Registration, Exhibits, and Continental Breakfast

This course will address the powers and duties of zoning board of appeals and its interrelationships with enforcement officials, the municipal planning board, and county planning agencies. The statutory requirements relating to the issuance of use and area variances, handling of zoning interpretations, board procedures and findings will be discussed. (CEO, CLE, and AICP credit)

Learn why historic preservation should be a significant part of your land use, economic development, and local promotion toolkit and how to plan an effective strategy to make it part of your community's efforts. Topics will include economic redevelopment, grants, government programs, local ordinances, and who does what and when. Additionally, the Certified Local Government Program will be discussed, which is a federal program that recognizes local municipal preservation programs and provides technical assistance, partnership opportunities and an annual grants program for member communities.

This presentation will deliver a brief history of the need for floodplain regulations. Roles of the federal, state, and local governments will be defined. Key regulatory requirements will be reviewed and recent changes that affect communities will be highlighted.

Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change:An overview of climate change policy and states action to address climate change; The Science of Climate Change in the Northeast: An introduction to the science of climate change and potential impacts in the Northeast; How Communities Are Preparing for Climate Change: Cities for Climate Protection, A description of tools available and how municipalities are using them to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and Examples from the Hudson Valley: A description of how municipalities in the Hudson Valley are organizing themselves to reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change; and Moving Forward in Western New York: Ideas on how Western New York can address climate change.

Intermunicipal planning projects bring together different stakeholders with unique perspectives, leading to more comprehensive solutions and often a unifying vision. Getting meaningful results is a challenge, and learning to work together as a group adds to the challenge. Session will provide an overview of the basic tools and processes needed for a successful intermunicipal planning project. (CEO Credit)

An overview of the NYS Historic Preservation Office’s Cultural Resource Survey Guide for Wind Project.  This guidance for architectural and archaeological survey work that should be undertaken as a minimum threshold for wind projects was developed by the office in 2006.  The discussion will also include a brief overview of the SHPO’s responsibilities in review process for thee types of projects.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon." The same is true of minutes, findings, and the decisions that are issued by planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. Presenters will discuss why board members should strive to make land use records that are of value to enforcement personnel, applicants, municipal attorneys, and current and future boards. Discussion will also detail three components of the record - minutes, findings, and the decision document. (CEO and CLE credit)

The zoning and planning process doesn't have to be an adversarial process.  Many applicants have little, if any, experience working within the municipal planning and zoning process.  Come hear how your community can help applicants provide you with the information you need to make good decisions. (CEO Credit)

Town planners, boards, zoning officials, architects, specifiers, engineers, building officials and staff are dealing more and more with complex issues concerning outdoor light. It is important to have a basic understanding of outdoor lighting in order to effectively make sound decisions. This course is designed to do just that. Topics include Outdoor Lighting Criteria, Luminaire Performance, Outdoor Applications and Outdoor Lighting Codes.

How to create lively and attractive new centers of higher density, mixed use, and pedestrian oriented development.

This session will address the powers and duties of town, village and city planning boards and commissions. Administrative and regulatory roles of the planning board will be discussed, including comprehensive planning, site plan review, special use permits, subdivision review, the role of the board in making recommendations to the zoning board of appeals, the importance of board procedures, referral to the county planning agency, and making findings. (CEO, CLE, and AICP credit)

A course on what to investigate when considering the consolidation of municipalities or municipal services. Instructors will discuss potential fiscal issues; forming a study group, conducting a study; and merger, dissolution, and other options for structural and service delivery change.

Region 8 This presentation will focus on regulatory requirements including development of SWPPPs, permit coverage and termination of that coverage.

In cities, suburbs, and rural communities, Upstate New York's population is aging. How can plans, policies, and programs respond better to this population, and their desire to “age in place”-- in their current homes, neighborhoods, and communities? This session will examine land use, community design, housing, and transportation barriers to “aging in place,” and suggest solutions to overcoming these barriers. 

Discussion of local laws governing the treatment of on-site individual wastewater systems.