ZoningPlus (also known as "Z+") is an Internet-based editing, content management, and presentation system used for authoring, displaying, and managing all aspects of your code of ordinances, zoning ordinance, development code, or any other large document—text, tables, illustrations, maps, videoclips, and any other forms of online media.

It is an integrated system that extends the concept of simply publishing your e-code (or any massive document) on the web. ZoningPlus includes a password protected Maintenance Module for editing and publishing updates and for archiving old versions of your documents.

How it Works

ZoningPlus accommodates your code or legal document on an Internet server, in database format—with individual sections indexed for easy searching and fast retrieval. When you view or edit the code, you only retrieve and access the individual sections you desire. This results in speedy navigation, quick searches, and the security of knowing that the code you are viewing is the exact version that has been adopted.

Never again will you want to work with cumbersome word processing documents, wonder which file contains the "latest" version of your code, or worry about when the codifiers will have your updates ready!

Configured to Fit Your Needs

Every jurisdiction has its own unique requirements—different text formats, numbering systems and the like. ZoningPlus can be quickly configured to handle the peculiarities of your document and to blend with your jurisdiction's general web site. Each staff member that is authorized to edit the document can be assigned his or her unique overline, strikeout and annotation colors. These colors can be reassigned as your staff changes.

ZoningPlus is a totally open, collaborative content management system ("CMS"). This means that you will not be dependent on us or your I.T. staff to maintain the document. For example, if you replace or amend your code, you do not need to replace ZoningPlus—just enter and publish the changes using the Maintenance Module.

Advantages of ZoningPlus

Unlike the primitive or bloated products of our competitors, ZoningPlus has been written from start-to-finish for handling codes on the Internet. Any user may access it with a regular web browser. As you would expect, ZoningPlus includes extensive hyperlinking capabilities—to sections and definitions contained within the code and to external documents.

ZoningPlus can be configured to display staff comments, code annotations and administrative interpretations for each section of the document. These and other supplementary materials can be restricted for internal, staff-only viewing or can be released for public viewing. Also, ZoningPlus can be linked section-by-section to individual adopting ordinances, meeting minutes, and other supporting documentation.

We even offer a public feedback option that allows citizens to input comments about any selected section of the document—useful during code adoption proceedings.

Benefits

ZoningPlus reduces the burden of code maintenance and hard copy distribution, while providing instant public access to the latest version of the document. Planning departments and enforcement agencies gain the added assurance that all staff members and external users are working with the same document. Its instant search and indexing features reduce the amount of time needed for Code administration and enhance the quality of regulatory intrepretations and administrative actions.

Additional Features

The following additional features are included:

  • Linkage to on-line or GIS-based zoning maps, with interactive one click, map-to-code determination of district requirements.
  • Web-based input form that allows the public (or invited participants) to issue their comments on any section of the document during a specified review period. This feature includes a response management system, which enables the original document writers to describe any edits or changes made to the text in response to the comments.
  • Interactive site capacity and off street parking calculators, based on the requirements of your regulations.* Interactive bufferyard model.*
  • Attractive print formatting, instant "on-the-fly" PDF generation of selected sections, and the ability to export sections of the document into Word documents and presentations.
  • Free web hosting and maintenance for one year, with very reasonable annual costs for extensions. Under some circumstances, arrangements can be made with our clients to self-host ZoningPlus on their own server.
  • Automatic section numbering, which can be configured to fit in with virtually any codified numbering system.
  • Interactive, section-by-section linkage to Comprehensive Plans and other policy documents*.
  • Underline/strikeout capabilities for document editing, with approval and rejection of edited changes.
  • Multiple web page formatting capabilities for hand held devices, tablet computers, and Section 508 accessibility compliant pages.

(All features are standard, except for those marked with *.)