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):
Going From Advisory General Plans to Mandatory Compliance – A Good Idea? »
2025 APA UT Fall Conference, October 9, 2025 1:45 pmUtah has always been a state where local general plans are advisory. There has been discussion in recent years at the legislative level of switching to make us a mandatory plan compliance state. Is this a good idea? Why is this coming up now? What does it actually mean? What are the pros and cons? We’ll explore these questions and solicit your opinions in this interactive session.
Catching up with Conditional Uses »
May 8, 2025 1:15 pmWhen was the last time you updated your conditional use chapter? Are you caught up processing options? Are you having public hearings? What sort of notice are you sending out? There are many options for these administrative uses. Join us for an educational session that will include an on the fly review of one current ordinance from a volunteer in the room!
From Policy to Plow »
May 8, 2025 10:15 amAgricultural preservation requires a balance of policy, planning, and on-the-ground solutions. This session explores innovative tools and strategies to sustain working lands, support rural economies, and manage development pressures. Learn how communities are using zoning, conservation easements, incentive programs, and collaborative partnerships to protect agricultural resources and promote resilient rural landscapes. Join us for an interactive discussion on practical approaches to keeping agriculture viable for future generations. Come prepared to workshop your community's opportunities and challenges.
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