This study aimed to explain the preventive urban planning model for new towns with an emphasis on water stress caused by climate change. The present study was based on an interpretivist philosophy and was conducted using an inductive approach. In terms of purpose, it was an applied-developmental study, and in terms of data collection method, it was a non-experimental descriptive study. The participants consisted of theoretical and experiential experts related to urban planning, new towns, water resources management, climate change, urban environment, and crisis management. Purposeful sampling was employed, and theoretical saturation was achieved with 12 participants. Data were collected through interviews and a questionnaire based on a decision matrix. The analysis and coding of the interview texts were conducted using qualitative thematic analysis in MAXQDA 24 software. Moreover, Interpretive Structural Modeling and MICMAC software were used to determine the relationships among the constructs and to design the model. Based on the findings, urban climate–water governance, justice-oriented urban water resilience, and water-oriented spatial development policymaking were positioned at the deepest level of the model and were identified as the driving components of the model. At the next level, climate-compatible urban space, resilient green–blue infrastructure development, water demand management, monitoring-oriented smart management of water stress, and circular regeneration of urban water resources were located. Furthermore, urban water-based green economy, resilient preparedness of urban water services, and future-oriented climate risk assessment were placed at the subsequent levels of the model. Finally, learning-based monitoring of the urban plan was identified as the final outcome of establishing the preventive urban planning model.

Keywords: preventive urban planning, new towns, water stress, climate change, water resilience, climate–water governance