New law will require regular training for members of Planning and zoning boards
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| Ruth is looking forward to school |
Currently, local planning and zoning board members
are required once every two years to complete two hours of training on the
effects of development in a flood plain and the effects of sea-level rise.
The legislation (2022-H 7023B, 2022-S 2649A) passed today adds to that requirement a three-hour introductory course on land use and planning for them and historic district commission members, to be prepared by the Department of Administration.
After completing the required introductory course, members
would be required to annually complete one hour of continuing education and
land use and planning subjects. The courses may be offered in person or online.
“Planning and zoning boards, as well as historic district commissions, are generally volunteers who bring a variety of skills and experience to the job. We are grateful for their service, and want to ensure they are supported with proper training that is designed to provide them with the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions about the important and often complicated matters that come before them,” said Representative Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), who in 2017 sponsored the bill that created the sea rise and flood plain training requirement.
Said Senator Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East
Greenwich, Narragansett, South Kingstown), “The decisions made by planning
boards, zoning boards and historic district commissions have profound effects
on our communities, now and into the future. They hold a lot of power in determining
what kind of development moves forward and where it can go. The expectations
and the stakes are high, so all the members should be provided training in
development laws and their responsibilities.”
The legislation now goes to the governor for consideration.