Overview
Urban and land use planners develop plans and recommend policies for managing land use, physical facilities and associated services for urban and rural areas and remote regions. They are employed by all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies, or may work as private consultants.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Compile and analyze data on demographic, economic, legal, political, cultural, sociological, physical and other factors affecting land use
Confer with municipal, provincial and federal authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, lawyers, land developers, the public and special interest groups to formulate and develop land use or community plans
Prepare and recommend land development concepts and plans for zoning, subdivisions, transportation, public utilities, community facilities, parks, agricultural and other land uses
Prepare plans for environmental protection, such as wildlife preserves, national and provincial parks, and protection of watersheds
Present plans to civic, rural and regional authorities and hold public meetings to present plans, proposals or planning studies to the general public and special interest groups
Review and evaluate proposals for land use and development plans and prepare recommendations
Process application for land development permits and administer land use plans and zoning by-laws
Formulate long-range objectives and policies relative to future land use and the protection of the environment
Supervise and coordinate work of urban planning technicians and technologists.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$62,568
$101,965
$130,350
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
539expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, architecture, engineering or a related discipline is required.
A master's degree in one of these disciplines may be required.
Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is usually required.
Additional information
Progression to management positions in planning is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Urban and land use planners in B.C.
- Registered Professional Planner with the Planning Institute of British Columbia - Urban and Land Use Planners
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Urban and land use planners in B.C.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification - Urban and Land Use Planners
Registered Professional Planner with the Planning Institute of British Columbia - Urban and Land Use Planners
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a professional planner in B.C., you must register with the Planning Institute of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through completion of a degree from an accredited planning school, 2 years of practical work experience, 1 year of professional mentorship, and successful completion of a professional examination and ethics course.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification - Urban and Land Use Planners
To work as an urban and land use planner in B.C., you may choose to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification. Eligibility is achieved through signing up with the Canada Green Building Council.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.