Planning and Land Use Law Resources

The American Planning Association is the premiere provider of information and analysis on planning, environmental, and land use law. The programs APA undertakes include publications, advocacy, amicus curiae filings, and education programs.

Planning Law Education

From live events to training packages, APA provides an array of training opportunities. Keep up-to-date and well informed through education. Find out more.

Live Events

Audio/Web Conference

"Planning Law Review" June 27, 2007

Legislative and Policy Conference

APA holds a conference on legislative advocacy and policy in Washington, D.C. All members are invited to attend.

Publications

Planning & Environmental Law

This monthly legal digest is the best single source of information on planning law. This is a critical resource for planning attorneys, municipal attorneys, consultants, and planning directors.

The Commissioner

This publication for planning commissioners features a department in each issue devoted to planning law, where legal experts discuss legal issues germane the work of the commission.

Other Resources

Policy Guides

APA develops policy guides on key issues in planning. These guides are statements intended to guide communities and planners as they plan.

Amicus Curiae Committee

Amicus Curiae (Friends of Court) briefs are one of the most influential policy programs undertaken by APA. Briefs are filed at the Supreme Court and state court level. The briefs also help explain what planning's approach is to critical legal issues.

Growing Smart

This guidebook provides states with choices on how to develop legislation to support good planning. It reviews and analyzes best practice and provides a range of models for legally defensible planning legislation.

Bettman Symposium

The Bettman Symposium is a one-day event held annually at the National Planning Conference. Leading legal experts discuss the current legal landscape and provide insight into legal issues facing all communities.

Legislative Advocacy

APA conducts a legislative advocacy program at the national level and provides training to assist with advocacy at the state level. Find out how you can become active.

Education Products

APA has education products for multiple audiences. The intended audience is listed with each product. Both planners and planning commissioners benefit from each of these products.

Legal Framework for Planning, 2005 (Planning Commissioners)

Property Rights v. Public Resource Protection, 1998 (Planning Commissioners)

Legal Foundation for Planning Commission and Zoning Board Decisions, 1995 (Planning Commissioners)

Innovative Controls for Land-Use Regulation, 1996 (Planning Commissioners)

Agreements, Fees, and CIP, 2005 (Planning Commissioners)

Planning Law in Perspective, 2005 (Planning Commissioners)

New Urbanist Codes, 2004 (Practicing Planners)

Form-Based Zoning, 2004 (Practicing Planners)

Smart Growth Codes, 2004 (Practicing Planners)

Defensible Design Review, 2003 (Practicing Planners)