Plan Commissioner Information and Resources – April 2015 – Winnebago County Plan Commissioner Network

1. The next Plan Commissioner Network meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 6:30-8:00pm, @ Town of Vinland Town Hall. Our discussion topic: Lot Sizes. What does this mean to you? What questions do you have about lot sizes? Send me your thoughts in advance to help us prepare for the conversation. Thanks!

2. Upcoming training opportunities …..

A. Case Law and Legislative Update, April 8, 2015 (10:30 am – 12:00 noon)
WisLine teleconference, Cost: $20.

This program reviews the latest Wisconsin court decisions and legislation related to land use planning and implementation. Part of the Local Government Center’s “Local Land Use Planning and Zoning” WisLine teleconference series. Presenter: Brian Ohm, Dept. of Urban and Regional Planning, UW–Madison/Extension.

B. Site Planning Fundamentals, May 13, 2015 (10:30 am to 12:00 noon)
WisLine teleconference, Cost: $20.

Good design is important to creating communities that are visually appealing and function well. This program will provide an overview of the fundamentals of good site design. Through the review of site plans, local governments can insure that new development occurs in a way that is appropriate for the site and that other issues are addressed such as the management of stormwater, the enhancement of open space, transportation connections and the circulation of pedestrians. Presenter: James A. LaGro, Jr., Dept. of Urban and Regional Planning, UW–Madison.

C. Shoreland Zoning: Protecting Lakes Through Partnership
April 23, 2015 (1:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point, WI
Cost: $25

Why do we have shoreland zoning in Wisconsin? Where did it come from and what are we trying to accomplish with it? In this workshop we’ll talk about the history of shoreland zoning, how it works today, and recent changes such as impervious surfaces and mitigation for counties to adopt by 2016. Our guests will include lakefront property owners who are helping to achieve the goal of healthy lakes and good fishing through shoreland zoning. Then we’ll give you a chance to “test drive” being a zoning board member. Presenters: Lynn Markham, Center for Land Use and Education, and Kay Lutze, Wisconsin DNR.

http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/programs/convention/registration/default.aspx

3. Mark your calendars for a Plan Commissioner 101 training on May 18, 2015, 6-8pm. This workshop is for new Plan Commissioners in Winnebago County or those that would like a refresher. It will cover the basics of roles, responsibilities, open government and basic actions of the Plan Commission. Catherine Neiswender, UW-Extension will be the presenter. The workshop is free. Registration and more information will be available mid-April.

4. Stay up to date on the County’s Comprehensive Plan Update process. Information and background material will be posted here soon — http://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/planning-and-zoning/comprehensive-plan-2016-2025.