AESP 250 Environmental Planning Applications I

School of Environment and Geomatics

AESP 250 Environmental Planning Applications I is the first course in a two course Integrated Environmental Planning Applications continuum. It focuses on the development of professional land use and environmental planning skills and their practical application. Using a combination of classroom interactive lectures and weekly field based labs, the physical, on the ground, aspects of development and conservation planning are a primary focus of this course. The course also emphasizes the understanding and development of practical strategies to achieve land use and environmental planning objectives.

Plan development and plan implementation, regulatory agencies and regulations, planning history, group process and methods for the practical application of landscape ecology and conservation development are also covered. Students are expected to attend class and labs regularly and contribute actively and evenly to in-class
discussions.

Prerequisites: AESP 277 with a grade of CRG

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours75
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture2
Lab (lab, field, computer)3

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Define and understand commonly used land use and environmental terms, and practices
  2. Understand and explain how to incorporate environmental considerations into land and resource planning and development
  3. Understand fundamental concepts of land use and environmental problem solving including the development of realistic and workable implementation strategies
  4. Perform a detailed site analysis for a proposed or existing development, including the identification of primary opportunities and constraints, significant land forms and natural processes, and the development of mitigation measures or alternative design and development options
  5. Review and critically analyze an existing land use or resource plan or regulation
  6. Understand the theory and practice of land suitability assessment for development or conservation purposes
  7. Perform a detailed land use survey and prepare a graphic depiction of the results. Evaluate the following environmental attributes, impacts and understand accepted methods for their evaluation, conservation, and management in urban, rural, or wildland environments

Teaching and Learning Approach

Concepts are introduced in the courses weekly lectures and reinforced and practiced in weekly labs most of which are conducted in the field. Students are expected to participate openly in lecture and lab discussions.

Learning Resources

All readings are provided in pdf format and occasionally as hard copy handouts.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. 1. Site and Landscape Scale Observation, - Process And Form, Spatial Relationships, Site And Scale, Potentially Affected Interest Values

2. 2. AESP 200 Field Trip, no class

3. 3. Tools, Land Use Inventories, And Site / Environmental Assessment

4. 4. Planning Tools Rossland Examples, Environmental Impacts Categorization, Authority to Regulate Land Use And Environment At The Local Level In British Columbia

5. 5. Planning in The Age Of Climate Change Plan Elements (Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles, Goals, Objectives, Action Steps, Precedents, Targets, Performance Indicators),

6. 6. Planning in The Age Of Climate Change Smart Growth And Solutions To Sprawl, Plans And Plan Elements, Environmental Impacts

7. 7. Test

8. 8. Park Planning and Term Project Intro

9. 9. Applied Research Intro / RFPs

10. 10. Term Project Worksession and Applied Research Topic Selection conversations

11. 11. Regulations

12. 12. Term Project Presentations

13. 13. Applied Research Proposals

Assessment

Title Learning Outcomes Value
 Professionalism   5% 
Lab, Field and Reading Exercises
1. Define and understand commonly used land use and environmental terms, and practices; 2. understand and explain how to incorporate environmental considerations into land and resource planning and development; 3.understand fundamental concepts of land use and environmental problem solving including the development of realistic and workable implementation strategies; 4.perform a detailed site analysis for a proposed or existing development, including the identification of primary opportunities and constraints, significant land forms and natural processes, and the development of mitigation measures or alternative design and development options;5. review and critically analyze an existing land use or resource plan or regulation; and 6. understand and the theory and practice of land suitability assessment for development or conservation purposes. 7. Perform a detailed land use survey and prepare a graphic depiction of the results. 8. Evaluate the following environmental attributes, impacts and understand accepted methods for their evaluation, conservation, and management in urban, rural, or wildland environments: Earth  Soils  Geologic Hazards  Erosion / Sedimentation Water  Hydrology /Flood Risk/ Drainage  Groundwater  Water Quality Biological Resources  Flora  Fauna  Rare /Endangered Species Air  Air Quality,  Climate / Air Movement  Odors Transportation / Circulation  Traffic, Type, Number, Timing, Roadway Design Consideration  Parking  Traffic Hazards And Design Considerations, Including Surfacing, Widths,  Pedestrian Access /Safety Noise • Indigenous / First Nations Current or historical use / occupation, history, rights, title, scared places / resources, relationship  Cultural / Scientific Resources  Archaeological Resources  Paleontologic Resources  Historic Resources Population Housing Aesthetics Visual Resources Energy Light and Glare Shade and Shadow Public Services  Police  Fire  Schools  Parks/Recreation  Solid Waste Disposal Land Use  Compatibility  Planning Programs  Growth Inducement  Displacement / Relocation  Animal Control  Social Services Public Utilities  Domestic Water  Wastewater  Storm Drains  Natural Gas  Electricity Communication  Telephone  Fiberoptic / broadband 40%
Test 10. Be familiar with the governmental structures and institutions that control land use and resource planning and regulation in Canada at a federal, provincial, and local level and how they create laws and associated regulations. 15%
Applied Research Proposal 15. Understand what a terms of reference is and how to use one. 16. Understand the request for proposal process for a land use plan and prepare a proposal that answers an RFP. 15%
Term Project 11. Articulate an array of implementation strategies to achieve a predetermined objective and analyze the pros and cons of these strategies from social, economic and environmental perspectives. 12. Define and draft the traditional components of land use and environmental plans including, mission and vision statements, goals, objectives, policies, action steps and implementation measures, performance indicators, and targets. 13.Understand the theory and practice of conservation design and development and prepare a conservation oriented site plan for the development and conservation of a specific area of land. 25%
Total 100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

PercentageLetter GradeGPA
90-100A+4.33
85-89A4.00
80-84A-3.67
76-79B+3.33
72-75B3.00
68-71B-2.67
64-67C+2.33
60-63C2.00
55-59C-1.67
50-54P1.00
0-49F0.00
DNW0.00


See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.