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):
Catching up with Conditional Uses »
2025 APA UT Spring Conference, 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 »
2025 APA UT Spring Conference, 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.
Placemaking »
2025 APA UT Spring Conference, May 7, 2025 3:15 pmHow do you get people to come back downtown when all they need to do these days is push a button or change the channel? Does your community have a gathering place that is recognized be the entire populace? Learn from Heber City and Millcreek about their efforts to bring their community together in an active space that attracts people from all walks of life! We will try to answer the question of “What can you do in your town”?
Updating Ordinance Priorities and Processing Options you might not be aware of! »
2023 Fall Conference, September 29, 2023 3:50 pmWith so many changes to State Law over the past 15 years, are you keeping up? Seems almost impossible to update our ordinances every year because of the State Law changes, but with some focus, it can be done. Consider prioritizing the bigger updates, one bit at a time. Suggestions from a past planning director/consulting planner will cover subdivisions, Conditional Uses, Site plan/Permitted uses, BOA to AA, Landscaping, and processing options.
Handle with Care: Planning Commission Meeting Management »
2023 Fall Conference, September 29, 2023 2:40 pmPlanning Commission's are a vital piece of orderly development within your community. From public hearings vs. public meetings to administrative vs. legislative decision-making—join us in discussing strategies and stories that highlight how to best manage your meetings and ensure efficiency and consistency in your process.
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