Ethical Standards in Planning

There are two standards set for ethical behavior in the field of planning. The first is a Code of Ethics binding on members of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Certified planners are required to adhere to the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which identifies four core responsibilities incumbent upon certified planners:

- Planners' primary obligation is serving the public interest.
- Planners are responsible for diligently and competently performing work on behalf their client or employer.
- Planners are responsible for contributing to the development of the planning profession and their colleagues.
- Planners are responsible to themselves for high standards of professional integrity, proficiency and knowledge.

The Code is a helpful guide for all planners as they negotiate the ethical and moral dilemmas they encounter. It also informs the public of the principles to which professional planners are committed.

The second ethics standard applies to anyone participating in the planning process and is called APA's Ethical Principles in Planning. This includes elected and appointed officials, such as planning commissioners. It also applies to citizens and non-AICP certified planners. This standard is not binding; it is a set of guidelines. However, some planning commissions formally adopt the ethical principles to assist them with ethical public decision making.