PMPEI: Course in Zoning
Lehigh County (Allentown)
October 5, 12 and 19
Location: Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
To register contact Tracy Oscavich, 610-264-4544 (toscavich@lvpc.org)

This course addresses the fascinating, complex, provocative and contentious topic of zoning. It examines how zoning evolved in the United States and how this past history continues to shape the way zoning is practiced in 21st century Pennsylvania. The course begins with a review of the MPC authority for zoning and presents “nuts and bolts” fundamentals for drafting zoning ordinances and amendments. Included in the course are advanced techniques like overlay and performance zoning, planned residential development, and traditional neighborhood development. The relationship of zoning to comprehensive planning and the need for them to be consistent is emphasized. Also in the course are mapping exercises and analyses of zoning ordinance provisions. Problem situations and ethical dilemmas in zoning are discussed. The role of the planning commission with other individuals and local agencies in zoning administration, as well as procedures for enacting zoning ordinances and guidelines for rezoning, are discussed in detail.

For more information go to PMPEI.org.