Chapter 21 - PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING BOARD EDUCATION

Sec. 21-1. - Purpose.#

The purpose of this chapter is to establish requirements and standards for initial, biennial, and continuing education programs for members and alternate members of planning board and zoning board performing land planning or zoning functions as authorized pursuant to the general laws.

(Ord. No. 2022-12, 10-18-2022)

Sec. 21-2. - Applicability.#

This chapter shall apply to the following: (1)

All members, including alternate members, of the local planning board or commission authorized pursuant to G.L. 1956, tit. 45, ch. 22.

(2)

All members, including alternate members, of the zoning board authorized pursuant to G.L. 1956, tit. 45, ch. 24.

(Ord. No. 2022-12, 10-18-2022)

Sec. 21-3. - Land use law and planning; required education for planning and zoning board members.#

(a)

Every current member and alternate member of the planning board and zoning board shall be required to have satisfactorily completed an education program in land use law and planning to be prepared by the director of the department of administration.

(b)

The education program pursuant to this chapter shall include an introductory program offered for new or prospective board members and continuing education courses offered for existing board members. Furthermore, the education program shall be sufficient in design and duration to adequately and reasonably address the topic areas related to land use and planning, including all topics determined relevant by the director, and shall consist of no less than three hours of scheduled instruction for the introductory course or courses and no less than one hour of scheduled instruction for any subsequent annual continuing education requirements. Reasonable efforts shall be made by the director to have the course of study structured in such a manner that a member may satisfy these requirements through a variety of instructional means including, but not limited to: traditional style classroom and seminar training, distance learning, webinars, on-site presentations, and by other means as deemed appropriate by the director. Education program topics to be considered may include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1)

History and purposes of planning and zoning;

(2)

State laws and local ordinances, rules and regulations applicable to the work of planning and zoning members, including a full review of G.L. 1956, tit. 45, ch. 53 ("Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income Housing Act");

(3)

Overview of the functions of the boards, statutory requirements, and the main tools of planning, zoning, and subdivision review;

(4)

Role of others in the planning and zoning process (citizens, applicants, planning and zoning staff, and elected officials);

(5)

Understanding and interpreting local comprehensive plans in helping to make land use decisions;

(6)

Understanding basic property rights.

(Ord. No. 2022-12, 10-18-2022)

Sec. 21-4. - Exemptions.#

The following persons shall be exempt from the educational requirements established pursuant to this chapter: (1)

The chief municipal officer of the city or town or person designated to serve on a planning board in an ex officio and non-voting capacity.

(2)

Any person who offers satisfactory proof of having completed a course of study in land use law and planning within one year prior to the effective date of G.L. 1956, tit. 47, ch. 70, that, in the determination of the director of the department of administration (the "director") in consultation with the division of statewide planning, is equivalent to or more extensive than the course offered pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, will be exempt from the initial three hours of training; however, remain subject to annual continuing education requirements. An appointee/re-appointee must file with the city or town clerk a statement explaining why he or she is exempt from the initial introductory training following the effective date of this chapter.

(3)

Any person who demonstrates that he or she is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or has a master's or doctorate degree in planning from an accredited college or university will be exempt from the initial three hours of training; however, remain subject to annual continuing education requirements. An appointee/re-appointee must file with the city or town clerk a statement explaining why he or she is exempt from the initial introductory training following the effective date of G.L. 1956, tit. 47, ch. 70.

(Ord. No. 2022-12, 10-18-2022)