Land Use and Subdivision Design

Learn how to design effec­tive sub­di­vi­sion lay­outs by exam­in­ing the dif­fer­ent process­es involved: tak­ing raw land through site analy­sis to land use and pre­lim­i­nary design, from den­si­ty con­sid­er­a­tions and cir­cu­la­tion pat­terns to spe­cial lay­outs, and from the pre­lim­i­nary inves­ti­ga­tion to the approval process. Apply these con­cepts to design and draft your own maps and sub­di­vi­sion plans.

Course at a glance
  • Blended (In-Person and Online) or Synchronous Online Delivery.
  • A hands-on course in which you will apply the concepts you learn to design-based projects, assignments, and presentations, including the development of your own land use plan and subdivision design.
  • May be recognized for Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) credits by the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) for holders of the Registered Professional Planner designation.
  • Aimed at professionals in the areas of municipal government planning, development, and bylaw enforcement. Students range from development officers, planning technicians, land use, environmental, and community planners, to resources managers, government officials, consultants, developers, lawyers, zoning administrators, administrators in smaller municipalities, and others involved in planning processes.
What you will learn

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  • Describe the origins of the land use planning system in Alberta.
  • Visualize the relationship of planning and the regulatory framework within which large scale suburban development is achieved.
  • Describe the land development process and the role of developers in community development.
  • Identify the primary benefits of a “master planning approach” to land development.
  • Understand the main considerations in plan preparation.
  • Describe the legislative, planning and engineering considerations that inform subdivision design.
  • Understand the differing perspectives of the local municipality and the developer in securing subdivision approval.
  • Describe the basic considerations of subdivision design while exploring its design from “above, in and around.”
  • Examine why some subdivisions fail and what can be done about it.
  • Reflect upon new directions and innovation in suburban neighbourhood design.
This course has no prerequisites

Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.

Take note:

  • Assessment activities include an post-assignment to be completed after the last in-class date.
  • While there are no prerequisites for this course, prior knowledge of planning is recommended for student success.
  • Bursary opportunities may be available for members of the Alberta Development Officers Association (ADOA).
Currently counts towards:

Applicants intending to enrol in a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements since they are prone to change.

*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.

Email

alup@ualberta.ca

When will
this course be offered?

New course schedules are released each June and November.

Course not yet scheduled

This course is not currently scheduled, but may be offered in an upcoming term.

New course schedules are announced each June and November.

Sign up for updates

Interested in future offerings of this course? We can let you know when this course becomes available.