Planning and Zoning

This series of courses is intended to meet the educational needs of those municipal employees who are the designated administrative officers in accordance with the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., and secretaries to planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment. The curriculum encompasses four courses: an introductory course plus three special topic seminars, all of which were developed with the support and advice of the New Jersey Association of Planning and Zoning Administrators, an affiliate organization of the New Jersey Planning Officials.

University certificates of attendance are awarded upon satisfactory completion of each course, which is defined as attendance at 80% of the class hours, full payment of all fees, and attainment of a passing score where a written examination is required.

Introduction to Planning and Zoning Administration

This sixteen-hour course offers a comprehensive overview of basic administrative procedures for planning and zoning support staff. Discussions cover such critical issues as the legal responsibilities of the administrative officer and each of the boards as well as such practical matters as the preparation of agendas and minutes, notice requirements, application tracking techniques, and the management of escrow accounts. A written examination is given at the conclusion of the course.
(Please note: The Introduction course may be taken in a different semester than other courses in the program.)

Financial AND RECORDS Management for Planning and Zoning Offices

In this one-day seminar both the financial and record-keeping aspects of the board secretary’s job are explained. The financial management discussion emphasizes escrow account administration in the context of the application review process. Three other major topics are covered: budget preparation and administration, application fees, and post-approval guarantees and inspection fees.
The second half of the seminar focuses on traditional records management topics. Practical advice on file management and operational procedures in land use offices is given, and state records retention and disposal requirements are reviewed.
Prerequisite: Introduction to P/Z Admin.

Understanding Plans: Site Plan and Subdivision Review for Administrative
Officers and Board Secretaries

In this one and one-half day seminar, the administrative officer and board secretary are exposed to some of the technical aspects of site plan and subdivision review. The administrative processing requirements for both types of applications are discussed. Planning and engineering terminology is explained, and the symbols for various physical features and design elements are identified. Classroom exercises offer opportunities to become familiar with site plan and subdivision drawings and to review plans for completeness. An exam covering the material in Financial/Records Management and Understanding Plans is given at the conclusion of this course.
Prerequisite: Introduction to P/Z Admin.

Records Management for Planning and Zoning Offices

This seminar focuses on traditional records management topics. Practical advice on file management and operational procedures in land use offices is given, and State records retention and disposal requirements are reviewed. Computers in planning and zoning offices are discussed briefly. An exam covering the material presented in all three of the one-day sessions is given at the conclusion of Records Management.
Prerequisite: Intro to P/Z Admin.

Complete the attached form and send it with a check or voucher to the Center for Government Services. The registration form with payment must be received prior to the start date in order for your name to be placed on the roster. If you fail to preregister by mail, you MUST call 732-932-3640, ex. 643 to determine if enrollment is possible via fax. Upon our receipt of your completed application and check or voucher, a class space will be reserved for you, but NO confirmation will be sent. The University reserves the right to cancel any course if enrollment is insufficient.

CGS will refund the full course fee less a $25 processing charge to any student who notifies CGS in writing of his/her intent to withdraw. Notices of withdrawal must be submitted at least 48 hours before the course is scheduled to start. Withdrawal notices sent by fax (732/932-3586) will be accepted as well as notices sent by mail. Send withdrawal notice to:

Planning and Zoning Administration
Center for Government Services
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
33 Livingston Avenue, Suite 200
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1979

Those seeking the Planning Board/Zoning Board Secretary or Land Use Administrator designation offered by Rutgers must enroll in all three of the seminars listed below during the same semester and take the exam. Refer to the back panel of this brochure for information about the certificate program.
Information Questions may be directed to:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
The Center for Government Services
33 Livingston Avenue, Suite
200, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1979

To inquire by telephone, call 732-932-3640, ext. 643.

In cooperation with the New Jersey Association of Planning and Zoning Administrators, the Center now offers two certificates in this field. Those who successfully complete all four courses, including two examinations, are eligible, upon application to the Center, for a Planning Board/Zoning Board of Adjustment Secretary certificate. A Land Use Administrator's certificate is offered to those who successfully complete the courses and have five years full-time administrative experience in a planning or zoning office. Applications for Land Use Administrator must be approved by a review committee. To receive an application for either designation, contact:

Daphne Johnson-Jones, Program Assistant
Center for Government Services
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,
33 Livingston Avenue, Suite 200
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-1979