Registration

Register for the 2027 Program

In 2027, the Zoning Administrator Certificate Program will be offered at two convenient locations to better serve participants across the state—giving you more flexibility to choose the option that works best for your schedule and travel needs.

Bay City

  • In-Person: February 11–12, 2027
  • Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City – Riverfront, One Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI 48708
  • Online Learning Window: January 26–February 10, 2027

Crystal Mountain

  • In-Person: March 4–5, 2027
  • Location: Crystal Mountain Michigan Resort, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville, MI 49683
  • Online Learning Window: January 26–March 3, 2027

The program consists of eight modules delivered in a hybrid format:

  • One live Zoom session: January 26, 2027 | 1:30–4:00 p.m. ET
  • Two self-paced online modules (completed before your in-person session)
  • Five in-person modules delivered during your selected two-day program

Please note: Completion of the Zoom session and both self-paced online modules is required before attending the in-person portion of the program.

Registration closes on December 4, 2026

All registrants of the Zoning Administrator Certificate Program receive:

  • A binder with materials associated with each of the eight modules in the program (300+ pages). These may include:
    • A copy of all PowerPoint slides,
    • A copy of all special handouts, such as sample job description, sample zoning forms, sample ethics materials, sample checklists and all class exercises,
    • A summary of over 300 Michigan Appellate Court Cases that are most relevant to day-to-day zoning administration (not available separately).
  • A copy of the “Michigan Planning Guidebook, 2nd Ed.”
  • A copy of the “Michigan Zoning Guidebook, 3rd Ed.”

Participants who meet all the prerequisites and successfully pass the exam at the conclusion of the program will receive a framed certificate indicating successful completion of the program.

ZAC Team.jpg
The MSU Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate Program team

Reimbursement Scholarships

Several entities think the education of zoning administrators is so important that they are willing to offer scholarships for participation.

  • Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA): Offers grant funding (partial reimbursement of the course fee) to its members. For details and to apply for the grant, please contact MMRMA directly.
  • Nickel & Saph, Inc. Insurance Agency: Offers a $500 scholarship to its municipal clients. For details, please contact Stephen Saph, Jr. at stephenjr@nickelsaph.com or call (800) 657-7373.
  • Michigan Township Participating Plan: Offers the Training, Certification and Accreditation Program (TCAP) to members insured through the Michigan Township Participating Plan for the Michigan Citizen Planner Program and the Zoning Administrator Certificate Program. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.theparplan.com.

Questions

If you have questions about upcoming trainings or how to register for the Zoning Administrator Certificate Program, please email cplanner@msu.edu or call 517-353-6472.

Accommodations for Disabled Persons

Accommodations for people with disabilities may be requested by emailing cplanner@msu.edu or calling 517-353-6472 prior to the registration deadline (14 days prior to the training start date). Requests received after that date will be met if possible but are not guaranteed.