Over nine decades, the Code has grown in meaningfulness, sentimentality, and value, becoming a shining symbol of integrity, pride, and professionalism. For the Code to remain vital, it must be polished—reviewed constantly in light of changing practices, business models, consumer expectations, and technologies.

Exclusivity determines who you can work with.

Your participation in your planning and zoning process fulfills your patriotic and social responsibility as long as there’s no conflict. A conflict would arise if you had an ownership interest in a project that you’re planning or zoning board was reviewing. An issue could also could arise if you represented a developer or builder who proposed a project to the planning or zoning board on which you sit.

Often, we believe unethical interference occurred in these types of circumstances. We think we—not the person who was paid—are entitled to the commission. The key is to investigate and decide whether there’s an ethics complaint or arbitration request to pursue.