Orange County Citizen Planner Academy

Have you ever wondered how certain buildings, neighborhoods or shopping areas came to be? If so, you're the perfect student for the Orange County Citizen Planner Academy. This one-day workshop is designed to educate the public about the Growth Management and Land Development Processes in Orange County.

The Academy is open to all Orange County citizens, however, space is limited and, therefore, registration is on a first come first served basis. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate and will be recognized by the Orange County Neighborhood Services Division.

The course material covers land development, zoning, neighborhood re-development, and citizen participation. These topics are explained in more detail below. During the workshop, professional planners from the public and private sector will present information and help participants implement the principles that have been taught. A new panel discussion is included entitled, "Growing Green," which addresses the importance the role citizens and government play in sustaining our environment.

By the end of the day, participants will have a working knowledge on how to become engaged within the Land Development process. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate and be recognized by the Orange County Neighborhood Services Division. Attendance for the entire day is required to receive a certificate of completion.

Location, Dates, & Registration

Course Topics

Land Development Processes
The Land Development discussion provides an overview of land development processes and regulations required to develop vacant land. We will review the steps for development involving large-scale projects. We will also look at the key players involved in the land development process and their ability to influencing the decision making process.

Zoning
The zoning discussion will focus on zoning and its correlation to land use. Participants will be presented with various zoning definitions and terms. We will also review the zoning regulations and how they impact land development.

Neighborhood Redevelopment/Planning
This discussion will analyze the rise and decline of neighborhoods. We will look at the growth and development of neighborhoods and the resources needed to create self-sustaining neighborhoods. We will also identify the variables that cause neighborhoods to decline, and we will look at how neighborhood redevelopment relates to Growth Management and how planning principles are used to eliminate blight.

Citizen Participation
In this discussion we will address the role of the citizen in the land development process and identify opportunities citizens have to effectively influence the decision making process of a land development project. We will review specific boards and their functions and learn how they contribute to the Land Development process. Finally, participants will learn how to communicate effectively at public hearings.

"Growing Green" Panel Discussion
This discussion will shed light on how Orange County and its citizens can work together to create an Orange County lifestyle that is environmentally sensitive and sustainable.

Location, Dates & Registration

2009 Fall Session ~ TO BE ANNOUNCED

Please check back for updates about future dates when the Citizen Planner Academy will be available. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Neighborhood Services at (407) 836-5547.

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