Requires DCA to establish certification courses for planning professionals on development of warehouses and high density buildings.
Impact
The establishment of these certification courses is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of local planning professionals. It provides them with updated knowledge and practices needed to address the challenges presented by high-density development. While these courses will help prepare planners to manage such projects more effectively, they will not satisfy existing requirements under the Municipal Land Use Law, meaning that the certification does not replace the mandatory land use law training for certain board members.
Summary
A5202 is a legislative proposal in New Jersey that mandates the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish optional certification courses for planning professionals. The courses will focus on contemporary issues related to the development of warehouses and high-density buildings. With these courses, the intent is to equip planners with the necessary tools to better manage the complexities of community development as they create and implement local Master Plans. This initiative arises from the growing concerns surrounding the impacts of substantial warehouse construction on local communities.
Contention
Though the bill has generally been seen as a positive step toward improved planning in response to rapid development, it does not come without contention. Critics may argue that while certification is valuable, it is essential to ensure ongoing local governance and flexibility. As communities grow, maintaining a balance between state oversight and local needs and concerns is crucial. There might be concerns that adding certification requirements could overwhelm planning commissions without providing significant immediate benefits.
Requires basic course in land use law and planning offered to certain officials to include module on warehouse development and high-density development.
Requires DEP to evaluate cumulative impact of stormwater when reviewing applications associated with warehouse and other high-density development projects.
Prohibits municipal agency from approving applications for development of certain warehouses unless certificate of need is issued by Office of Local Planning Services in DCA.
Requires State Planning Commission to adopt model ordinance for siting certain warehouses and permits conforming updates to municipal master plans and zoning ordinances and establishes fund in DCA; appropriates $5 million.
Establishes State Agriculture Development Committee program preserving farmland in danger of being developed for warehouse purposes or other high-density development projects; appropriates $50 million from Global Warming Solutions Fund.
Establishes pilot program in Office of Planning Advocacy to reimburse municipalities for certain expenditures concerning warehouse development; appropriates $1 million.
Establishes Office of Citizen Involvement, Land Use, and Planning Advocate and transfers basic course in land use law and Office of Planning Advocacy to newly established office.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.