Land Use Commissioner Training

Land Use Commissioner Training Requirements 

As of January 1, 2023, land use commissioners in the State of Connecticut are required to attend mandatory training. 

Requirements:

  • Complete four (4) hours of approved training
  • Training must be completed:
    • Within one year of taking office; and
    • Once every four (4) years thereafter (or once per term if the term exceeds four years)

Affordable & Fair Housing Component

At least one (1) hour of the required training must address Affordable and Fair Housing policies which includes the following topics:

  1. Zoning Laws and Segregation
  2. The Fair Housing Act
  3. Municipal Land Use Planning and Zoning Responsibilities Under the Fair Housing Act
  4. The Meaning of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and How it Applies to Municipalities
  5. Planning and Zoning to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing
  6. Zoning Reforms to Promote Diverse Housing Options
  7. What is Affordable Housing, Who Needs It, and How Has It Evolved Over the Years?
  8. Addressing Community Affordable Housing Needs with the Public

For additional information on upcoming trainings, please check the CT Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) Training Calendar which is updated regularly and the CT Office of Policy and Management (OPM) guidelines for more information. 

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Wetlands Commissioner Training Requirements (New 2026)

Under a recently enacted Connecticut law (Public Act 25-73 / HB 6830), all members and staff of municipal Inland Wetlands Agencies must complete a comprehensive online training program developed by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Key points:

  • Effective January 1, 2026, all current Inland Wetlands Commissioners and staff are required to complete the DEEP training program.
  • Current members/staff must complete the program by January 1, 2027.
  • New members/staff must complete the training within one year of appointment or hiring.
  • Training must be repeated every four years, or once per term if the term is longer than four years.

Training Program:
The comprehensive training is available online and designed to support compliance with the Connecticut Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Act (IWWA).

Resources & Links: