Who Should Attend:
This training is a basic introduction to the rules and procedures governing municipal planning boards and appeals boards. It is designed primarily for new and less experienced planning board and board of appeals members. However, it is also a great refresher for long-time board members. Code Enforcement Officers and municipal officers may find this course helpful as an overview to the role of these boards in their municipalities.  

Course Information:
This course is based on MMA’s Planning Board and Local Land Use Appeals Board manuals. The workshop will cover material from the manuals, including how to conduct a board meeting, how to comply with Maine’s Freedom of Access Act requirements pertaining to open meetings and public records, and the procedures for making a decision, such as how to evaluate evidence on which to base a decision and how to draft findings of fact and conclusions of law. The training will also cover the appeals process, including appeals to a board of appeals and to Superior Court.

Participants are encouraged to review MMA’s Planning Board and Local Land Use Appeals Board manuals for more information on the topics covered during the workshop. The manuals are available to purchase online at https://ebiz.memun.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Store or by calling the MMA Publications department at (800) 452-8786. The manuals may also be downloaded for free from MMA’s website (www.memun.org), under the Member Center.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations must be submitted using this Cancellation form?to cancel your registration for an event. Cancellations received before 7/22/25 will be assessed a $15 administrative fee for processing. Cancellations received on/after 7/22/25 will be charged 50% of the course fee. Any registrant who does not attend and does not cancel their registration (i.e., no-show) and any cancellation received the day of the event will be charged the full registration fee. Registration substitutions are permitted for registrants within the same municipality/organization and will be assessed a $15 substitution fee. Please email wsreg@memun.org to request a registration substitution. Registration transfers to a future training offering are not permitted. 

If you have questions, please contact the Educational Services Office at (800) 452-8786 or (207) 623-8428 or training@memun.org. 

Confirmations will be emailed one week prior.