
Greg Dale explains why “it’s all relative” in his article on conflict of interest situations involving family members.
What’s So Bad About Zoning?
A reality check on four myths about zoning and land use regulation: 1. Zoning is un-American, 2. Sparsely populated rural areas don’t need to control uses of land, 3. Land use controls will increase taxes and reduce property values, and 4. Planning is a bad idea.
Zoning Basics
Mike Chandler and Greg Dale look at zoning basics with an overview of the purposes of zoning, the structure of a typical zoning ordinance, and the principal players in the “zoning universe.” With sidebars on key zoning-related legal issues.
Making Your Opinion Known
Are there any constraints on when a planning board member can speak out publicly as an individual, rather than as a representative of the board? Greg Dale looks at some political and ethical considerations.
Bringing the Plan to Life
Most planning commissioners realize that all the effort spent on preparing a comprehensive plan will only pay off if the plan’s policies and objectives are implemented. Michael Chandler offers an eight-step process for helping assure that your plan is brought to life.
Welcome to the Commission
Advice from six planning commissioners from across the country especially aimed at new planning commissioners. Plus a roundtable discussion moderated by Planning Commissioners Journal editor Wayne Senville.
