What is land-use planning?

Land-use planning is a branch of urban planning used by local governments to manage the development of land within their jurisdictions with the objective to order and efficiently regulate land use for the benefit of the public welfare.  It involves the systematic assessment of land and its use potential, alternatives for land use, and the local economic and social environment in order to select and adopt the land-use options that best meet the needs of the community while protecting natural resources.

Urban planning is a technical and political process that guides the planning, development and regulation of the use of land in urban, suburban and rural areas and the protection and use of the environment.  It focuses on the economic functions, social impact and the location of activities within the environment.  It includes the planning, development and use of water and natural resources, rural and agricultural land and parks as well as conserving areas of natural environmental significance.