John Janson, AICP
Consultant
Planning Solutions
John M. Janson graduated from the University of Utah in 1975 with a degree in Geography. He received a Master of City and Regional Planning from the Ohio State University in 1977. Having worked as a consultant and then in Davis County, Utah, the majority of his career was with West Valley City, Utah, where he was employed as the Planning Director for 25 of his 30 years there. As a frequent local conference speaker, and having performed consultant projects throughout the State, he has significant exposure to regional and city issues. His consulting work includes: general plans, area studies, Form Based Codes (the Utah Template), and general ordinance updates and implementation. He served on the Millcreek Township Planning Commission and helped the recently incorporated community create their first General Plan and update their ordinances. Currently he is working several communities on their ordinances and general plans.
Session(s):
Infrastructure Funding for Your Community »
APA Utah 2026 Spring Conference: Bryce Canyon, April 9, 2026 3:30 pmUtah communities have access to a wide range of planning support and funding opportunities for infrastructure and capital assets, but it can be challenging to navigate which resources are most useful for infrastructure planning and implementation. This session offers a birds eye view at the grants, loans, and technical assistance available to municipalities, highlighting practical options and considerations along the way. Participants will also be invited to share input on a developing ULCT initiative to provide additional tools, templates, ordinances, and expert support for communities managing growth. Part overview and part interactive discussion, this workshop is designed to help cities connect available resources with real-world applications.
Site Plan and Subdivision Reviews »
APA Utah 2026 Spring Conference: Bryce Canyon, April 9, 2026 2:15 pmLearn from two seasoned professionals about their best practices and their own special expertise in reviewing site plans (residential and commercial) and subdivision layouts. Understand the relationship between your written Code and application submittals. What is a complete application (that should be described in your Code!)? When do you have some discretion? How can you make a submittal the best it can be? Examples of before (as submitted) and after review plans will be showcased!
Planning Commission Meeting Management »
APA Utah 2026 Spring Conference: Bryce Canyon, April 9, 2026 10:15 amThis session creates an opportunity for citizen planners, especially planning commissioners, to ask questions about the meetings they attend or manage in a non-stressful learning environment. A general meeting format, processing options. laying out an agenda, noticing and PC chair opportunities to manage the meeting efficiently and respectfully.
Revisit HB 368 »
2025 APA UT Fall Conference, October 10, 2025 3:00 pmSince HB 386 was a somewhat overwhelming bit of legislation, the intent of this session is to review the top ten changes that communities should be aware of. This session should enable cities and towns to make those actual changes to their ordinances, without significant difficulty (some yes but not a lot!).
Infill Options »
2025 APA UT Fall Conference, October 10, 2025 1:45 pmThe concept of infill housing options has become a Statewide issue. Many communities are discussing what sorts of infill, often called “the missing middle,” might be suited to their community. This session will explore two communities that are grappling with what works for them and look at the technical and perceived issues that emerge as the process of addressing infill is initiated. In addition, the development community perspective will be offered to determine ways to encourage infill development.
= Keynote
