The Course in Zoning, a “nuts and bolts” course for municipal planners, elected officials, and their staff, deals with what is probably the most fascinating, complex, and provocative topic in local planning. It traces the evolution of zoning in the early twentieth century to the way zoning is practiced in Pennsylvania today. The Course in Zoning stresses the fundamentals of developing a sound zoning ordinance using the authority of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Topics include the relationship of zoning to comprehensive plans, understanding zoning terms, key issues in drafting a zoning ordinance and map, adoption and amendment, zoning ordinance administration, MPC options for joint municipal zoning, planned residential development, and traditional neighborhood development. The course includes mapping exercises, reviews of ordinance provisions, discussion of problem situations, and ethical issues. It was developed by the Pennsylvania Planning Association (PPA) and Penn State Extension Service through their training agency, the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute (PMPEI), and is taught by certified PMPEI instructors. The PMPEI is an approved provider of continuing education by the PA Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, PA Real Estate Commission, PA Continuing Legal Education Board, and Penn State University.
