Planning boards and zoning boards of appeal frequently make important decisions affecting the quality of life in their communities. In 2007, New York State passed a law requiring that each member of these local boards receives four hours of training per year. The Center’s regional planner is available to work with county planning agencies and other partners to provide land use training to communities. Programs may be tailored to individual municipalities working on specific issues. The regional planner also provides technical assistance via phone and email on a wide range of land use and local government topics.

   General Training Programs
    Planning Board Powers and Duties
    Zoning Board of Appeals Overview and Procedures
    Subdivision Review
    Conservation Subdivision
    Site Plan Review and Special Use Permit
    Design Guidelines

    Recent Specialized Programs
    Scenic Byways in the Catskills
    Connecting Main Street with Outdoor Recreation
    The Corridor Redevelopment Approach in the Catskills
    Zoning for Rural Communities