Urban Planning can be described as a professional field concerned with the political and technical process of addressing people’s health and welfare in urban areas by controlling the use of land and designing the urban environment, such as transportation, natural environment and communication networks for the general good of the community.
Civil Engineers generally participate in Urban Planning activities. They work in fields that are related to the planning and development of roads and other urban facilities. Civil Engineers focus on the construction projects, while regional and urban planner concentrates on how a construction project will fit in helping improve the urban community.
Civil engineering firms, like Godfrey-Hoffman & Hodge in Connecticut, along with the regional and urban planners cooperate and interact, in order to maximize the positive impact of a planned development for the urban community.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Civil Engineer in Urban Planning:
- Performing Site Inspections and Surveys
- Evaluating development and re-development plans for projects such as transportation links, retail complexes, housing developments, industrial estate and new suburbs, for the purpose of advising the local and the state government on possible planning issues regarding the project
- Supervise Urban Construction Projects
- Work with associates and technicians on Urban Development projects
- Consult with and advocate for community groups and developers
- Assist developers in obtaining planning permits
- Prepare plans for urban and rural subdivisions, which includes determining the proper use of land (residential, school, shops, parks and open spaces)
- Determining and implementing zoning laws
- Advising planning officials on the feasibility of development projects, regulatory conformance and cost-effectiveness at the same time suggesting possible alternatives
- Coordinates with architects and economic consultants during the formulation of large infrastructure designs
- Investigate the availability of properties
- Review proposed private and public projects and evaluate its environmental impact
Key Takeaway:
- Urban Planning can be described as a professional field concerned with the political and technical process of addressing people’s health and welfare in urban areas by controlling the use of land and designing the urban environment, such as transportation, natural environment and communication networks for the general good of the community.
- Civil Engineers focus on the construction projects, while regional and urban planning concentrates on how a construction project will fit in and in return help improve the urban community.
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