Urban planning significantly impacts public health. Early twentieth-century functionalist planning, exemplified by zoning, aimed to separate residential areas from industrial pollution and prevent infection outbreaks. This contributed to urban sprawl and car dependency, leading to increased chronic diseases due to sedentary lifestyles. Urban planning’s impact on chronic diseases has prompted a renewed collaboration between public health and urban planning, advocating for walkable, mixed-use, and sustainable environments. Though the COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about compact urban forms, studies suggest density isn’t the primary risk factor for COVID-19 spread. Instead, chronic diseases linked to sedentary lifestyles promoted by urban sprawl are more significant. Physical activity strengthens the immune system and mitigates chronic disease, potentially reducing infection severity. Beyond urban form, green and blue spaces promote physical activity, reduce stress, and improve mental health. Biodiversity may further enhance immune function, and geodiversity, the variety of non-living environment, can influence physical activity and the aesthetic appeal of natural environments. Lower-income communities often have less access to green and blue spaces, exacerbating health disparities and calling for more equitable urban planning. Public participatory methods in planning processes are crucial for engaging diverse communities in shaping their environments, promoting health equity, and creating inclusive and sustainable cities.