SERVICES
OUR SERVICES
General and Specific Plans
Effective planning policies can make the difference between a community that is barely "getting by" and a vibrant, energetic city charging towards the future. Collins & Schoettler should be your choice when searching for a consultant to prepare your community's General or Specific plan. We have a wealth of real-world experience with policies and programs that work.
We strongly encourage community participation in the formulation of plans - our experience shows that a plan prepared with citizen input will stand the test of time and enjoy broad community support. General and specific plans that are written in easily understood language, contain reasonable policies and implementation strategies, and are prepared so that early public involvement is encouraged, are more likely to be accepted by the community and adopted by the decision-makers. This approach will reduce the potential for legal challenges and also the number of times the plan is amended in the future.
Zoning Ordinances
Collins & Schoettler prepares zoning ordinances that are "user-friendly". To accomplish this objective, each zoning ordinance is formatted, written and illustrated so that it is easy to understand and use. Techniques used include the use of over-sized type, flow-diagrams and numerous illustrations.
Collins & Schoettler has also developed an innovative Zoning Brochure system. This system converts the zoning ordinance into brochures that are used at the public counter. Collins & Schoettler can design your community a new zoning code to incorporate smart-growth techniques. Front porches, recessed parking, and pedestrian-oriented development are but a few of the features that can be incorporated into your new zoning ordinance.
Urban Design
As many communities increasingly seem to look more and more alike, the tool of urban design is becoming more timely. Many cities are wondering what they can do to make new development "fit in" and strengthen community identity.
Collins & Schoettler can tailor an urban design plan to ensure new development will respect architectural styles and materials that are traditional to your town and the region.
An important part of the urban design process is public education. Many people know what "looks and feels good" but very few can articulate those feelings. Through public workshops, Collins & Schoettler can educate your elected and appointed officials, staff and the general public about the nuts and bolts of urban design.
We can help you to discover and define your community's design vocabulary and formulate new design standards that will produce a landscape that respects local identity while building the local economy.
Environmental Analysis
Collins & Schoettler prides itself on preparing environmental documents that can be used as planning tools. The mitigation measures contained in our reports can be used as effective conditions of approval and the project alternatives as different development options, ones that will have less of an impact on the neighborhood, community and environment.
Our environmental documents are written and formatted for ease of use and readability, particularly for members of the community not accustomed to reading planning documents. Where appropriate, we include charts and graphics to illustrate concepts. If your community is faced with the need to prepare a large project environmental analysis or you need assistance with day-to-day CEQA compliance, give us a call.
Brochures and Application Forms
"Uhh, let's see, your front yard setback is fifteen feet from the front property line, or forty-five feet from the centerline of the street, whichever is closer - I mean, whichever is greater . . ."
Does that sound familiar? Is a significant amount of your staff time going to explaining confusing zoning standards? Do your public counter clients often leave with a glaze in their eyes?
If this is happening at your planning department, we've got a solution. Collins & Schoettler has devised an innovative system of Zoning Ordinance brochures that takes the work out of explaining complex zoning standards.
Ask yourself the following questions. Are your zoning regulations clear? Are application forms concise and easy to understand? Are they "user-friendly". Do you have any graphics to offer the public to illustrate zoning standards? Do you spend frustrating time explaining confusing standards verbally with no graphic assistance?
Collins & Schoettler can tailor a planning department public information program suited to your city's needs - at a price that will fit your budget. Well designed handout materials can help reduce staff time commitments at the public counter as well as helping to communicate difficult-to-explain zoning standards more easily.
Collins & Schoettler can design effective zoning ordinance brochures for the following topics:
Single family residential zones
Parking standards
Multiple family residential zones
Sign Ordinance standards
Commercial zones
Landscaping standards
Industrial zones
Fencing standards
Mobile home standards
Permitting processes:
- Site Plan Review
- Conditional Use Permits
- Subdivision process
- Variances
- Environmental review
- General Plan Amendments
- Zone Changes
Any other subjects you desire!
We can also revise and update your department's application forms and related materials with designs that are easy for applicants to follow.
Think about it. The most important impression people take away from your department is often the assistance they get during their first contact with the front counter. Collins & Schoettler can help improve communications between the planning department and the public. The final result will be a stronger bond of understanding between applicant and staff.
We invite you to call Collins & Schoettler to discuss how your planning department can become more "user-friendly".
Phone 559.734.8737
Email karl@weplancities.com
Education
It is the nature of cities to experience frequent turnover in elected and appointed officials. Particularly in smaller communities, councilmembers and commissioners may come to the table with very little experience in city planning.
To address this situation, Collins & Schoettler is available to conduct training seminars on various aspects of planning, including community design, zoning regulations, general plan analysis, and public hearing proceedings.
Our experience shows that getting individuals out into the field and seeing how other communities approach various planning issues is one of the most effective educational techniques. We are available to conduct one-day bus tours throughout Central California.
Municipal Website design
Few people can argue that the internet has been one of the most revolutionary changes in the way we do business. The time has come where having a website is a necessity rather than a luxury. Many cities, counties, school districts and other agencies are beginning to realize the benefits of establishing and maintaining a well-designed website.
A municipal website can deliver volumes of information to citizens in a way that has never been available before, in any realistic or meaningful way. Municipal websites can relay a tremendous amount of information about local governments - from posting of agendas and minutes, to municipal codes, planning documents and financial reports - the possibilities are limitless.
Collins & Schoettler should be your choice to design and maintain your municipal website. Our associated web design firm has a wealth of common sense know-how in the fast-changing internet environment. We urge you to give us a call to discuss your community's website possibilities. Without doubt, a municipal website will be one of the biggest advancements your community will ever make in public relations. The result will be a stronger bond of understanding between the community and their local government.
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