Land Use Law

This course focuses on the pragmatic (more than theoretical) aspects of contemporary land use law and policy, including: the tools and historical/legal foundation of modern land use law; zoning and General Plans; the process of land development; vested property rights and development agreements; environmental review; environmental justice; growth control, sprawl, housing density, and affordable housing; constitutional challenges to land use regulation; redevelopment; historic preservation; direct democracy over land use; and global warming and climate action plans. We explore how land use decisions affect environmental quality and how land use decision-making addresses environmental impacts and distribution of resources. Special Instructions: Student participation is essential. Roughly four-fifths of the class time will involve a combination of lecture and classroom discussion. The remaining time will engage students in case studies based on actual land use issues and disputes. This class is limited to 20 students selected by consent. Elements used in grading: attendance, class participation, two short writing assignments, an oral presentation, and a final exam. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS website (Click Courses at the bottom of the homepage and then click Consent of Instructor Forms). See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.