As the Cannabis dispensary business becomes more mainstream, medical and recreational users of the product who wish to grow their own plants at home are still subject to a number of legal hurdles. Many municipalities are now addressing the homegrown Cannabis issue by creating legislation that complies with state legalization and allows users to grow the plant at home within certain frameworks.
Through smart legislation and creative mandates, municipalities are helping to reshape the housing landscape in a way that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and long-term sustainability.
As municipalities continue to grow, many across the country are taking legislative steps to protect and expand tree cover to combat rising temperatures, air pollution, and the impacts of climate change.
A conversation with planners Alyssa Kelly and John Trant from Strategic Solutions, to learn about their experiences in the role.
Customer service is at the forefront of everything we do. In our 60+ years of serving thousands of local governments and their communities, we’ve learned that providing excellent customer service is a process that is highly personal and always has room for improvement. Discover a few things that help us to serve our customers better.
Local governments are continually listening to the call to curb entertainment noise through legislation and community cooperation to help turn down the volume and make entertainment safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Wind farms projects offer benefits for communities, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to boosting local economies, but their development hinges on one critical factor: zoning.
A conversation with planners Molly Gaudioso & John Steinmetz from Colliers, to learn about their experiences in the role.
Explore how interactive zoning maps help local governments streamline planning, attract investment, and build sustainable, thriving communities.
Discover the key questions municipalities should ask to find a zoning platform that drives efficiency, transparency, and long-term value.
Expansive commercial, agricultural, and residential land development, climate change, and the introduction of non-native and invasive plants have diminished or destroyed many natural habitats that have taken decades to adapt and flourish. Local governments are proposing policy changes and passing legislation to help communities plant with the purpose of reconnecting to their “native plant roots.”
Municipalities are adapting to the rise in electric bicycles in their communities.
Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity. But local governments are now blocking green energy projects faster than they’re building them.
A conversation with Rehoboth, Massachusetts clerk Laura Schwall to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Public art can play a crucial role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of a community. Municipalities are finding ways to legislatively support these unique creations while maintaining the character and aesthetics of their communities.
Today more and more local governments have come to embrace street performers or “buskers” as a community asset that plays a significant role in promoting commerce, human expression, and community engagement. As such, many cities have worked long and hard to develop set rules and guidelines that both encourage and control busking.
Affordable housing is a crisis-level issue affecting most communities across the United States. A key strategy for local governments seeking to address these challenges is zoning reform – specifically upzoning.
Social media can serve as a powerful instrument for fostering transparency, facilitating communication, and engaging with constituents. Explore why social media is crucial for local governments and find some tips for maximizing its potential for your community.
A conversation with Rutland, VT Planning & Zoning Administrator Andrew Strniste to learn about his experiences in his role.
The summer season is always a good time to brush up on pool safety and the rules and regulations everyone must follow. As enjoyable as backyard swimming can be, not following local safety ordinances such as adequate, secure fencing, proper flotation devices and supervision can result in unnecessary injury or even death for swimmers of all ages.
Cats that stray or live in feral conditions can cause havoc for the neighborhoods where they live and roam. Finding solutions to alleviate the issues associated with feral cat populations is largely left to local government.
Despite their popularity, leaf blowers can produce ear-piercing levels of noise. And gas-powered versions can emit toxic levels of pollutants. Governments in many areas are taking steps to address these issues by placing stricter regulations on the use of many types of leaf blowers.
A conversation with Flower HIll New York clerk Ronnie Shatzkamer to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
A municipal code is a statement that defines your community. It also says a lot about the municipality’s future.
Blighted properties are an ongoing challenge for most communities in the United States. And with the current affordable housing crisis, the topic is a rising concern for local governments. Many are examining their municipal codes to ensure ordinances are enforceable and able to address the current conditions.
As landfills overflow with wasted food and a changing climate depletes fertile land where crops are grown, many communities and government entities are seeing the need and value of rolling out large-scale community composting solutions.
A conversation with Holland, New York clerk Jill Dix to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
To meet the challenges of climate change, municipalities across the nation are setting goals for greater sustainability, Adopting green building standards and providing an enforceable policy framework is a big step toward achieving these goals.
Today it’s not unusual to see movie and TV production crews descend upon big cities and small towns to scope out unique backdrops for new projects. Many municipalities are creating ordinances aimed at finding a balance between allowing filmmakers free access to their communities and protecting residents’ rights, property, and quality of life.
With the uptick in wildfires across the nation and in neighboring countries, there’s a more keen awareness of environmental and health risks associated with fires, even on a smaller scale. It’s becoming more vital to have open burning ordinances that are clear, understandable, and aligned with state statutes.
A conversation with Dobbs Ferry, New York clerk Elizabeth Dreaperto learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Pickleball is not just a fun and popular sport, it can also be a very loud one. Communities where the sport’s noise is a serious problem are beginning to push back by seeking relief through new legislation aimed at lowering the racket.
Many small towns have led the way for golf carts to travel away from the fairway and onto the highway driving local governments to consider legislation to regulate this increasingly popular form of transportation.
Communities across the country are seeing an uptick in street racing in recent years. And many states and local municipalities are taking action to rid the roads of these unlawful events through legislation.
Many experienced workers in government have left their jobs to seek greener pastures. Discover how municipalities nationwide are adopting new strategies to keep experienced workers and attract new ones.
A conversation with Reading, Massachusetts Town Clerk Laura Gemme to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Major natural disasters are occurring at an increasing rate. Local governments can act legislatively to prepare their communities for less damage and loss, a more capable response, and effective guidance to rebuild stronger and better.
Catalytic converters are extremely valuable to thieves. In recent years, the number of thefts has accelerated, prompting governments to pass legislation to curtail the recycling of the stolen devices.
Keeping chickens in urban and suburban areas, while far from being a new concept, has emerged recently as an increasingly popular trend that local governments are now needing to consider legislatively.
Improve your knowledge and skills for our digital code-centered solutions with customized on-site or online 1-on-1 training. Find out how to schedule a Lunch & Learn session with one of our Education and Technology Specialists
A conversation with Shady Shores Texas’s Town Administrator/Town Secretary Wendy Withers to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
With the sale of electric vehicles on the rise, the race is on to build a network of convenient, affordable electric vehicle charging stations to keep the cars running.
Whether it’s optimal star-gazing, ensuring residents’ wellness, or protecting wildlife and natural resources, minimizing light pollution and maximizing dark sky preservation is a topic of high priority for municipalities across the country.
A conversation with Barnstable, Massachusetts Town Clerk Ann Quirk to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
As magical as holiday lights might sometimes be, displays can cause traffic congestion, elevate noise levels, and irritate neighbors. Municipalities can enact regulations to keep these problems at bay.
Bird feeders can lead to an array of issues such as neighbor disputes, health concerns, and a negative impact on the birds themselves, making them a rising topic of concern for local governments.
This increased popularity of All-Terrain Vehicles comes at a steep price as accidents, injuries and deaths have reached alarming levels.
eCode360 ‘s New Laws feature allows your entire community to access and see information quickly and easily.
A conversation with Bangor, Maine City Clerk Lisa Goodwin to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role
Balloon releases have a serious downside, and many municipalities are enacting legislation to limit or ban the practice.
In drafting sign regulations local governments should be mindful of cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court and how they impact local government ordinances.
The microbrewery industry is one that has seen dynamic growth in the pandemic era. Those who have made the plunge into craft brewing are finding that it can be a daunting task to get up and running in this heavily regulated industry.
Municipalities are debating the use of scooters, e-bikes, and other one-person vehicles in the street space and how to address micromobility legislation.
The eCode360 Notes feature is an excellent tool for giving users of your online code a “heads up” when there is something of importance to communicate.
Explore why choosing a professional codifier over having municipal staff do the work is the smart choice financially, from a time- and resource-savings perspective, and ensuring the code’s enforceability.
A conversation with Frontenac Missouri municipal clerk Leesa Ross to learn about her experiences and what it takes to be successful in her role.
Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADUs are trending and municipalities are taking a variety of tactics to regulate them.
Farmers markets offer multiple benefits to their communities. How can local governments support them and keep them safe for residents?
Local governments have several legislative options for ensuring that urban gardens provide all the benefits they can without becoming nuisances to neighbors.
Following a pandemic-induced hiatus, festivals and events are on the rise again. Do existing ordinances still cover all the concerns for health, safety, and other related issues in the not-quite-post-COVID world?
Conversations With Clerks is a new DeCoder series in which we talk with Municipal Clerks from across the country to learn more about their unique experiences and what it takes to be effective and successful in their roles.
Available to logged-in eCode360® users, the Dashboard feature displays important information about how and when your online code is used and what topics are top of mind with constituents and municipal users.
Autonomous robots are quickly making inroads in the delivery business. Some municipalities are embracing the use of these mechanical helpers, others are pumping the brakes on their deployment.
Short-term rentals are burgeoning in communities across the country. But not everyone is happy about it; and now COVID-19 is raising even more regulatory concerns.
Since being introduced to the U.S. market in 2007, electronic smoking devices have gone from a possible solution for breaking tobacco addiction, to an increasingly dangerous public health challenge that hasn’t been simple to regulate.
Even in a pandemic, local government doesn’t stand still. Remaining legislatively active, these topics have surfaced as trends for municipal legislators across the country.
Marijuana legalization continues to spread across the country and many at the local level are using their zoning codes to regulate and restrict it within their communities.
As COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen and larger gatherings take place, pre-pandemic concerns about underage drinking are returning. Communities are examining ways to curb this issue, including enacting local ordinances regarding social hosting.
Discrimination can come in many shapes and forms, including age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and more. Banning discrimination based on hairstyle and texture is a rising trend across the country.
Regardless of the size and complexity of your supplement project, there are steps you can take that will enable us to process your code updates more efficiently.
APIs are fast becoming a technology staple for innovative companies and a powerful business tool. By enabling companies to securely connect business processes, content and data, APIs can help boost customer satisfaction—and build new business.
Municipal clerks are returning to in-person events and conferences. Here’s why the conferences you once knew and took part in are reflecting a new reality created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dog parks are one of the top amenities going into communities nationwide, and one of the most in demand. Many local governments have taken action.
During the pandemic, many states enacted legislation allowing alcoholic beverages to be sold as “to-go” items. As food and beverage businesses begin reopening with on-premises dining and drinking, these laws are being reconsidered at the state and local levels.
Fireworks used to be reserved for major holidays and community events. But with some states loosening laws for individual access and use, municipalities are responding to concerns about noise, fire safety, and effects on vets and pets.
As the number of states legalizing the sale and use of marijuana increases, acceptance at the local level is a mixed bag.
Does your community need a boost in economic development? Story maps may be just what you’re looking for.
Without a steady stream of lunchtime patrons and weekend events during the pandemic, food truck owners are needing to quickly change gears, embracing a move-it or lose-it strategy to stay in business.
PubDocs in eCode360® can help local governments inform and update constituents during quickly-changing public emergencies like the Covid-19 pandemic.
This once-in-a century pandemic has not only forced us to change many aspects of our lives for our own health and safety, it has also created a new, and unprecedented surge in the use of single-use plastics.
Acceptance of electric vehicles has been on a long, winding and sometimes detoured road. But with increasing concerns about climate change and dependence on fossil fuels, a renewed interest, and even enthusiasm, has recently accelerated. Is your community EV-Ready?
Dining out has taken on new context in the COVID-19 era. Outdoor dining could lessen the devastating economic impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry and municipalities are trying to help legislatively.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are more commonly known as drones, and businesses and cities are finding them to be increasingly useful. But can they be regulated at the local level?
The rise of office sheds. All the comforts of your corner office in your backyard.
To help ensure that virtual community meetings are productive for all, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Even before the recent coronavirus outbreak, affordable housing was an increasing issue of concern across the nation.
Location, location, location – that’s the key to regulating campaign signs
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
As the pandemic continues to impact communities across the country, local governments are responding with legislation that covers a wide range of critical topics. Stay up-to-date through our new blog series “Legislating in the Age of COVID.”
Local governments are creatively using social media during the coronavirus pandemic to stay in touch with constituents, check the pulse of the community, and share useful resources…
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
Updating municipal codes to promote health-safety measures for a unified community response
Communities expanding into desirable natural wildland areas are requiring planners and local governments to adopt new strategies and alliances to help keep residents and property safe.
Social media is a powerful tool for local governments to inform and to engage with the community at-large. Local government needs to demonstrate that it’s worthy of its constituents’ time and trust.
Local governments are acting to allow service continuity in this time of crisis and to protect the safety and health of constituents, as well as in finding ways to overcome food security issues and economic hardships faced by local businesses.
As permanent bans on plastic bags are enacted, consumers will continue to shift to eco-friendly, reusable bags for carrying groceries and other purchases.
General Code offers a variety of options to help our client communities optimize their eCode experience and to provide demos of our other digital solutions.
When your eCode is regularly updated, you’re guaranteeing a resource your entire community can depend on – every hour of every day, from any location.
The recent adoption of a Federal Act to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 may require some municipalities to consider changes to their local ordinances.
A regularly updated Code is an enforceable and reliable resource that empowers everyone in your community.
Despite the growing popularity of e-scooters as a fun and environmentally-friendly way to traverse cities, not all municipalities and regulators are along for the ride.
Across the country, cities and counties are taking a stand against the controversial puppy mill industry by adopting retail pet sale bans.
Urban beekeeping is challenging local governments to find a balance between the protection of a vital species and the rights and concerns of urban communities.
“If you build it, they will come,” right? Not exactly. But there are many ways to attract traffic to your social media accounts.
Exploring how a less car-centric environment can positively impact the health and well-being of your citizens and the livability of your community-at-large.
It’s National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month. Eat well—and grill safely.
The sharing industry that provides consumer deals and conveniences has local governments wondering how to regulate it all.
When your Code is up-to-date and constituents can find the information they’re looking for, the Town Hall can be a quieter place to work.
In these TEDx Talks, the presenters explore how music can positively impact your community’s identity, economy, and the well-being of your citizens.
Social media isn’t all about creating noise to raise awareness or pushing information out to your followers/constituents. Sometimes you need to listen, too.
Restaurant noise is causing patrons to choose between loud popular eateries and their hearing health.
Essential resources for creating and amending ordinances
With the evolution of the internet, smartphones and social media platforms, bullying has moved from the playground to the cyber realm.
Using your local gov’s social media channels, you can help local businesses and organizations to draw larger crowds to events, boosting tourism to your region and supporting economic growth.
From the historic to the hysterical, local festivals are on the rise, prompting host municipalities to take a closer look at legislation that protects their community, residents and patrons.
Did you know that before the mid-1800s, urban parks didn’t exist in American cities? Learn about the American visionary architect who changed all that.
Doing your homework is important when considering codification so that your Code meets the needs of your municipality and your citizens. Here’s a list of questions you should always ask first before you make your choice.
Model ordinances can be great starting points for drafting new ordinances, but they should be reviewed and tailored for your municipality before being adopted.
Local governments are upping their games in an effort to be more transparent with their citizens. Municipalities are leveraging the latest technologies to open new communication channels.
Can the city we live in, the environment we inhabit, impact who we are or how we feel?
You’ve decided to start using social media to communicate with your citizens, but what channel is the right one to use? We’ve compiled some of the top-used social media channels that local governments are using and examples of how they’re being used.
Just as people try to get healthier with the Atkins, Paleo, Whole30 and other popular diet regimens, urban streets can be more trim and less congested when a “road diet” strategy is put in place.
Does your community have a social media policy in place? (Spoiler alert: the answer should be yes.)
Some of our clients have used extracts from their municipal Code to feed information into other business
systems used throughout their municipalities.
Use eCode360’s Notes tool to help citizens and other users of your online Code stay up to date and informed.
See how some New England communities are adapting
their Codes to meet increased local demand for solar energy.
What does “the future of cities” mean to you? Whatever your definition, Oscar Boyson’s 20-minute video “The Future of Cities” is thought-provoking as it probes the question, “is future urbanization going to be a good thing, or a bad thing?”
Social media channels, perhaps more than any other communication tool, offer officials at every level of government the most rapid way to reach out to those in harm’s way or already affected by an emergency situation. It seems that we are all increasingly turning to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more than social reasons. A trend that is not going unnoticed by many in government responsible for emergency management.
