Bill > A00476

This bill requires members of municipal planning boards and zoning boards of appeals in cities, towns, and villages (except for New York City) to complete five hours of annual training, with a specific mandate that at least one hour of this training focuses on environmentally conscious planning. The environmental training will cover topics such as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, grant and funding opportunities, farmland and natural resource conservation, climate justice, environmentally conscious site design, building material techniques, water mitigation, and energy systems best practices. Training can be delivered through various formats including electronic media, video, distance learning, and traditional classroom instruction. Previously, board members were required to complete four hours of training, so this bill increases the total training requirement by one hour and specifically mandates environmental content. The training must be approved by the relevant municipal legislative body and can be provided by entities like regional planning offices, state agencies, municipal associations, or colleges. Any excess training hours beyond the five-hour requirement can be carried over to subsequent years, with the exception of the environmentally focused training. The bill will take effect on the first day of January following its passage into law.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A476