Planning and Environmental Law

Online

Understanding the legal framework governing planning and environmental review is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal laws. Designed for planning professionals, this course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills to navigate California's planning and environmental legal system.  

You’ll explore the legal foundations of planning and environmental law, including statutes, regulations and case law, and how they guide land use decisions and environmental review. The course examines key legal requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Planning and Zoning Law, and other local, state and federal environmental laws. You'll also learn how and when planners should work with legal counsel throughout the planning process.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to interpret legal requirements, analyze planning-related legal decisions and communicate legal concepts effectively with the public, decision-makers, colleagues and attorneys.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and interpret the statutes, regulations and case law that govern planning and environmental review in California
  • Apply the legal requirements of CEQA, NEPA, California Planning and Zoning Law, and other applicable environmental laws to planning projects
  • Analyze judicial decisions and explain their implications for planning practice
  • Determine when and how to collaborate with legal counsel to support planning decisions, regulatory compliance and litigation preparation
  • Communicate legal principles clearly to planners, decision-makers, attorneys and members of the public

Skills You Will Gain

  • Professional communication
  • Case law analysis
  • Planning and environmental law fundamentals
  • CEQA and NEPA compliance
  • Collaboration with legal counsel
  • Regulatory compliance

Approximately 20 hours of project work and regular attendance are required. 

Course Format and Pacing
This five-week online course includes five (5) live, instructor-led Zoom sessions. Attendance in all sessions is required. Students will access the program through Canvas, UC Davis CPE’s learning management system. Students can expect to spend a total of approximately 20 hours on this course. Active engagement and participation are essential to fully benefit from the course and achieve the best learning outcomes.

Academic Units
3
Section Number
274LEP103
Instruction Method
Online class

Association Credits

American Planning Assoc (AICP)
30.00 AICP hours
State Bar of California (MCLE)
30.00 MCLE hours

Section Notes

Access to your course in Canvas will be available 7 days before the course start date. Please note that course start and end dates, as well as live sessions (if applicable), are subject to change.

Enrollment Policies

Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $50 processing fee, if the request is received before the refund deadline. View complete enrollment policy information, including details on withdrawals and transfers.  
 
Refund Deadline: 9/20/2027. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this date.   
 
Students enrolling after the first day of class are expected to reach out to their instructor to make sure they receive all content and are on track with the course. 

Technical Requirements

To ensure your success in this course, please review our technical requirements page. https://cpe.ucdavis.edu/areas-study/online-programs/technical-requirements

Discounts

CAAA Member Discount

Current members of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) and other UC alumni associations receive 10% off the course fee of one course per quarter, not to exceed $100. If you don't have your discount code, contact CAAA at [email protected] to request it.