South Carolina law requires every board, committee and commission appointee involved with local planning and zoning, as well as planning staff to complete a mandatory 6-hour orientation training session, as well as complete three hours of continuing education credit each year. The SC Planning Education Advisory Committee updated their policies on continuing education, allowing planning staff to obtain certifications to host trainings without prior approval from the advisory committee.
Here are the ways that a municipal planning staff can arrange continuing education training for their commissions, boards and professional employees involved in planning and zoning:
Use an approved sponsor
SCPEAC has a full list of approved continuing education programs at online. As an approved sponsor, the Municipal Association has a list of a CE training resources that a municipality can request access to for a group training session.
Learn more about the Municipal Association’s trainings that can count toward the state’s requirements online.
Get approval as a Continuing Education Instructor
Those who apply for this designation with SCPEAC will need to fulfill at least one of the following qualifications, as well as a level of work experience:
- Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners
- A master's or doctorate degree in planning from an accredited college or university
- A license to practice law in South Carolina
They will also need at least three years of experience, preferably at the level of a planning director. Review the full policy for all qualifications.
Get approval for an Individual Continuing Education Program
SCPEAC accepts applications from planning staff with minimum educational requirements of an undergraduate degree as well as five years of experience in the planning field.