Offering a detailed account of urbanization in the United States, Barry Cullingworth reveals the problematic nature and limitations of the planning process, the fallibility of experts, and difficulties facing policymakers in their search for solutions. An essential book for students and planners and all who are concerned with the nature of contemporary urban and environmental problems, this comprehensive introduction to the policies, theory and practice of planning outlines land use, urban planning and environmental protection policies and explains the nature of the planning process.

Contents: Preface. Introduction. Part I: Planning and Government -- The Nature of Planning. Urbanization. Governing and Planning Urban Areas. Part II: Land Use Regulation -- The Evolution of Zoning. The Institutional and Legal Framework. The Techniques of Zoning. Development Changes. Part III: Quality of the Environment -- Aesthetics. Historic Preservation. Part IV: Growth Management -- Growth Management and Local Government. Urban Growth Management and the States. Part V: Development Issues -- Transportation. Housing. Community and Economic Development. Part VI: Environmental Planning -- Environmental Policies (Environmental Concerns. The National Environmental Protection Act. Clean Air. Clean Water. Waste). The Limits of Environmental Policy. Conclusion. Some Fiscal Questions.