EXLUP 4103 - 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.

This course may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG), with final approval determined by CAPG administrators. Employers and applicants can review the CAPG guidelines and full details on the University of Alberta’s Continuing Education website.

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.

By the end of this course, students 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.

• 🗸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.
• 🗸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).