WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL PLANNER?
Professional Planners (PP), often called Land Use Planners, or Urban Planners, help to create a broad vision for the community. We research, design, and develop community programs; effect social change, perform technical analysis of various community demographics, and educate decision and policy makers on current planning principles. Professional Planners are state-licensed professionals.
As simple as it sounds, Professional Planners plan. Essentially, a plan is developed through analysis of data and identification of goals for the community, or specific development project. The plan can be a drawn plan, such as a map, but it can also take the form of policy recommendations, community action plans, comprehensive plans, strategic plans, or emergency preparedness plans. When creating a plan, Professional Planners identify the strategies by which the community can reach its goals and vision. Planners are also responsible for the implementation or enforcement of many of the strategies; often coordinating the work of many groups.
In New Jersey, Professional Planners are considered experts the Municipal Land Use Law. This, along with their knowledge of planning principles and development impacts, qualifies them to provide testimony in support, or against requested land use variances.
Similar to Landscape Architects, Professional Planners are also licensed to prepare Site Plans for development and re-development projects that do not require stormwater management design.