Planning Smarter Montco 2023

Planning Smarter 2023

We are in the process of finalizing the Planning Smarter Montco 2023 schedule. This initiative of the Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC), provides important planning information that will enable local leaders and citizens to better plan for the future of their community. All planning smarter events are free and open to the general public unless otherwise noted. For more information, contact Rita McKelvey (610-278-3753).

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The Course in Subdivision and Land Development Review
April 4, 11, 18 2023 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Cost: $110*
Towamencin Township building (Meeting Hall), 1090 Troxel Road, Lansdale PA, 19446
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The Course in Subdivision and Land Development Review is essential for planning commissioners and elected officials. This three-session course reviews the subdivision and land development process from pre-application meetings through the completion of a project. It focuses on the principles of subdivision and land development, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) requirements, effective plan management procedures, and design and technical standards for subdivisions and land developments. Professional credits offered through PMPEI.

*Municipalities with a current Community Planning Assistance Contract with MCPC are eligible for a discounted rate of $90.

Zoning Administration

The Course in Zoning Administration
May 11, 18, 25, 2023 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Cost: $110*
Towamencin Township building (Meeting Hall), 1090 Troxel Road, Lansdale PA, 19446 Register Today_300x39
The Course in Zoning Administration provides zoning hearing board members, zoning officials, and elected officials—regardless of experience—with the basic principles, procedures, and information needed to effectively carry out their functions in the administration of municipal zoning. This three-session course covers the technical aspects of zoning and how to build effective relationships with the public. Hands-on experiences and practice exercises are built into each session. Participants learn how to conduct effective and fair zoning hearings in a mock zoning hearing session. Course topics include the principles of zoning, key zoning terms, the zoning administration team, zoning officer duties, enforcement notices, and zoning hearing procedures, variances, special exceptions/conditional uses, and nonconformities. Professional credits offered through PMPEI.

*Municipalities with a current Community Planning Assistance Contract with MCPC areeligible for a discounted rate of $90.

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The Course in Community Planning
September 14, 21, 28 2023 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Cost: $110*
Lansdale Borough Hall (Council Chambers), One Vine Street, Lansdale, PA 19446Register Today_300x39
The Course in Community Planning is an excellent introduction to planning in Montgomery County for any local planning commission appointee or local elected official. This three-session course combines presentations and group exercises that explore the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), the function of a planning commission, comprehensive plans, zoning, subdivision and land development, capital budgeting, and official maps. This popular course is a must for all new planning commission members. Professional credits offered through PMPEI.

*Municipalities with a current Community Planning Assistance Contract with MCPC are eligible for a discounted rate of $90.

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The Course in Zoning
October 12, 19, 26 2023 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Cost: $110*
Lansdale Borough Hall (Council Chambers), One Vine Street, Lansdale, PA 19446 
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The Course in Zoning deals with probably the most complex topic in local planning. This three-session course emphasizes the fundamentals for developing a sound zoning ordinance using the authority granted in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Course topics include the relationship of zoning to comprehensive plans, key terms used in zoning and how they are applied, critical issues in drafting a zoning ordinance and map, procedures for adopting and amending ordinances, and basic zoning administration. The course also explores techniques such as overlay districts, performance zoning, traditional neighborhood development, and planned residential development as well as the options available through regional planning. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in mapping exercises, reviews of ordinance provisions, and discussions of problem situations. Professional credits offered through PMPEI.

*Municipalities with a current Community Planning Assistance Contract with MCPC are eligible for a discounted rate of $90.

MA Block 2023

Montgomery Awards Celebration
TBD | Cost: Free

Celebrate a successful year in planning with other municipal officials, developers, and planning design professionals. The Montgomery Awards Program recognizes the best in planning, design, and advocacy in Montgomery County. This annual program promotes awareness of outstanding design and innovative planning in our communities by awarding successful land developments, revitalization efforts, open space enhancements, environmental sustainability, and transportation improvements and recognizes sustained planning advocacy.