Zoning Codes | Planetizen Courses

One of the cornerstones of urban planning in many cities, zoning codes are sets of regulations used by local governments to control land use by defining what can and cannot be built in specific neighborhoods, what buildings can look like, and what uses can coexist in the same areas. Use-based zoning is an important tool for guiding development in most U.S. cities, but more recently, cities are turning to form-based codes, which focus on design rather than use. Local jurisdictions often push back when states attempt to preempt local control of zoning through statewide regulations that mandate higher density.

Zoning Codes Courses

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Real Estate Debt for Planners

73 Mins

AICP CM
CNU-A

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Austin comprehensive plan graphic

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

60 Mins

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a row of three suburban homes

Just Suburbs: The New Frontier for Equity and Inclusion

56 Mins

CIP
AIA CES
AICP CM
SACPLAN CPD

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shelf with legal books

Legal Issues for Form-Based Codes

80 Mins

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CNU-A

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aerial view of new york city

The American City, Part 4: Complexity and Pattern in the City

Mark David Major

53 Mins

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historic buildings in Charleston South Carolina

Introduction to Historic Preservation

Meredith Johnson

38 Mins

AICP CM
SACPLAN CPD

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neon entertainment signs

Regulating Sex Businesses, Part 2: Practical Tips

Eric Damian Kelly

62 Mins

AICP CM
CNU-A

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metro train with buildings in background

Transportation Planning: Land Use and Transportation Systems

Richard Willson

62 Mins

AIA CES
AICP CM
CNU-A
SACPLAN CPD

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detached accessory dwelling unit ADU in backyard

Accessory Dwelling Units: Understanding America’s Newest Housing Typology

57 Mins

CIP
AIA CES
AICP CM
SACPLAN CPD

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black and white image aerial of suburban homes

The Story of Sprawl

163 Mins

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aerial view of a city

Overview of the Planning Process

40 Mins

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Sprawling residential neighborhoods with many single family houses.

Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix it

67 Mins

AIA CES
AICP CM

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map showing land use

Regional Scenario Planning: An Overview

Garlynn Woodsong

47 Mins

SACPLAN CPD

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exterior photo of home for urban planning course

Exploring the Regulation of Short-Term Rentals

67 Mins

AIA CES
AICP CM
CNU-A

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modern house called Falling Water by architect Frank Lloyd Wright

Historic Preservation: How-to Guide

Meredith Johnson

73 Mins

CIP
AIA CES
AICP CM
CNU-A
SACPLAN CPD

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Defensible Sign Regulations

Eric Damian Kelly

63 Mins

AICP CM
CNU-A
SACPLAN CPD

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Local Regulation of Marijuana Businesses

56 Mins

AICP CM

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Boston buildings and bridge

The Elements of Citymaking: Design, Policy, and Finance

57 Mins

CIP
AIA CES
AICP CM
SACPLAN CPD

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The Story of Sprawl - With Commentary Tracks

143 Mins

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panoramic image of city buildings along a waterfront

Basic Legal Framework for Planning Officials

47 Mins

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Making Room for Home-Based Businesses

46 Mins

CIP
AICP CM

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Disaster Resilience and Recovery Through Land Use Planning

Walter Gillis Peacock

78 Mins

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exterior and interior of tiny home for urban planning course

Regulatory Implications of Tiny Homes

58 Mins

AIA CES
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three images of New York buildings, Central Park and a man riding a bike

U.S. City Planning 101

46 Mins

Top Zoning Codes Instructors

Eric Damian Kelly

Eric Damian Kelly is a lawyer and planner with more than 35 years of experience working...

Daniel Parolek

Daniel Parolek is a nationally recognized thought leader in architecture, design, and urban planning, specifically in...

David Dixon

David is well known for helping create new, mixed-use urban districts (in both cities and suburbs)...

Mark David Major

Dr. Mark David Major, AICP, CNU-A is a Professor of Urban Design at the Savannah College...

Richard Willson

Richard Willson is a professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at California State...

Norman Wright

Norman Wright is the Director of Neighborhood Services for Adams County, Colorado. In his career as...

Brad Neumann

Brad Neumann is a MSU Senior Extension Educator who serves as an educational resource for local...

Mary Reilly

Mary Reilly is a land use educator with Michigan State University Extension.

Donald Shoup

Donald Shoup is Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Urban Planning at UCLA. His research...

Geoffrey Ferrell

Geoffrey is one of the originators of the modern practice of Form-Based Codes. His work ranges...

Mary Madden

Mary Madden has nearly 20 years of experience in the fields of urban planning and design...

Peter Henn

PETER J. HENN, Esq., AICP, is a land use attorney at Jones Foster in West Palm...

Jeff Speck

Jeff Speck is a city planner who advocates internationally for more walkable cities.

Nolan Gray

M. Nolan Fray is the Research Director for California YIMBY, an expert in urban land-use regulation...

Jenny Schuetz

Jenny is a Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro and an expert in housing policy.

Christy Dodson

Christy is an Urban Designer at Code Studio, with a background in architecture and planning.

Jason Neville

Jason is an experienced urban planner, redevelopment professional, and affordable housing developer.

Lance Freeman

Lance Freeman is a Professor in the Urban Planning Program at Columbia University in New York...

Meredith Johnson

Meredith is the owner of Johnson Planning and Preservation LLC, a boutique firm that works to...

Chris Holtkamp

Chris Holtkamp is a certified planner and is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Planning at the...

Alan Weinstein

Alan Weinstein holds a joint faculty appointment at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and...

Malak Hakim

Malak Hakim is a nationally accredited urban planner.

James Carpentier

James Carpentier is State and Local Government Affairs Manager with the International Sign Association (ISA).

Lisa Wise

As a planner and Certified Public Accountant, Ms. Wise has 20 years of professional experience in...

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All Zoning Codes Courses

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Generative AI, Ethics, and the Future of Urban Planning

Instructor: Tom Sanchez

Explore the ethical and equity implications of using generative AI in urban planning. This course addresses bias, transparency, public trust, emerging tools like digital twins, and offers practical guidance for responsible adoption.

4.30

66 Mins

CIP

AIA CES

AICP CM

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Navigating the Ethical Landscape for AI in Urban Planning

Instructor: Tom Sanchez

Uncover some of the largest ethical issues related to using AI in urban planning and the steps cities around the world are taking to ensure fairness, honesty, and accountability as this revolutionary technology becomes more embedded in the modern world.

4.38

66 Mins

CIP

AIA CES

AICP CM

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UN Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Cities in Implementation

Instructor: Chris Holtkamp

This course will introduce the 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for planning at the local level.

4.36

75 Mins

CIP

AIA CES

AICP CM

SACPLAN CPD