Subdivision Planning/Design Part 1: Land Use Planning TSYH 4530

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

Module 1 - Natural Land Assessment

• Define the major natural considerations which govern the assessment of land use as related to general urban land uses.
• Relate urban land uses and their requirements to the natural characteristics of the land.
• Explain urban land uses and their servicing requirements in terms of the natural characteristics of the land.

Module 2 - Introduction to Planning Concepts

• Define the terms related to subdivision planning including community plans, settlement plans, site plans, neighbourhoods, zoning descriptions and densities.
• Explain and identify the relationship between density, dwelling type and lot sizes.
• Define the categories, characteristics, and siting of parks, open space and schools in relation to the neighborhood and the community.

Module 3 - Road and Traffic Considerations

• Define the urban road classifications and the typical right of way and roadway width requirements for each.
• List the types of traffic and define them in terms of circulation requirements and the planning considerations to meet those requirements.
• Identify the basic road patterns utilized in the planning process.
• Identify or label existing or proposed new roads based on the general definitions used in industry.

Module 4 - Residential Lot Standards

• Explain the lot, site and dwelling standards relative to a subject site given the zone or density permitted.
• Sketch typical subdivision lots based on the lot, site, and dwelling standards.
• Sketch typical subdivision lots for a cul-de-sac based on the lot, site and dwelling standards.

Module 5 - Residential Site Planning

• Identify the external site factors relative to a subject site.
• Identify the internal site factors relative to a subject site.
• Assess a subject site for adherence to lot, site and dwelling standards and site factors.

Module 6 - Urban Rezoning and Subdivision Process

• Explain the general requirements and steps in the process of the rezoning of subject site.
• List and explain the procedural steps for the passing of a municipal by-law.
• List and explain the requirements for the holding of a public hearing and its relationship to the rezoning process and the passing of a by-law.
• Define and explain the three primary considerations in the approval process from initial application to the 'approval in principle to proceed' stage.
• List and describe the general functions of the planner, engineer, council and other agencies in the approval process.

Module 7 - Rural Development

• Explain the role of the Ministry of Transportation and Highways in the development approval of unorganized territory.
• Describe the steps in obtaining development approval for a rural developable property.
• Describe the role of other agencies, including Regional Districts as they relate to the approval process for rural lands.

Module 8 - Engineering Considerations

• List and describe the five services required for a subdivision proposal.
• Recognize and explain the relationship between topography, road alignment and lot access requirements.
• Identify and explain the design criteria standards for road proposals based on topographic mapping.
• Recognize and explain the relationship between topography, lot layout proposals and gravity servicing corridors and the related design criteria.
• Examine and evaluate small subdivision proposals based on the governing engineering criteria and the topography.

Module 9 - Cost/Benefit Analysis

• List and describe the participants in the development process and their conflicting motives and objectives in terms of development cost/benefit.
• State and compare the factors in subdivision development financing, under inflation and recession pressures and their effect on the regulatory agencies.
• Define the approval process time frame in terms of the total development timetable.
• List and describe the major cost factors relative to the development of a subdivision proposal.
• Examine and assess a small subdivision in terms of establishing raw land values based on defined cost factors.

Effective as of Fall 2003