Registration now open for the 2025 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program in Mt. Pleasant

Since 2009, the MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program has served as Michigan's only zoning administration program focused on techniques that reduce legal risks to the zoning administrator and their community.

In Michigan, local governments have the authority to adopt zoning ordinances to regulate land use in their community. Zoning Administrators around the state have the important task of administering and enforcing those zoning ordinances. Each year Michigan State University (MSU) Extension offers the Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program to provide in-depth training in zoning administration techniques that reduce legal risks to the zoning administrator and their community. Since 2009, this program has helped more than 600 of Michigan’s zoning administrators successfully fulfill their role. The ZAC Program is heavily recommended by past participants with 100% of 2024 evaluation respondents recommending that “all zoning administrators attend this program” and “all consultants that provide zoning services attend this program.” 

During the ZAC Program, participants will receive a wealth of training materials and resources, along with the opportunity to participate in activities designed to help understand all parts of their role as a Zoning Administrator. Topics covered include reviewing applications and site plans, record keeping, reports, inspections and violations, and customer service. ZAC participants have had such great experiences that when asked, 100% of 2024 evaluation respondents say the program was “valuable” or “very valuable” for their growth and development. Each participant will receive a ZAC Binder and online access to important resources like the “Michigan Planning Guidebook, 2nd Ed.,” the “Michigan Zoning Guidebook, 3rd Ed.,” and if they complete the program and pass the ZAC exam, participants receive a framed certificate of completion.  

Registration is now open for the 2025 ZAC Program. The program will begin virtually on January 30 with a live session via Zoom and two self-paced online modules using MSU's online learning management system, Desire 2 Learn (D2L). The in-person program will begin Thursday, February 20 at 11 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m. on Friday, February 21. 

Space is limited and this program regularly fills up, so register soon! 

How to register 

Registration for the 2025 ZAC program is now open at a cost of $575 through December 6, 2024. If you would like more information, please visit canr.msu.edu/zoning_administrator_certificate_program or email cplanner@msu.edu.  

To contact your local MSU Extension office, visit canr.msu.edu/outreach or call 1-888-678-3464. 

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