Certificate Program in Land Use and Environmental Planning
Planning professionals come from a variety of backgrounds—social science, natural science, engineering and even the humanities, facilities and interior design. Regardless of your background, the UC Davis Extension Land Use and Environmental Planning Certificate Program will give you the foundation you need to master the body of knowledge every planner should have. Through theory and practice, this program delivers—addressing practical aspects of planning in the context of larger issues, future implications of present decisions and processes for examining alternatives.
Gain practical knowledge that matters
- Broaden your conceptual framework in planning.
- Develop ideas, strategies and skills for more effective job performance.
- Learn to work more effectively within the increasingly complex regulatory and environmental context of planning.
- Improve your ability to solve problems and work with a wide range of constituencies.
- Network with other professionals.
- Gain comprehensive knowledge you can apply immediately.
Designed for professionals like you
This program is designed for planners, resource managers, administrators and analysts who desire a broader, deeper understanding of the field. It is also ideal for planning commissioners and other decision-makers who want to add to their civic responsibilities foundation. Professionals in related fields such as real estate, engineering, landscape architecture, law, public health, facility management and those wanting to learn more about planning will also benefit.
To earn the certificate
You must complete 20 units of required core coursework and eight elective courses with grades of "C" or better.
| UNITS | F | W | SP | |||
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| REQUIRED COURSES | Environmental Planning and Site Analysis | 4 | 
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| Financial Aspects of Planning | 4 |
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| Community Involvement and Communication in Planning | 2 |
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| Planning in California: An Overview | 4 |
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| Planning and Environmental Law | 3 |
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| Urban Planning Design Studio | 3 |
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F=Fall W=Winter SP=Spring SU=Summer;
Schedules subject to change
Classroom format |
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Required Courses
Environmental Planning and Site Analysis
4 quarter units academic credit, X432.3. 40 MCLE Hours, 40 AICP Hours, 40 REHS Hours
- Develop an understanding of how to conduct site opportunity and constraint analysis that contribute to good land use decisions.
- Understand the basic natural and cultural components of a site and region and how these components are interrelated.
- Achieve basic skills necessary to evaluate and compare the value of mapped data.
- Acquire critical thinking skills to be able to use complex data, synthesize information and select that which is most significant for decision making.
- Learn graphic methods of compiling, recording and displaying information on environmental, cultural and economic factors.
- Understand the value and importance that analysis of the natural and the manmade environment have in planning, design and environmental decision-making.
The first session covers a historic overview of
environmental planning and site planning and design process, including several
mapping exercises. The second session
covers elements of site analysis, an overview of design philosophies and
movements, and a site visit in Davis to apply the information to an actual project. The third session addresses laws,
regulations, and codes, and the fourth session includes a tour of Village Homes
and discussion of sustainable planning and design factors
Approximately 20 hours of outside class project work and
full attendance at all course meetings are required.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Financial Aspects of Planning
4 quarter units academic credit, X432.4. 40 MCLE Hours, 40 AICP Hours
Gain an understanding of how planning decisions impact the economic feasibility of a proposed project for the developer and the public agency.
Topics include:
- Fiscal impact analysis: how it's done and why it's so important
- How local governments get their revenues
- Public financing: why it's needed and what alternatives are available
- Integrating fiscal and financial analysis into the planning process
- The developer’s perspective: How planning decisions affect the bottom line
- Striking a balance between the goals and objectives of public and private-sector participants
Approximately 20 hours of study and full attendance to all course meetings are required. A course assignment will be mailed four weeks before the course begins, which you are required to complete before the first day of class.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Community Involvement and Communication in Planning
2 quarter units academic credit, X432.7. 20 MCLE Hours, 20 AICP Hours, 20 REHS Hours
Understand the theoretical background and the hands-on practice of involving stakeholders in urban planning and design decisions and natural resources policy. Practice selected communication and facilitation techniques that create mutually beneficial solutions. Examine how to assess a case situation and determine what type of public process is right for each situation. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of techniques used in public involvement. Explore different approaches to communicating complex and technical planning information to community groups. Using several simulated negotiations, engage as stakeholders or facilitators to resolve complex public policy problems in urban planning. Examine case studies and analyze what went well, what went wrong and why.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Planning in California: An Overview
4 quarter units academic credit, X432.1. 40 MCLE Hours, 40 AICP Hours
Learn the concepts, structures and processes of land use planning and development decisions. Gain an overview of general plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulation, permit processes, property rights, environmental review, public finance, natural resources and urban design. In short: the dirt, dollars and duties. Topics will be placed in wider contexts valuable for experienced planners who need a review and others looking for a solid introduction. Course requirements include reading and discussing Fulton and Shigley’s Guide to California Planning and a short research paper. This is the first of six required courses in the Land Use and Environmental Planning Certificate Program.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Planning and Environmental Law
3 quarter units academic credit, X432.8. 30 MCLE Hours, 30 AICP Hours
This course provides a comprehensive, practical understanding of planning and environmental law, policy, and institutions at state and national levels including common law, statutes, regulations, and public trust. Students gain a working understanding of land use law and key cases, including regional and local planning and land use regulation, takings, CEQA and NEPA. Students also learn about pollution control laws regulating air and water quality, climate change, hazardous materials and toxic substances, and laws and cases addressing water resources, fish and wildlife, wetlands, forestry, and surface mining. The course develops practical skills, such as how to read a judicial opinion, work with lawyers, and develop an integrated land use/environmental permitting strategy.This course is not currently scheduled.
Urban Planning Design Studio
3 quarter units academic credit, X432.6. 30 MCLE Hours, 30 AICP Hours, 30 REHS Hours
Receive hands-on practice in professional urban planning and design skills in a studio/lecture format. Immerse yourself in planning and design principles, examples and case studies for today’s communities. Critique land use plans and site designs, create and prepare site plans, and analyze and develop planning staff reports. Emphasis is placed on urban infill and sustainable community design, and the challenges and complexities of planning and urban design in growing communities. In-class studio work and critique, as well as guest lectures, a hands-on downtown design modeling charrette and field visits are also included. There will be a minimum of 24 hours of planning and design work conducted outside of class.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Elective courses: Eight elective courses are required from Land Use and Natural Resources offerings. Courses are selected by the participant to allow exploration of a broad range of topics or to concentrate on a particular area, such as CEQA and environmental regulation, subdivision, zoning or planning issues. Please check with the Land Use and Natural Resources department at (530) 757-8878 to be sure the course you are interested in qualifies as an elective in this certificate program as some restrictions do apply.
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testimonials
"The Land Use and Environmental Planning Certificate Program advanced my career goals and rounded out my resume. Classmates provided networking opportunities and added value to discussions, while guest speakers tied the material to real-life situations. With a little persistence and some more study time, I was able to break into state service. I've been at my current position now for three years, and it has been very rewarding."
Barbara Sinnett, program representative II, California Department of Housing & Community Development Asset Management & Compliance Branch
