Learn how cities plan growth and how consultants support it: comprehensive plans, zoning, community engagement, transportation and development review.
Who this course is for
Real estate professionals, developers' staff and career changers who want to understand and advise on planning and growth decisions.
What you’ll be able to do
- Read and apply comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances
- Explain how land use, transportation and infrastructure fit together
- Plan and run a community engagement process
- Prepare clear planning analyses and staff-style reports
- Advise private clients on working with planning departments
Course curriculum
Module 1: How planning works
Planning shapes where and how communities grow. This lesson explains the planning system, the roles of planning commissions and councils, and where consultants fit.
Module 2: Comprehensive plans and policy
The comprehensive plan sets long-term direction. You learn how plans are organized, how future land use maps work, and how policy flows into zoning.
Module 3: Zoning and development codes
Zoning turns policy into rules. This lesson covers Euclidean, form-based and overlay zoning, variances and rezonings.
Module 4: Transportation and infrastructure
Growth depends on roads, transit, water and sewer. You learn the basics of traffic studies, transit-oriented development and infrastructure planning.
Module 5: Community engagement
Plans succeed when people support them. This lesson covers designing engagement, running public meetings and summarizing feedback fairly.
Module 6: Planning analysis and reporting
Consultants deliver analysis decision-makers can act on. Learn how to structure a planning report, present data, and make clear recommendations.
How it works
Self-paced online course. Lifetime access. Work through the modules in order, apply the checklists on real jobs, and finish with a Certificate of Completion.
FAQ
Is this a license or certification? No. This is skills training. You receive a Certificate of Completion. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade — always verify your local requirements.
Is this legal advice? No. Rules vary by city, county and state. Use the course to learn the process and the questions to ask, then confirm specifics with your local planning department or a land-use attorney.
How long do I have access? Lifetime access, including updates.
What if it’s not for me? Contact support within 14 days of purchase.