Urban Design Policy: Mastering Regulatory Tools

Urban environments are complex systems, and managing their growth requires powerful, precise policy tools. Regulation is the primary mechanism governments use to shape the physical world of the city. By the end of this course, you will have a foundational understanding of the regulatory landscape in urban planning, enabling you to analyze existing policy and propose effective, legally sound interventions to achieve specific design outcomes. What you'll learn: * Understand the foundational concepts of land use regulation, including police power, zoning, and eminent domain. * Analyze the structure and limitations of traditional Euclidean zoning ordinances and their impact on urban form. * Apply the principles of modern regulatory approaches, such as Form-Based Codes, focusing on design outcomes over land use separation. * Practice matching specific regulatory tools (e.g., inclusionary zoning, incentive zoning) to complex urban policy goals like housing affordability and sustainability. * Configure basic regulatory text that promotes equitable access and resilient urban development. This course begins by defining core terminology and legal foundations before diving into practical case studies of regulatory application. You will progress through analyzing traditional methods to applying modern, performance-based regulatory frameworks. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in urban studies, planning, public policy, or local governance. No prior knowledge of law or city planning is required. Learn the essential skills needed to influence the shape and function of cities.