Local Government Training Videos

Thank you for exploring the New York State Department of State's multi-media options for land use and local government training. Before you begin viewing the training videos, we recommend you print a hard copy of the presentations to follow along and take notes as the video plays. The link for the printable copy of each presentation is located below.

 

Our videos are viewable with either Windows Media Player or Real Media Player. To start a video, click on the "Click to Play" symbol for the course of your choice. If you have any technical problems, please review the information on the DOS video FAQ link. If you cannot resolve your technical problems, please call the NYS DOS Land Use Training Unit at (518) 473-3355. If you have questions on the subject matter, please email us or call us at (518) 474-6740.

 

We strongly encourage you to fill out an evaluation form, located below, for each training video you complete. Your feedback is important to us because it is used to improve our training courses.

 

At the end of the printed presentation you will find a certificate noting your completion of the video training, which you can submit to your municipality. At this time, attorneys can NOT receive Continuing Legal Education and Code Enforcement Officers will NOT receive In-Service Credit from the Office of Fire Prevention & Control for these videos.

 

If you cannot access the videos, DVDs of these two courses are available. Please contact us at (518) 473-3355 or email philip.burke@dos.state.ny.us

 

Play video imageEthical Standards for Planning and Zoning Boards
1 Hour
Windows Media Player
Real Player

The public interest requires that municipal officers be of good moral character and integrity.  Municipal officers should be protected from unwarranted assault on their integrity.  This presentation will help members of planning boards and zoning boards of appeals determine if a conflict of interest exists in certain municipal transactions.  Discussion topics will include Article 18 of the General Municipal Law and its disclosure requirements, common law conflicts and the legal repercussions that follow.



Play video imageLocally Unwanted Land Uses
1 Hour
Windows Media Player
Real Player

A quick survey of unpopular land uses and the extent to which local governments may regulate them. Among the topics addressed are: mining, day care, group homes, big box retail, adult uses, religious uses, telecommunications facilities, mobile homes, and billboards.




Frequently Asked Questions

For assistance in viewing our videos please check out the DOS video FAQ page.

Video Content Questions

If you have any specific questions regarding the content of the training videos, Contact the Department of State Counsel's Office.

Course Presentations

Ethical Standards for Planning and Zoning Boards (PDF, 55 pgs)

Dealing with Locally Unwanted Land Uses (PDF, 28 pgs)

Video Evaluations

Ethical Standards for Planning and Zoning Boards

Dealing with Locally Unwanted Land Uses

Helpful Publications     

Municipal Regulation of Mobile Homes
This document provides an overview of municipal authority to regulate the placement of mobile (manufactured) homes.
Download Municipal Regulation of Mobile Homes (PDF, 21 pgs)

Municipal Control of Signs
This document should serve as a resource for local governments considering the adoption or amendment of sign regulations. It examines the legal aspects of sign regulations by covering significant court cases involving signs and constitutional rights, focusing on legitimate exercises of municipal sign control. It also reviews the processes of planning and adopting a local law to regulate signs, and provides sample local law language.
Download Municipal Control of Signs (PDF, 76 Pgs)

Planning and Design Manual for the Review of Applications for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
This publication provides guidance to municipalities on how to handle applications for wireless communications facilities. It explains how wireless (cellular) communications works, reviews guidelines established by the 1996 Federal Telecommunications Act, gives environmental and design review tips, and provides model local laws that your community can adapt for its particular situation. This publication was produced by the Town of Pittsford under a grant administered by the Department of State.
Download Planning and Design Manual (PDF, 64 pgs)

Land Use Moratoria
"Land Use Moratoria" temporarily suspend development approvals. This document describes moratoria, the case law surrounding moratoria, and the drafting of a moratoria law.
Download Land Use Moratoria (PDF, 15 pgs)

Relevant Legal Memoranda 
Municipal Regulation of Cellular Telephone Towers and Antennas - LU01
Restrictions on Election Signs - LU02
Municipal Regulation of Adult Uses - LU03
Regulating Hours of Operation - LU15
The Regulation of Day Care Facilities - LU16