Orientation Training Program Application
The SC Planning Education Advisory Committee (SCPEAC), established pursuant to Section 6-29-1310 (et. Seq.) South Carolina Code of Laws, seeks proposals by providers of educational programs and/or courses to be reviewed and considered for certification by the Advisory Committee.
Title 6, Chapter 29, South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act Of 1994, Article 9 requires a minimum 6-credit orientation program for those who are not exempt pursuant to Section 6-29-1350. Appointed officials (planning commissioners, board of zoning appeals members, or board of architectural review members) and professional employees (planning professionals, zoning administrator or official, or a deputy or assistant to the above) are required to comply with the educational provisions. See Section 6-29-1310 (et. Seq.) for further details.
Technology offers opportunities to enhance traditional learning models by increasing access to educational opportunities for officials or employees. Educational proposals from an array of providers and through different formats will be considered, dependent upon quality control provisions. All formats must include facilitators as discussant leaders; no self-educational methods are authorized. (See below for facilitator qualifications.)
Credit Hours are based on actual minutes of education including reasonable question and answer periods during the class. Note: Introductory remarks, business meetings, breaks, receptions, luncheons, etc. are not to be included in the computation of credit.
Pursuant to its responsibilities to compile and distribute a list of approved orientation programs/courses, the Committee has established minimal requirements for applicants to provide orientation programs. While the Committee will accept individual proposals for modules within the orientation program, the Committee will give priority to those sponsors submitting a complete orientation program proposal.
A 6-credit orientation program should cover at least the following topics:
- Overview of the Comprehensive Planning Act
- Description of Zoning and Land Development Regulations
- Description of Related Regulations such as Capital Improvements Programs, Development Agreements, Design Regulations
- Description of the roles and responsibilities of the Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Officer, Boards of Zoning Appeals and Architectural Review, and Appellate Processes—concepts of legislative, administrative, and quasi-judicial functions
- Legal Issues for Planning and Zoning
- Freedom of Information, Conflicts of Interest Provisions, Section 1983 Liability, and related Ethics
- certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners;
- a masters or doctorate degree in planning from an accredited college or university;
- a license to practice law in South Carolina;
- a masters degree in Public Administration; and have a role in local government
All proposals will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee and applicants will be informed of the action taken without 30 days of receipt by the SCPEAC Chairman.
Application for Accreditation of an Orientation Program
1. Be in a position of authority
2. Be able to facilitate discussion
3. Be able to confirm attendance of participants
4. Facilitators must meet one of the following qualifications:
Note: State law requires certification of attendance.
We have provided a model for A Uniform Certificate of Attendance for use in the Orientation Training Program. This is a suggested model to document attendance at the activities. See SC Code Sec. 6-29-1360. This is not a requirement but a suggested model.
The model Uniform Certificate of Attendance
Questions should be directed to:SCPEAC Chairman
Town Manager
One Town Center Court
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
SteveR@hiltonheadislandsc.gov
843-341-4700