Built on 25+ years in the industry—training planners with the skills you only learn on the job.

This introductory course helps new planners understand agency culture, build professional habits, and develop confidence. Participants learn counter basics, how to avoid common pitfalls, and the essential skills every planner needs in their first year. 

November 12, December 4, 2025

January 7, February 4, March 4, 2026, 

9-10 AM

The Planner A to Z Skills Course is an accelerated, six hour, training program designed for new agency staff and early-career consultants working in California cities, counties, and special districts. Built by seasoned professionals who have worked both sides of the counter, this course bridges the gap between planning school and the realities of everyday practice.

Participants gain a focused, real-world introduction to the essential responsibilities of land use planners—knowledge that typically takes months or years to develop on the job. From interpreting zoning codes and general plans to handling CEQA requirements, entitlement pathways, and environmental review triggers, this course provides the foundation for confident, effective project review.

Going beyond technical knowledge, the course also covers communication and writing skills, equipping planners to assist the public, respond to inquiries, and present their work clearly to decision-makers, applicants, and other agencies. Participants will also be introduced to more advanced topics such as the Williamson Act, agricultural preserves, mining, grading, wetlands, and water quality—ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the full scope of planning practice.

What you will learn

• Interpret and explain zoning codes, general plans, and planning policies
• Recognize environmental review triggers and understand CEQA basics
• Navigate entitlement processes and common project pathways
• Identify red flags in project applications before they become delays
• Communicate effectively with applicants, the public, and other agencies
• Apply technical writing principles to staff reports and recommendations
• Gain exposure to complex topics such as Williamson Act contracts, agricultural preserves, mining, grading, wetlands, and water quality

January 21 and 22, 2026

March 19 and 20, 2026

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

$275. Discounts available for multiple attendees from the same agency/firm in the same session. Attendance link provided with registration confirmation.  

AI is rapidly becoming part of the planner’s toolbox, from drafting CEQA documents to summarizing public comments. But using AI responsibly requires more than just technical know-how—it requires ethical awareness and professional judgment. This course will discuss real world applications - both success and failures - of using AI in planning. 

This course explores how AI can be applied in everyday planning tasks without sacrificing accuracy, transparency, or public trust. We’ll cover real examples of AI in environmental review, staff report drafting, and data analysis, while addressing the ethical concerns that come with it: plagiarism, bias, accountability, environmental costs, and legal defensibility.

What you’ll learn:

• How to integrate AI tools into planning work with proper oversight
• Common ethical pitfalls (plagiarism, bias, over-reliance) and how to avoid them
• Best practices for disclosure, transparency, and maintaining public trust
   

After taking this course, you will learn ways to ethically incorporate AI into your daily practice, saving you time and improving your work. Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting with it, this course equips you to use the technology responsibly, ethically, and effectively—so it strengthens the profession rather than undermines it.

November 13, December 10, 2025,

January 7, February 4, March 4, 2026 

9:00-10:00 AM

$55. Attendance link provided with registration confirmation.  

Clear writing is one of the most crucial—and often overlooked—skills in planning. A well-crafted staff report or CEQA document can be the difference between smooth project approval and confusion, delays, or even legal challenges. Yet most planners are never formally trained in how to translate complex regulations, technical studies, and policy requirements into plain, defensible language.

Through practical instruction, real-world examples, and step-by-step exercises, participants learn how to transform dense planning information into writing that decision makers, applicants, and the public can understand. The course emphasizes clarity, structure, and consistency—ensuring that reports, conditions of approval, and environmental documents not only meet agency standards but also withstand scrutiny in public hearings and potential litigation.

Whether you are new to staff reports or looking to sharpen your skills for higher-level assignments, this course equips you with the tools and confidence to write with purpose. You’ll leave with strategies, templates, and practice examples that can be applied immediately to your daily work.

• How to structure clear, defensible staff reports and CEQA documents
• Techniques for translating complex technical studies into plain language
• Strategies for summarizing key issues without losing important details
• Common pitfalls in planner writing—and how to avoid them
• Using graphics, tables, and formatting to improve readability
• Practical editing and review tips to ensure professional-quality work
• Developing a consistent writing voice across reports, emails, and public materials
   

November 19, 2025 9:00 AM-12 PM

February 13 2026 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, 

$150. Discounts available for multiple attendees from the same agency/firm in the same session. Attendance link provided with registration confirmation.  

Project review is one of the most critical skills for planners—but it’s rarely taught in school and generally learned on the job, through making mistakes. Planners are the bridge between applicants, agencies, and the community. Strong project analysis builds trust, reduces delays, and leads to better outcomes for everyone. This course gives planners the tools and confidence to analyze real-world development projects, identify red flags early, and prepare clear, defensible recommendations for decision makers.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your approach, you’ll learn a step-by-step framework you can apply to projects of any size—from a small parcel split to a major commercial development.

What you'll learn: 

• How to break down an application packet into manageable parts
• Key questions to ask in zoning, general plan, and CEQA review
• Spotting red flags before they derail a project
• Writing clear, concise staff reports and recommendations
• Understanding the applicant’s perspective to improve communication
• How to balance code requirements with professional judgment

December 12, 2025 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

February 6, 2026 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, 

$150. Discounts available for multiple attendees from the same agency/firm in the same session.

Attendance link provided with registration confirmation.  

Make agenda packets that are clear, defensible, and easy for the public and decision-makers to use. From Planning Commissions to City Councils and Boards of Supervisors, this course shows planners how to build audience-friendly packets and present them with confidence.

Who is it for:

Planners, planning technicians, analysts, project managers, clerks, and consultants who prepare or review staff reports, agenda packets, and presentations.

What you'll learn: 

• Create decision-ready recommendations with clear options and motions.
• Present at hearings with poise, handle tough questions, and manage time.
• Use exhibits, conditions, and mitigation measures that are easy to read and enforce.
• Structure an agenda packet so that anyone can follow the story.
• Balance legal requirements (e.g., noticing, recordkeeping) with readability and accessibility.

January 16, March 13 2026 9:00-11:00 AM

$100. Discounts available for multiple attendees from the same agency/firm in the same session. Attendance link provided with registration confirmation.  

Our Write-Along Training approach offers real-time, hands-on support for staff engaged in CEQA documents, making it an ideal choice for those seeking effective CEQA training. Delivered individually, this service pairs a seasoned planner with you to guide the writing process while providing immediate coaching and revision support, essential for Accelerated Planner Training. 

Each participant will be asked to complete some pre-work, including confirming a stable project description and gathering relevant technical and supporting documents (a checklist will be provided upon registration). During the course, the instructor will guide each student through each section of the Appendix G Environmental Checklist, coaching them on how to draft responses tailored to their specific project. In addition to developing their own document, students will engage with real-world issues from other jurisdictions—broadening their understanding of CEQA practice and sharpening their planning judgment across a range of project types and contexts. Students will leave the training with a completed Administrative Draft ISMND ready for supervisor review.  

Planners will need to be prepared for the training and devote time outside of class to working on their document in order to complete the course with an Administrative Draft document. Instructions and checklists will be provided at time of registration.  

Can I take this class if my IS/MND project is not deemed complete?
Yes. Planners can use placeholders for sections where technical studies or data are not yet available. This keeps the document moving forward and provides a framework to build on. The training is recorded, so participants can return later to review lessons and complete sections once technical studies are finished. 

Cost:$1,175 - -Call 209.642.7075 to schedule or email info@sageandstoneplanning.com for more information