MSU Extension 2027 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program Crystal Mountain
January 26, 2027 - March 5, 2027
Registration Deadline: December 4, 2026 - 11:45PM
Crystal Mountain Michigan Resort 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. Thompsonville, MI 49683
Contact: For more information, please contact Kara Kelly, ZAC Program Coordinator, at cplanner@msu.edu.
For 2027, the Zoning Administrator Certificate Program will be offered at two separate locations to better serve participants across the state. Please review both options carefully and select the location and schedule that work best for you.
2027 Program Location Options
Option 1: Bay City
In-Person Dates: Feb. 11–12, 2027
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City – Riverfront
One Wenonah Park Place
Bay City, MI 48708
Online Learning Window: Jan. 26 – Feb. 10, 2027
Option 2: Crystal Mountain
In-Person Dates: March 4–5, 2027
Location: Crystal Mountain Michigan Resort
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.
Thompsonville, MI 49683
Online Learning Window: Jan. 26 – March 3, 2027
Program Format
The 2027 Zoning Administrator Certificate Program includes eight modules delivered through a hybrid format:
- One live Zoom module: Jan. 26, 2027 | 1:30–4 p.m. ET
- Two self-paced online modules: Completed prior to the selected in-person session (online learning window)
- Five in-person modules: Delivered during your chosen two-day location
Completion of all three online/Zoom modules is required before attending the in-person program.
Please note: Each location is limited to 60 participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Zoning Administrators are among the most important local officials. They are the front line for new development and redevelopment in a community. How well they do, or do not do, their job has a great impact on the future of their community.
Most Zoning Administrators have had no formal training. They learned on the job and may not have uniform skills, but courts expect them to know the rudiments of law as it relates to zoning administration. The MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) Program teaches zoning administrators how to prevent mistakes that lead to expensive lawsuits, while improving their day-to-day effectiveness.
Since 2009, the MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program has taught zoning administration techniques in ways that reduce legal risks to the zoning administrator and their community. It is the most comprehensive zoning administrator training program in the state issuing THE coveted Zoning Administrator Certificate!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: New and current zoning administrators, private consultants, and county planners or state agency staff who consult with local zoning administrators. Even zoning administrators with years of experience will gain valuable insights from the program and interactions with other participants.
TOPICS COVERED: Job Description, Responsibilities and Basic Ethics; Legal Issues; Reviewing Applications: Common Procedures and Use of Forms; Reviewing Plot Plans and Site Plans; Inspections and Violations; Preparing Files, Reports and Record Keeping; Interactions with other Professionals and Agencies, and Departmental Duties; Customer Service and Counter Behavior
PREREQUISITES: To help establish a common knowledge base among participants in this advanced program, all registrants must have completed the MSU Extension Citizen Planner Program or have the AICP credential before starting the ZAC Program.
REIMBURSEMENT / SCHOLARSHIPS: A grant program, the Risk Reduction Grant Program (RRGP), may be available from your community’s liability insurance provider. Michigan Township Participating Plan offers to its municipal members one per community, which covers the complete registration reimbursement with program completion, for participation in the Citizen Planner Program and a portion of the Zoning Administrator Certificate Program fees. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.theparplan.com. For member governments of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), contact Cara Ceci at 800-243-1324 for more information regarding grants for education and training through the Risk Avoidance Program (RAP). For municipalities obtaining insurance through Nickel & Saph, Inc. Insurance Agency contact Stephen R. Saph, Jr. at 586-463-4573 or stephenjr@nickelsaph.com. Contact your local community liability risk insurance carrier to see if similar grants or reimbursement scholarships are available.
COST: $575 Payment must be received by Dec. 4, 2026, or registration will be cancelled.
Lodging is not included -
For Option 1 - the Bay City Program, please contact DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City Riverfront, by clicking HERE to make your reservation online or call at: 989-891-6000 and mention the MSU Extension Group rate.
For Option 2 - the Crystal Mountain Program, please contact the Crystal Mountain Reservations line by, by clicking HERE to make your reservation online or call at 855-520-2974 and reference the group number: 46R26L.
Cancellations received after Dec. 4, 2026, will be assessed a $200 cancellation fee. Registration is non-refundable after Jan. 10, 2027.
Get Directions
Print
Email