Town Holding 5-Week 'Planning College'

Want to find out more about the Town of Mount Pleasant's planning and zoning laws? Interested in its Comprehensive Plan or the future development of Mount Pleasant? Starting next spring, the town's Department of Planning and Development will launch its Citizens Planning College.

The sessions are designed to provide citizens with an understanding of planning, zoning and the development process. Courses will be offered in two semesters. A spring semester will focus on introductory topics, and a fall semester will cover more advanced planning topics. Completion of the spring semester is required prior to taking fall semester courses. There is no fee to participate, but seats are limited.

Each semester is designed to last 5 weeks with one class per week. Class size is limited to 20 participants and will include one hour of teaching and presentation of information followed by 30 minutes of questions and discussion. Classes are taught by staff from the Planning and Building Divisions of the Department.

Participants will walk away with a better understanding of the Town, the Planning Department, staff, and the roles of citizen boards and commissions.

Spring Semester Schedule (An Introduction to Planning)

1/24/2013 - History and Demographics of Mount Pleasant
This course provides an overview of the history and development of Mount Pleasant covering major periods of growth and development, and town demographics.

1/31/2013 - Comprehensive Plan
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan guides the physical, social and economic growth, development, and redevelopment of the area within its jurisdiction.

2/7/2013 - Zoning and the Code of Ordinances
This class provides an overview of zoning and how the Comprehensive Plan is transferred into the zoning code. Information on land development regulations, building codes, impact fees, and stormwater regulations will also be included as part of this class.

2/21/2013 - Boards & Commissions
This course gives an introduction to the Town boards and commissions that fall under the Planning Department and the role of each.

2/28/2013 - Zoning Districts
Building on the earlier Zoning class, this course provides an overview of the various zoning and overlay districts.

If you would like to enroll in the Citizens Planning College or if you have any questions about the program, contact Lynnette Lynes in the Planning Department at 843-884-1229 or at llynes@tompsc.com.