Planning is essential for managing community growth, addressing economic and environmental challenges, and creating resilient, livable communities. In this course, you’ll gain a comprehensive overview of the planning profession and a strong foundation in modern planning practice.

Designed for both experienced planners seeking a refresher and those new to the field, this course introduces the principles, processes and practice of land use planning in California. Through real-world examples, you’ll examine general plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulation, permit processes, property rights, environmental review, public finance, natural resources and urban design.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the legal framework and planning tools used in land use decision-making
• Apply planning tools to address land use challenges facing California communities
• Analyze the relationships among land use, public finance and governance
• Evaluate how public policies influence land use planning and development

Skills You will Gain

• California land use planning fundamentals
• Public policy analysis
• Land use decision-making
• Public finance and governance fundamentals

Course Format and Pacing
This online course includes five (5) weekly live, instructor-led Zoom sessions. Students will access the program through Canvas, UC Davis CPE’s learning management system. Active engagement and participation are essential to fully benefit from the course and achieve the best learning outcomes.