Services

A range of services are available to members to help with the unique concerns involved in land use decision making.

Phone Consultation
Staff is available to answer questions from elected officials, city managers, attorneys and zoning administrators. Whether you are in the first stages of land use planning, or think a problem might develop down the road, please call staff for assistance.

Written Assistance
Written materials are available on topics including zoning, sign ordinances, regulating adult uses, tips on land use claims, findings of fact, public hearings, the 60-day rule, and development fees, among others.If you find that materials don't answer all your questions, or create new ones, please contact staff.
Read more about land use written materials

On-Site Training

  • Land Use Ground Rules
    Designed for city councilmembers and planning commissioners, this presentation is intended to raise awareness about the difficult nature of land use decisions and to provide background on municipal land use authority. Attendees gain an understanding of the difference between legislative authority (making law) and quasi-judicial authority (applying law). This session packs a lot of core information into a 30-minute timeframe.
  • Beyond the Ground Rules
    This presentation includes the “Land Use Ground Rules” training session plus a discussion of land use regulation, from planning and zoning to judicial appeals. Staff covers the most frequent issues encountered by cities, including variances, conditional use permits, the 60-day rule, public hearings, and writing good findings of fact. The 1.5 to 2 hour timeframe of this session allows substantial time for questions and interaction.
  • Just for You: Customized Training
    While the basics are important for everyone, some communities are dealing with specific issues, such as housing, shoreland development, or signage. LMCIT's land use attorneys have expertise in a wide variety of land use issues and can customize a training session to your city.