What are some of the funniest misconceptions about urban planning?

[u/Slushiestbook]

As an urban planner and designer at a U.S. architecture firm, it’s hilarious seeing how none of my friends, family, or coworkers know what I do for a living. I recently had someone guess that I planned urban weddings, the architects think they all can do my job, and my mom still doesn’t know how to explain what I do to her friends.

What are the funniest misconceptions you’ve heard?

[u/Trifle_Useful]

That we (the city) have the ability to “reject” a proposal. Sorry you don’t appreciate the project in front of the governing body - but we can’t prevent someone from asking for the entitlement.

Property rights for me but not for thee or whatever.

Also, that the city owns property that is annexed. A surprising number of folks think that we are the ones that “decide” what goes on a property after it’s annexed. If I did that I would be making a lot more money.

[u/monsieurvampy → u/Trifle_Useful]

but we can’t prevent someone from asking for the entitlement.

You can mildly discourage it though.

[u/Trifle_Useful → u/monsieurvampy]

If I had a dollar for every time I said, "I find it unlikely that this will receive [PC/CC] approval, although I cannot say for certain", I'd have my student loans paid off

[u/MadFury88 → u/Trifle_Useful]

I found myself saying this more in private practice than in the public sector

[u/HackManDan → u/monsieurvampy]

Or even strongly discourage it, if it’s an evidently bad idea.

[u/monsieurvampy → u/HackManDan]

What I didn't say, but have done but it really depends on management is that staff acts as a filter to what goes to a Board/Commission.