Land use planning is the term generally used for a branch of public policy which encompasses various planning, engineering and architecture disciplines seeking to regulate the use of land in an efficient way. However, owners and developers with a real concern for their project and the potential effect on its surroundings utilize the talents of their designers to develop property in this same manner. As the Canadian Institute of Planners states, "[Land use] planning means the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services with a view to securing the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of urban and rural communities."

Generally speaking, the terms land use planning, town and country planning, regional planning, town planning, urban planning, and urban design are often used interchangeably, and will depend not only on the person speaking, but many times on the country in question. In Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, the term town planning is common, although regional planning and land use planning are also used. In the United States, the terms urban planning and regional planning are more commonly used. At its most basic level, land use planning is an important part of social policy, ensuring that land is used efficiently for the benefit of the wider economy and population as well as to protect the environment.

At ACS, we utilize the following professional disciplines in providing you with thoroughly planned and developed concepts for the best use of your property:

• Civil Engineering
• Land Surveying
• Landscape Architecture
• Environmental Planning
• Spatial Planning
• Sustainable Development
• Urban Design and Planning

Landscape architecture and urban design and planning usually address the selection of physical layout, scale of development, aesthetics, costs of alternatives and selection of building materials and landscape species. Environmental planning usually implies the use of tools to forecast impacts of development decisions including urban surface runoff computer models.

The ACS DESIGN approach to land planning begins with a thorough understanding of the client’s needs, consideration of economic and market conditions, and an in-depth analysis of the environmental constraints and opportunities affecting the design.

As project plans are developed, careful consideration is given to cost, aesthetics, and feasibility, as well as to creating the best possible environment that meets the client’s objectives.

The firm’s diverse experience includes providing land planning for:

• Business and industrial parks
• Commercial developments
• Mixed-use developments
• New urbanism
• Residential development