Request for New Course
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
REQUEST FOR NEW COURSE
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: __GEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY___________________COLLEGE: ARTS & SCIENCES
CONTACT PERSON: ___ROBERT A. JONES_________________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PHONE: 7-8488
CONTACT EMAIL: ROBERT.JONES@EMICH.EDU
REQUESTED START DATE: TERM_ WINTER________YEAR_ 2013__________
A. Rationale/Justification for the Course
A sound knowledge of zoning and related land development regulations is essential to understanding modern urban
planning practice. Currently the Urban Planning Program offers a course in comprehensive planning with zoning
discussed as an important component of plan implementation. However, little attention is paid to other asspect of land
use and development regulation such as subdivision controls, deed restrictions, form-based codes, and site
condominium requirements. Thus, this course will fill a significant gap in the undergraduate Urban Planning Program,
which is needed for maintaining program accreditation.
B. Course Information
1. Subject Code and Course Number: URP 456
2. Course Title: Zoning and Land Development Regulation
3. Credit Hours: 2
4. Repeatable for Credit? Yes_______
No__X___
If “Yes”, how many total credits may be earned?_______
5. Catalog Description (Limit to approximately 50 words.):
A seminar course exploring zoning, subdivision, and other regulatory tools used in the planning profession to direct and control land
development in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Course includes discussion of associated constitutional and legal issues surrounding property
development, as well as alternatives to typical zoning regulation.
6. Method of Delivery (Check all that apply.)
a. Standard (lecture/lab) X
On Campus
b. Fully Online
X
Off Campus
X
X
c. Hybrid/ Web Enhanced X
7. Grading Mode:
Normal (A-E)
X
Credit/No Credit
8. Prerequisites: Courses that MUST be completed before a student can take this course. (List by Subject Code, Number and Title.)
GPLN 215 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning and GPLN 306 Comprehensive Planning and Zoning, or permission of instructor
Miller, New Course
Sept. 09
New Course Form
9. Concurrent Prerequisites:
Code, Number and Title.)
Courses listed in #5 that MAY also be taken at the same time as a student is taking this course. (List by Subject
GPLN 306 Comprehensive Planning and Zoning
10. Corequisites: Courses that MUST be taken at the same time as a student is taking this course.
(List by Subject Code, Number and
Title.)
11. Equivalent Courses. A student may not earn credit for both a course and its equivalent. A course will count as a repeat if an equivalent
course has already been taken. (List by Subject Code, Number and Title)
GEOG 556 Zoning
12. Course Restrictions:
a. Restriction by College. Is admission to a specific College Required?
College of Business
Yes
No
X
College of Education
Yes
No
X
b. Restriction by Major/Program. Will only students in certain majors/programs be allowed to take this course?
Yes
No
X
If “Yes”, list the majors/programs
c. Restriction by Class Level Check all those who will be allowed to take the course:
Undergraduate
Graduate
All undergraduates_______
All graduate students____
Freshperson
Certificate
Sophomore
X
Masters
Junior
X
Specialist
Senior
X
Doctoral
Second Bachelor________
Post-Bac. Tchr. Cert._____
UG Degree Pending_____
Low GPA Admit_______
Note: If this is a 400-level course to be offered for graduate credit, attach Approval Form for 400-level Course for Graduate
Credit. Only “Approved for Graduate Credit” undergraduate courses may be included on graduate programs of study.
Note: Only 500-level graduate courses can be taken by undergraduate students. Undergraduate students may not register for
600-level courses
d. Restriction by Permission. Will Departmental Permission be required? Yes
No
X
(Note: Department permission requires the department to enter authorization for every student registering.)
Miller, New Course
Sept. ‘09
Page 2 of 4
New Course Form
13. Will the course be offered as part of the General Education Program?
Yes
No
X
If “Yes”, attach Request for Inclusion of a Course in the General Education Program: Education for Participation in the Global Community
form. Note: All new courses proposed for inclusion in this program will be reviewed by the General Education Advisory Committee. If this
course is NOT approved for inclusion in the General Education program, will it still be offered?
Yes
No
C. Relationship to Existing Courses
Within the Department:
14. Will this course will be a requirement or restricted elective in any existing program(s)? Yes X
No
If “Yes”, list the programs and attach a copy of the programs that clearly shows the place the new course will have in the curriculum.
Program
Urban and Regional Planning Major
Required
Restricted Elective X
Program
Urban and Regional Planning Minor
Required
Restricted Elective X
15. Will this course replace an existing course? Yes
No
X
16. (Complete only if the answer to #15 is “Yes.”)
a. Subject Code, Number and Title of course to be replaced:
b. Will the course to be replaced be deleted?
Yes
No
17. (Complete only if the answer #16b is “Yes.”) If the replaced course is to be deleted, it is not necessary to submit a Request for
Graduate and Undergraduate Course Deletion.
a. When is the last time it will be offered?
Term
Year
b. Is the course to be deleted required by programs in other departments?
Contact the Course and Program Development Office if necessary.
Yes
No
c. If “Yes”, do the affected departments support this change?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, attach letters of support. If “No”, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of support, if available.
Outside the Department: The following information must be provided. Contact the Course and Program Development office for
assistance if necessary.
18. Are there similar courses offered in other University Departments? Yes
If “Yes”, list courses by Subject Code, Number and Title
No
X
19. If similar courses exist, do the departments in which they are offered support the proposed course?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, attach letters of support from the affected departments. If “No”, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of
support, if available.
D. Course Requirements
Miller, New Course
Sept. ‘09
Page 3 of 4
New Course Form
20. Attach a detailed Sample Course Syllabus including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Course goals, objectives and/or student learning outcomes
Outline of the content to be covered
Student assignments including presentations, research papers, exams, etc.
Method of evaluation
Grading scale (if a graduate course, include graduate grading scale)
Special requirements
Bibliography, supplemental reading list
Other pertinent information.
NOTE: COURSES BEING PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN THE EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MUST USE THE SYLLABUS TEMPLATE PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL EDUCATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE TEMPLATE IS ATTACHED TO THE REQUEST FOR INCLUSION OF A COURSE IN THE
GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM: EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY FORM.
E. Cost Analysis (Complete only if the course will require additional University resources.
Fill in Estimated Resources for the
sponsoring department(s). Attach separate estimates for other affected departments.)
Estimated Resources:
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Faculty / Staff
$_________
$_________
$_________
SS&M
$_________
$_________
$_________
Equipment
$_________
$_________
$_________
Total
$_________
$_________
$_________
F. Action of the Department/School and College
1. Department/School
Vote of faculty: For ____16____
Against ____0_____
Abstentions ____0_____
(Enter the number of votes cast in each category.)
Richard A. Sambrook
Department Head/School Director Signature
3/9/12
Date
2. College/Graduate School
A. College
College Dean Signature
Date
B. Graduate School (if Graduate Course)
Graduate Dean Signature
Date
G. Approval
Associate Vice-President for Academic Programming Signature
Miller, New Course
Sept. ‘09
Date
Page 4 of 4
Eastern Michigan University
Department of Geography and Geology
Urban and Regional Planning Program
URP 456 Zoning and Land Use Regulation
Term
Day and Time
Location
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Telephone:
E-mail:
E Reserve Site
Course Description and Objectives:
This course introduces fundamental concepts and practices of land use regulation, including
zoning, subdivision regulation, deed restrictions, form based codes, and others within the legal
and practical context of land use planning and control in Michigan. The focus will be on
developing skills related to the critical evaluation and preparation of land use/development
ordinances and the site plan review process.
Specifically, students will develop an understanding of:
•
how to regulate the development of land to meet human needs in socially, legally,
economically, and environmentally sustainable ways;
•
how a community's subdivision, zoning, and other ordinances and regulations provide a
framework for this development;
•
the site plan review process and its relationship to land-use regulation;
•
written, oral, and graphic communication skills relevant to the professional practice of
planning.
Course Requirements:
Classes are conducted as a combination of class discussion and lecture. The readings are
used as a beginning common point of departure. Students are also expected to do additional
reading to prepare for each class, including reading from local ordinances. Full preparation
prior to each class is essential to understanding and participating in class discussions. Please
note that class participation accounts for a quarter of your final grade, and that participation
requires attendance as well as active engagement in class discussions.
In addition to regular attendance and active participation, course requirements include the timely
and successful completion of one class presentation, two critical papers, and a site plan review
staff report. Successful completion of these assignments will require each student to acquire
relevant land development regulations for a selected municipality and a set of site plan drawings
for a project in the selected municipality. Students will also need to become familiar with the
state enabling legislation pertaining to subdivision, condominiums, and zoning. Requirements
for each assignment will be discussed in class, and handouts detailing the requirements for
each assignment will be available.
Grading:
The final course grade will be determined as follows:
Paper 1: Subdivision/Site Condominium Critique
Paper 2: Zoning/Land Use Ordinance Critique
Paper 3: Site Plan Review Case Study
Two exams @10% each
Presentation of Case Study
Class Attendance and Participation
15%
15%
15%
20%
15%
20%
Required Texts:
Talen, Emily. 2011. City Rules: How Regulations Affect Urban Form. Wash. DC: Island Press.
Aditional required readings are listed below and are available through electronic reserve.
Cullingworth, Barry, and Roger W. Caves. 2003. Chapters 4, 5, & 8 in Planning in the USA,
2nd ed. London and New York: Routledge (see e-reserve).
Ducker, Richard. 1988. "Land Subdivision Regulation," in Frank So and Judith Getzels (eds.),
The Practice of Local Government Planning, 2nd ed. (see e-reserve).
Garvin, Alexander. 2002. Chapter 16, "Land Use Regulations," in The American City: What
Works and What Doesn't. New York: McGraw/Hill.
Kelly, Eric. 1988. "Zoning," in Frank So and Judith Getzels (eds.), The Practice of Local
Government Planning, 2nd ed. (see e-reserve).
Langworthy, Steve. 2006. Form Based Codes and Michigan Zoning Enabling Acts. Michigan
State University Extension Land Use Series (see e-reserve).
Michigan Land Use Leadership Council. 2003. Michigan's Land, Michigan's Future (available
on the web or through e-reserve).
Other readings may be required and will be available through e-reserve or other on-line
sources.
Students will also be expected to obtain a local subdivision or site condominium ordinance and
a local zoning ordinance. These will be discussed in class.
Course Schedule:
The course schedule follows. It is subject to alteration in order to accommodate extenuating
and exigent circumstances.
WEEK 1
Course Overview
WEEK 2
Land Use Regulation
Garvin (e-reserve)
Talen, chapter 1
WEEK 3
Historical & Legal Aspects
Cullingworth & Caves, chs. 4, 5
(e-reserve), Talen, Chapter 2
WEEK 4
Land Division & Subdivision
Ducker (e-reserve)
Talen, Chapter 3
WEEK 5
Land Division & Subdivision
EXAM 1
Subdivision folder (e-reserve)
New Directions (e-reserve)
WEEK 6
Site Condominium land division concerns
PAPER 1 DUE
WEEK 7
Deed Restrictions, Easments, HOAs, and other restrictions
http://www.communityassociationmanagement.com/rules/use-restrictions.html
WEEK 8
Zoning
Kelly (e-reserve)
Talen, chapter 4
WEEK 9
Zoning
Michigan Enabling Legislation (e-reserve)
New Directions (e-reserve)
WEEK 10
Overlays, PUDs, and other alternatives
PAPER 2 DUE
PUD folder (e-reserve)
WEEK 11
Form Based Codes
http://www.formbasedcodes.org
Langworthy article (e-reserve)
Talen, Chapter 5
WEEK 12
Smart Growth Codes
http://www.smartgrowth.org
Talen, chapter 6-7
WEEK 13
Site Plan Review
Plan Review folder (e-reserve)
WEEK 14
Student Presentations
PAPER 3 DUE
WEEK 15
Student Presentations
WEEK 16
Exam 2
Site Condominium folder (e-reserve)
Eastern Michigan University
Department of Geography and Geology
Urban and Regional Planning Program
GEOG 456 Zoning and Land Development Regulation
Winter,
PAPER AND PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Completion of the assigned papers and presentation for this course requires that you obtain subdivision or
site condo ordinances and zoning ordinances for a local jurisdiction within the state of Michigan. (Many
of these ordinances are available on-line -- check the link on the course e-reserve site.) You are strongly
advised not to delay the decision as to what jurisdiction you will select, and in obtaining the required
documents. There will be opportunities to address the specifics of each assignment in more detail as the
course progresses. If you have questions about the assignments you are encouraged to ask them in class
so that your colleagues may also benefit from the answers.
First Paper – Subdivision/Site Condo Ordinance
DUE
Using materials and information from the class readings and discussions, as well as other sources, you are
to develop a critique of the subdivision/site condo ordinance for the jurisdiction you selected. How well
does this ordinance address the relevant issues that have been discussed in class and in the readings?
Does the ordinance have any particular strengths in the way it deals with these issues? What
shortcomings can you identify, and how might you change the ordinance to address those shortcomings?
Be specific, and provide citations to the ordinance.
The paper should be approximately 4-5 pages.
Second Paper -- Zoning Ordinance Critique
DUE
As with the first paper, using materials and information from the class readings and discussions, as well
as other sources, you are to develop a critique of the zoning ordinance for the jurisdiction you selected.
You may chose to address the entire ordinance, or you may want to focus on a particular substantive area
(e.g. housing chapters).
How well does this ordinance address the relevant issues that have been discussed in class and in the
readings? Does the ordinance have any particular strengths in the way it deals with these issues? What
shortcomings can you identify, and how might you change the ordinance to address those shortcomings?
Be specific, and provide citations to the ordinance.
The paper should be approximately 7-8 pages.
Third Paper -- Site Plan Review
DUE
This paper will be a group effort in conjunction with the final presentation as described below. You will
need to select one or two others in the class with whom to work on both the paper and the presentation.
You should consider the following in your paper:
•
What is the jurisdiction and the applicable ordinance (site condo, zoning, etc.)?
•
•
•
•
What is the development that is under review or recently approved/denied? (If possible, plan to
obtain a staff or consultant report and attend a public hearing.)
Provide a brief description of the proposed development and what aspects were controversial or
opposed (by staff, consultant, Planning Commission, neighbors, etc.)
Provide an outline of the primary regulations that were applicable to the project (What is the
zoning? Is the use permitted by right or a special use? Is it a PUD? Etc.)
Discuss how the ordinance applied to the development and possibly contributed to the
controversial aspects of the project.
Each team of students should turn in a paper of approximately 10 pages.
Final Presentation
DUE
Working in teams of 2-3, you are to prepare a presentation of 30 minutes based on the application of an
ordinance to a specific controversial development proposal in a municipality of your choice. Determine
what the controversial aspects of the development were (i.e., the building was too tall, not enough open
space, not appropriate use for the area) and which ordinances/regulations were key in shaping the
development. Were there any unintended consequences of the ordinance? Where did the ordinance
perform as intended? Where did it fail?
As with the team Site Plan Review paper above, you should consider the following in your presentation:
•
•
•
•
•
What is the jurisdiction and the applicable ordinance (site condo, zoning, etc.)?
What is the development that is under review or recently approved/denied? (If possible, plan to
obtain a staff or consultant report and attend a public hearing.)
Provide a brief description of the proposed development and what aspects were controversial or
opposed (by staff, consultant, Planning Commission, neighbors, etc.)
Provide an outline of the primary regulations that were applicable to the project (What is the
zoning? Is the use permitted by right or a special use? Is it a PUD? Etc.)
Discuss how the ordinance applied to the development and possibly contributed to the
controversial aspects of the project.