Exam 1 incorrect answers Flashcards

1
Q

Which was a key concept of the 1916 New York City Zoning Ordinance?
Select one:
a. The city’s water supply would be protected
b. Uses allowed in zoning districts were “cumulative”
c. Established height requirements
d. Established setback requirements

A

The correct answer is that the ordinance established setbacks at specific heights, but did not establish height limitations.
The correct answer is: Established setback requirements

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2
Q
You are a planner for a growing suburban community. Because of your community's growth the amount of waste produced has increased. The city needs to expand the landfill within the next five years. Before making a decision on the expansion, you would like to survey residents about the proposed expansion. You plan to include the survey in the water utility bill of every residence in the city. What type of response rate would you expect?
Select one:
a. Low
b. High 
c. Medium
A

The correct answer is low. Mail surveys have the lowest response rate. Including the survey in a utility bill means that only a small portion of residents will even read the survey.
The correct answer is: Low

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3
Q
The City of Plannersville is developing a downtown plan. Over the last 20 years, the downtown area has lost 5,000 housing units and 2,000 jobs. A community survey found that citizens view the downtown area as crime ridden with nothing that would attract them to visit. The goal of the plan is to revitalize downtown and make it attractive to citizens. The plan calls for adding new nodes of activity, including retail and housing opportunities. You are a senior planner with the city and are charged with the implementation of this plan. The plan calls for one activity node to be focused on downtown housing with a park in the center. The 10-acre park will feature a large fountain, seating, and formal flower garden areas. Surrounding the park will be multi-story condominium and townhouse developments. The park is the critical element of this node. Which of the following would be the most effective method for financing the park?
Select one:
a. Tax Increment Financing
b. Special Assessment
c. General Obligation Bond  
d. Revenue Bond
A

The correct answer is tax increment financing. TIFs are best used in blighted areas that have the potential for an increased tax base. A TIF is used to finance public improvements through the increase in tax value on the surrounding property. A GO bond and special assessment could be used, but a TIF would be the most effective and politically feasible option.
The correct answer is: Tax Increment Financing

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4
Q

As a city planner for a major city that has a significant traffic challenge at several intersections, the city manager has asked you to study these intersections and identify the highest risk intersections and bring back your analysis within three weeks. You have two interns and a staff planner that can assist with this project. You build a project plan that identifies the critical tasks and how the project can get to completion. What would be the best tool to aid in completion of this project?
Select one:
a. Program Evaluation and Review Technique
b. Hire a project manager
c. Linear Programming
d. Cost-Revenue Analysis

A

A Program Evaluation and Review Technique chart would allow for the rapid sequencing of tasks ensuring that the project deadline can be met.
The correct answer is: Program Evaluation and Review Technique

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5
Q
These areas are legislatively authorized because they demonstrate a nationally unique natural, cultural, historic or scenic resource and link natural and cultural resources. These are known as:
Select one:
a. National Historic Sites 
b. Natural Resources
c. National Monuments
d. National Heritage Areas
A

National Heritage Areas can be established through an act of Congress, with assistance from the National Park Service. They are managed at a local or regional level.
The correct answer is: National Heritage Areas

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6
Q
You have been hired to reorganize the development functions of the city and have been asked to create a new department. To guide these efforts which of the following would be most helpful?
Select one:
a. Strategic Plan
b. Performance Management Plan
c. Capital Plan
d. Visioning Plan
A

A strategic plan sets priorities to strengthen the operations of an organization and would be most appropriate in guiding a reorganization of functions. A performance management plan would guide the performance of individual staff members. A capital plan guides infrastructure investment and visioning sets the broader vision for the community.
The correct answer is: Strategic Plan

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7
Q

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969:
Select one:
A. Established the Environmental Protection Agency
B. Required state and local governments to conform to set environmental standards
C. Required the public and private sectors (when receiving federal funds) to conform to certain environmental standards
D. Required the public sector to enforce penalties on the private sector for violations of NEPA

A

The correct answer is: Required the public and private sectors (when receiving federal funds) to conform to certain environmental standards

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8
Q

You are preparing a memo to the city manager about what will be involved in a planned community visioning process. Which of the following would you include:

I. Public Participation 
II. Demographic Forecast 
III. Alternative Futures 
IV. Goals
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. I and III only
d. I, II, III and IV
A

Visioning includes broad public participation and is based on key information about the community, such as the demographics of the community. Alternative futures and goals would be part of comprehensive planning, but not visioning.
The correct answer is: I and II only

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9
Q
You are organizing a committee to consider the future renovation needs of schools throughout the school district. What would be the optimal committee size?
Select one:
a. 5 or fewer
b. 6 to 8 
c. 9 to 15
d. 16 or more
A

Agreement can become more difficulty with a large number of members. Having at least 9 members ensures that all personality types are represented and a diversity of voices. A small committee can at times not bring a broad enough set of interests to the table. In this case you would want a mix of stakeholders, such as parents, neighbors, teachers, staff, administrators etc.
The correct answer is: 9 to 15

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10
Q

Which of the following would you include in the drafting of a zoning ordinance?

 I. Minimum lot sizes 
II. Maximum building heights 
III. Procedures for changes in zoning 
IV. Placement of infrastructure
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. I, II, and III only
d. I, II, III, and IV
A

A zoning ordinance would include information on lot sizes, building heights and procedures. It would not include information on placement of infrastructure, which is more likely to appear in subdivision regulations.
The correct answer is: I, II, and III only

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11
Q

The Mayor’s Office has requested that you conduct a citizen survey to determine satisfaction with city services. You are evaluating whether to use a mail or phone survey. Thinking about telephone surveys, which of the following is the most important negative of using telephone surveys?
Select one:
a. They are expensive
b. They may not reach a representative sample
c. They are time consuming
d. It may be difficult to find people to conduct the survey

A

Explanation: Telephone surveys can result in an unrepresentative sample. This is due to a number of factors including the lack of a home telephone (for example cell phone only or no phone at all), the use of caller ID to screen calls, unlisted phone numbers, and no one home at the time of the call. Labor, expense, and time are all factors, but the best choice is an unrepresentative sample.
The correct answer is: They may not reach a representative sample

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12
Q

Which of the following cases were about a taking?

I. Pennsylvania Coal Co. v. Mahon 
II. Munn v. Illinois 
III. Keystone Bituminous Coal Association v. DeBenedictis
Select one:
a. I only
b. II only
c. I and III only
d. I, II, and III
A

Pennsylvania Coal and Keystone are about the 5th amendment, Munn is a 14th amendment case
The correct answer is: I and III only

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13
Q
As the planner for a former industrial city you have watched the population decline over the last thirty years. The Mayor has asked for a plan that will embrace the population decline rather than be concerned with trying to grow the city. You have envisioned the city as one with more green space, reduced infrastructure, and revitalization of underutilized sites. A regional news station has invited you to give an interview about the new plan. The reporter asks for a simple phrase that best describes the City’s plan.
Select one:
a. Sprawl Busting
b. Smart Growth
c. Smart Decline
d. Infill Redevelopment
A

The simple phrase “Smart Decline” best describes the city’s plan. Smart decline is a strategy that can be used in shrinking cities to plan for decline.
The correct answer is: Smart Decline

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14
Q

Which of the following is/are element(s) of T.J. Kent’s components of an effective master plan as noted in The Urban General Plan?

I. Long range and general
II. Comprehensive and adopted at one time with all elements integrated
III. Focused on the physical development implications of socio-economic polices
IV. Identified as the City Council’s plan
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. I, II, and III only
d. I, II, III, and IV only

A

T.J. Kent defines the comprehensive plan as a community’s official statement of policies regarding desirable future physical development; the plan should be comprehensive in scope, general in nature and long-range in perspective.
The correct answer is: I, II, III, and IV only

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15
Q

The Council Board of Commissioners has appointed a ten member steering committee on the environment. You are the planner assigned to oversee the committee. Which of the following should you do?
Select one:
a. Serve as the chair of the committee
b. Just correspond with the chair to make sure everything is running smoothly
c. Advise the committee to select a chairperson
d. Tell the committee the expected outcomes

A

The correct answer is: Advise the committee to select a chairperson

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16
Q

A developer is pushing for rezoning of a property to allow for a mixed use development that would include 500 housing units, 50,000 square feet of retail and 20,000 square feet of office. While the development concept is sound, the city’s infrastructure is at maximum capacity. In the staff report which of the following would best present the case:
Select one:
a. At the present time water pressure is inadequate to support this number of housing units.
b. At the present time, the City does not have a stormwater management system that could handle the increase in stormwater runoff.
c. At the present time the city’s sewer system does not extend to this area and the road infrastructure is inadequate to handle the anticipated traffic from this development.
d. At the present time the City lacks any parkland within one mile of the development and the road nearest to the development has a level of service D making this an inappropriate site for this development.

A

Deficiencies in sewer and roads significantly constraint land development, making the site unsuitable for substantial development at the present time. While lack of parks, stormwater and water pressure are all relevant, the most significant constraint on land development is sewer service and roads.
The correct answer is: At the present time the city’s sewer system does not extend to this area and the road infrastructure is inadequate to handle the anticipated traffic from this development.

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17
Q

You have been hired by the state department of agriculture to form a state food policy council that will work with key stakeholders across the state. You have recruited members and are setting the agenda for the year. Which of the following do you plan to address?

I. food deserts 
II. land use management 
III. obesity rates 
IV. preservation of agricultural lands
Select one:
a. I, III, and IV
b. II and IV
c. I, II, III, and IV  
d. I and IV
A

Many states have food policy councils focused on education and policy. Food policy councils typically avoid issues directly dealing with regulation, as these are managed by other organizations.
The correct answer is: I, III, and IV

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18
Q
The city is considering a new zoning requirement that would require a 10 foot setback from waterways. In preparing the ordinance amendment for presentation to the planning commission and city council you use which of the following to present a spatial analysis of the impact of the ordinance?
Select one:
a. Vector data model
b. Geodesic buffer  
c. Polygon
d. Euclidean buffer
A

A Euclidean buffer measures the distance in two-dimensional Cartesian plan – that is straight line distances are calculated. This type of buffer works well when working at a city scale. A geodesic buffer accounts for the curvature of the earth and would be used when the map projection is at a large regional scale or global scale. A polygon connects specific points, because this is a standard distance from waterways a buffer makes more sense. A vector data model is an overarching term that would cover buffering, overlays, distance measurement and spatial statistics.
The correct answer is: Euclidean buffer

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19
Q

As a new planner for the state of Arizona you are responsible for working with jurisdictions throughout the state promoting land use policies that will support growth of industry. You have a meeting scheduled with the Navajo Nation. In advance of the meeting you do research to make sure you understand tribal authority as it relates to land use regulations. Which of the following best describes the authority of the Navajo Nation?
Select one:
a. Tribes are subject to the same state enabling legislation that other home rule authority local governments are subject to in the state.
b. Tribes have autonomy in the same way that other home rule authorities have to set local regulations.
c. Tribes possess a nationhood status and retain inherent powers of self-government.
d. Tribes possess statehood status and retain rights to enable local regulations.

A

According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs “Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution vests Congress, and by extension the Executive and Judicial branches of our government, with the authority to engage in relations with the tribes, thereby firmly placing tribes within the constitutional fabric of the nation.” Supreme Court Justice John Marshall in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831) articulated that “tribes possess a nationhood status and retain inherent powers of self-government.” This would include land use regulatory authority.
The correct answer is: Tribes possess a nationhood status and retain inherent powers of self-government.

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20
Q
Which of the following is an effective way to validate community opinion?
Select one:
a. Conduct a citizen survey  
b. Work with neighborhood organizations
c. Ask for written comments
d. Hold a public hearing
A

Working with neighborhood organizations is an effective way to make sure feedback from citizens, such as through surveys resonates.
The correct answer is: Work with neighborhood organizations

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21
Q
Who wrote "The Geography of Nowhere," a book about suburban sprawl and its impact on American communities?
Select one:
a. Richard Sennett  
b. James Kunstler
c. Robert Putnam
d. Thomas Friedman
A

James Kunstler wrote the Geography of Nowhere

The correct answer is: James Kunstler

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22
Q

Using an equation that can be rearranged to solve for the missing unknown variable, find the missing unknown variable.

Present Value: $7,500,000 
Future Value: ? 
Time: 10 years 
Interest Rate: 2.5%
Select one:
a. $9,375,000  
b. $9,600,634
c. $187,500
d. $1,875,000
A

The future value of money can be calculated based on the present value, time and interest rates. Here is a link to a resource to understand and calculate future value http://www.calculator.net/future-value-calculator.html
The correct answer is: $9,600,634

23
Q

According to the U.S. Census, an urban cluster is all of the following except…
Select one:
a. Added in the 2010 Census
b. A population density that is at least 1,000 people per square mile
c. A metropolitan statistical area
d. A densely settled territory that has a minimum of 2,500 people but less than 50,000

A

The Census Bureau uses the following definition for an urban cluster - Urban Clusters (UCs) of at least 2,500 and less than 50,000 people.
The correct answer is: A metropolitan statistical area

24
Q
As part of your effort on a watershed plan, you have been calculating a variety of statistics regarding pollution levels across the watershed. You have calculated a measure of dispersion around the mean. This was calculated as the average of the sum of the squared deviations from the mean? In your report you note the:
Select one:
a. Mean
b. Distribution
c. Standard Deviation  
d. Variance
A

The variance is a numerical value used to indicate how widely individuals in a group vary.
The correct answer is: Variance

25
Q
As the planning director in Dallas you just completed an update to your comprehensive plan and as a result are updating the capital improvement program. The update to the cip should include which of the following? I. Land acquisitions II. Police cars III. Pavement repairs IV. Concurrency
Select one:
a. II and III only  
b. I, II, and III only
c. I and IV only
d. I, II, III, IV
A

According to Planning and Urban Design Standards a capital improvements program (CIP) is typically a five to seven year plan for planning and funding public facilities and infrastructure. It includes both the construction of new facilities and the rehabilitation or replacement of existing capital facilities. A key element is the link between growth in a community and timing of capital investments – also known as concurrency.
The correct answer is: I and IV only

26
Q

You are the consultant writing the city’s SmartCode. You are preparing a presentation to the planning commission describing the new code for recommended adoption. Which of the following is best to include:
Select one:
a. A description of the connection between natural and human habitat
b. An explanation of the term SmartCode
c. The historical evolution of the concept of transects
d. A description of the continuum of transects from rural to urban, including all seven transects

A

At this stage with adoption forthcoming the consultant would need to cover the details of the proposal. Discussion of the basis for the SmartCode and its origins would best be discussed earlier in the process.
The correct answer is: A description of the continuum of transects from rural to urban, including all seven transects

27
Q

Which of the following takings tests was established in Agins v. City of Tiburon?
Select one:
a. Contains a rational nexus
b. There is a reasonable relationship between the exaction and property
c. Creates a nuisance
d. Deprives property of all economically viable use

A

The correct answer is deprives property of all economically viable use. In Agins v City of Tiburon (1980), Agins acquired 5 acres of property zoned for one house per acre. The City then announced it intended to acquire the property and filed an eminent domain action, but later decided to abandon the acquisition plan. Instead the zoning ordinance was amended to allow the construction of one to 5 homes, at the discretion of the city. Agins argued that the construction of one home was economically infeasible and they sued claiming a regulator taking. The court found this case was not ripe because Agins failed to apply for a development permit. That said, the Court held that if a regulation deprives a property of all economically viable use and fails to advance a legitimate governmental interest it constitutes a taking. NOTE that this case was overruled in the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church case in 1987.
The correct answer is: Deprives property of all economically viable use

28
Q
You are a senior planner for a midwestern county. You recently completed an inventory of vegetative resources within the county. As part of the inventory you discovered that the county has three endangered plant species. Which of the following techniques is best suited for protecting these endangered species from development?
Select one:
a. Agricultural Preservation zoning  
b. Urban Growth Boundary
c. Down zoning
d. Overlay zoning
A

The correct answer is urban growth boundary. A UGB is the most effective method for preventing development in specified geographic areas.
The correct answer is: Urban Growth Boundary

29
Q

You are part of a team that created an amazing waterfront plan. You prepare the submission for consideration for a national award. The lead planner on the project has since moved on to another organization. Given this person left the agency, you list yourself as the lead planner and key contact for the award nomination. Does this raise any ethical concerns?
Select one:
a. Yes, this appears that you are taking credit for others work
b. No, if you win you can mention that others were involved in the project that are not present at the awards ceremony
c. No, the award will recognize the agency and the agency did the work
d. Yes, the award should go to the lead planner on the project

A

The AICP Code of Ethics states “We shall not use the product of others’ efforts to seek professional recognition or acclaim intended for producers of original work.” In this case the planner could list themselves as the point of contact but also include the lead planner on the nomination and indicate their present affiliation and that they were formerly with the planning agency.

The correct answer is: Yes, this appears that you are taking credit for others work

30
Q

You are a planner who will be developing a neighborhood plan. Which of the following techniques would be appropriate in preparing it?

I. Surveys 
II. Focus Groups 
III. Observation
Select one:
a. I only
b. II only
c. I and II only  
d. I, II, and III
A

All of these methods would be appropriate in preparing a comprehensive plan.
The correct answer is: I, II, and III

31
Q

Which of the following is true of Shift-Share Analysis?
I. Evaluates the national unemployment rate
II. Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of a region’s industries
III. Evaluates the performance of specific industries
IV. Evaluates the mix of industries
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. II and III only
d. II, III, and IV only

A

A shift-share analysis, determines what portions of regional economic growth or decline can be attributed to national, economic industry, and regional factors. The analysis helps identify industries where a regional economy has competitive advantages over the larger economy.
The correct answer is: II, III, and IV only

32
Q

As a result of Dolan v. Tigard, when municipalities impose conditions upon land use approvals for individual parcels they must first do all of the following except:
Select one:
a. Develop findings that quantify the projected impact of the project on public facilities.
b. Require development impact fees in lieu of land dedication.
c. Avoid requiring dedications that would restrict the property owner’s right to use a portion of the property.
d. Develop precise findings.

A

This case was regarding the takings, but did not state that impact fees are required in lieu of land dedication.
The correct answer is: Require development impact fees in lieu of land dedication.

33
Q

General Motors has announced that it will be retooling its automobile factories to move from producing SUVs and trucks to hybrids and small cars. Your city has a SUV factory. GM has announced that it will be closing the plant for the next year while it retools, laying off 600 workers. The mayor is in a panic and wants to know what this will mean to the local economy. You have been asked to calculate an employment multiplier to estimate the total job loss for your community. Which of the following sources would you use.
Select one:
a. North American Industry Classification System
b. Shift-share analysis
c. Regional input-output modeling system
d. Location quotient

A

The Regional input-output modeling system provided by the Bureau of Economic Analysis provides employment multipliers based on the North American Industrial Classification System which can be used to calculate a location quotient. A shift share analysis provides information on the region’s share of employment in an industry compared to the national share, which is not what the Mayor is looking for.
The correct answer is: Regional input-output modeling system

34
Q
Which level of government would be most likely to plan for a sustainable multimodal freight system?
Select one:
a. Regional  
b. Local
c. State
d. Neighborhood
A

Multimodal freight planning typically happens at a national and state level, focusing on supporting adequate, convenient and safe access for goods movement. According to the APA Surface Transportation Policy Guide freight planning should seek to facilitate good movement, while addressing potential negative impacts.
The correct answer is: State

35
Q
Which of the following cases was a test of the 14th Amendment Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses?
Select one:
a. Boerne v Flores Incorrect
b. Hadacheck v. Sebastian
c. Metromedia v City of San Diego
d. Pennsylvania Coal Co. v. Mahon
A

Hadacheck v Sebastian was a zoning case testing whether a Los Angeles zoning ordinance violated the 14th Amendment Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. The Supreme Court found that the ordinance prohibiting the location of a brick manufacturing plant in a specific location in the city did not violate the 14th amendment.
The correct answer is: Hadacheck v. Sebastian

36
Q

You are calculating the floor area ratio of a proposed development project in downtown to make sure it is code compliant. Which order would you conduct the following steps:

I. Calculate the total lot area
II. Calculate the total area of the building
III. Divide the total area of the building by the total lot area
IV. Divide the total lot area by the total floor area of the building
Select one:
a. I, II, III
b. I, II, IV
c. I, II, III, IV
d. I, II, IV, III

A

To calculate the floor area ratio the total area of the building is divided by the total area.
The correct answer is: I, II, III

37
Q
Storm sewers are typically designed to handle up to a \_\_\_\_\_ year flood.
Select one:
a. 100  
b. 10
c. 50
d. 25
A

Storm sewers are typically designed to handle up to a 25 year flood.
The correct answer is: 25

38
Q

What is the “push analysis”?
Select one:
a. It determines the sales capacity of a market area.
b. It determines the buying capacity of a market area.
c. It determines the regulatory requirements in a market area.
d. It determines the amount of park space in a community.

A

The correct answer is that it determines sales capacity of a market area. A push analysis determines if the introduction of a new business will generate additional customers.
The correct answer is: It determines the sales capacity of a market area.

39
Q
You have been charged with developing a regional agricultural development plan. As part of the planning process you will apply an interactive multi-goal programming technique. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
Select one:
a. Critical path method  
b. Linear programming
c. Program Evaluation Review Technique
d. Gannt
A

Linear programming is a method for determining an optimal solution. This could apply to a number of planning projects, such as a regional agricultural development plan.
The correct answer is: Linear programming

40
Q

You are designing a survey to determine the public’s views on environmental protection. You are taking a simple random sample. Which of the following best describes how your sample will be selected?
Select one:
a. Everyone in the population has an equal chance of being selected Incorrect
b. Every Xth person will be surveyed
c. The population is divided into classes from which samples are taken
d. Use of individuals that are readily available

A

In a simple random sample everyone in the population has an equal chance of being selected. One example of a simple random same would be to select a number at random and then selecting every Xth person after that.
The correct answer is: Every Xth person will be surveyed

41
Q

You have been called by a reporter who is doing a story about zombie subdivisions. In the interview you provide which of the following statements to best describe the situation in your county?
Select one:
a. Between 2006 and 2008, a total of 21,000 lots were platted. As of 2015. 10,225 are undeveloped. Developers anticipated significant demand in advance of the economic downturn. The County is working to develop an ordinance to allow for replating of subdivisions, allowing for a smaller number of lots.
b. In the period before the 2007 recession, the County saw a significant increase in platting activity. Developers did not realize the demand for new housing at the rate they anticipated.
c. The economic downturn resulted in platted subdivisions that were planned with initial efforts to install roads and other infrastructure.
d. A public health epidemic broke out in one area of the county. Officials have made every effort to quarantine the area to ensure that the disease outbreak does not spread.

A

In this example, the media will likely want to understand the extent of the issue and providing factual information such as the number of lots platted and undeveloped and then what the County plans to do about the problem.
The correct answer is: Between 2006 and 2008, a total of 21,000 lots were platted. As of 2015. 10,225 are undeveloped. Developers anticipated significant demand in advance of the economic downturn. The County is working to develop an ordinance to allow for replating of subdivisions, allowing for a smaller number of lots.

42
Q
Urban design is best described as including which of the following:
Select one:
a. Access
b. Transportation focused
c. Aesthetics of buildings  
d. District focus
A

Urban design typically works at a district level. While aesthetics are part of urban design, the district focus is the most accurate.
The correct answer is: District focus

43
Q
The City plans to invest $25 million towards the redevelopment of a blighted area near Plannersville State University. The city will be acquiring land through eminent domain, clearing the sites, and installing new infrastructure. The City will then work out a deal with private developers to redevelop the sites. Citizens are concerned about the investment of this much in tax dollars for private redevelopment projects. One major concern is how the area will look when the project is complete. Which of the following planning tools would be most appropriate to use in this situation?
Select one:
a. Light Detection and Ranging
b. UrbanSim  
c. Geographic Information System
d. CommunityViz
A

The correct answer is CommunityViz. CommunityViz is a software program that allows for the creation of 3-D models to assist citizens in visualizing change in an area.
The correct answer is: CommunityViz

44
Q
Which of the following is not an example of a growth management program?
Select one:
a. Development impact fees
b. Urban growth boundary
c. Regional tax sharing  
d. Subdivision regulations
A

Subdivision regulations primary purpose is for recording land and ensuring the health and safety of residents. While it can be a tool as part of growth management, it is not in and of itself a growth management tool.
The correct answer is: Subdivision regulations

45
Q

You are a senior planner with a major consulting firm. You are responsible for completing a request for proposal for a county that has requested that the firm prepare a zoning ordinance. You feel overwhelmed with projects and do not believe you will have time to adequately prepare the zoning ordinance if the firm receives the contract. What should you do?
Select one:
a. Work overtime and try to juggle the projects.
b. Decline the contract due to your current workload.
c. If the firm gets the contract you’ll find an assistant to help you get all of your work done.
d. Negotiate with the county to push back the start date on the project.

A

Given this project is at the request for proposal stage it is best not to submit a response to the request for proposal. If the workload became overwhelming after submitting the proposal and selection then it would be appropriate to talk to the county about the start date or hire another qualified planner or to withdraw at that time.
The correct answer is: Decline the contract due to your current workload.

46
Q

The City Manager has approached you to assist the Library Department in the creation of a new library master plan. The master plan calls for the construction of one new library in the next five years to meet demand based on growth in the southwest quadrant of the city. Which of the following should you consider in determining the appropriate size of a new library?

I. The size of the property
II. The projected population of the service area at the time of build-out
III. The inventory of materials to be available for use by library patrons
IV. Traffic circulation patterns in and around the site
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. I, II, and III only
d. I, II, III, and IV only

A

The correct answer is I, II, and III only. Traffic circulation would not be a factor in determining the size of the library. Circulation would be considered in determining the siting of the library.
The correct answer is: I, II, and III only

47
Q

Which of the following does NOT constitute a conflict of interest according to the AICP Code of Ethics?
Select one:
a. Providing private information about a case to an environmental group.
b. Working for a developer who has a case before your employer.
c. Accepting a bribe from a homebuilder.
d. Reviewing a rezoning case for a property your brother owns.

A

Providing private information about a case to an environmental group does NOT constitute a conflict of interest according to the AICP Code of Ethics.
The correct answer is: Providing private information about a case to an environmental group.

48
Q

Ordinances and regulations that impose conditions on the issuance or development permits–such as the reservation of land for a public greenway or beach access—but do not compensate the owner for the property must meet which of the following conditions in order to be upheld as constitutional:

I. The condition must have some essential nexus with the public purpose it seeks to fulfill
II. The condition must bear some rough proportionality to the impact of the development for which the permit is sought
III. The condition may be satisfied by the payment of a fee in lieu of (FILO) compliance
IV. Not result in the temporary loss of use of property while the application for the development permit is undergoing review by government staff.
Select one:
a. I and II only
b. I, II, and III only
c. I, II, III, and IV
d. IV only

A

All of these conditions must be met for the ordinance to be upheld as constitutional.
The correct answer is: I, II, III, and IV

49
Q
A[n] \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ can be described as a central city plus surrounding communities to which it is linked economically.
Select one:
a. Urban center  
b. Urbanized area
c. Central place
d. Metropolitan statistical area
A

A Metropolitan statistical area can be described as a central city plus surrounding communities to which it is linked economically.
The correct answer is: Metropolitan statistical area

50
Q
You work for a large city with 100 people on your staff., split across code enforcement, development, long-range planning, and environmental compliance, and neighborhood relations. You have been asked to reorganize the department, which approach would be most appropriate?
Select one:
a. Horizontal
b. Vertical
c. Hybrid  
d. Matrix
A

Vertical. A vertical organization works best where there are large and functionally complex organizations. In this case there could be divisions based on function with a chain of command leading from the divisions to the director.
The correct answer is: Vertical

51
Q

Which of the following problems would most likely be addressed by a state planner?
Select one:
a. Economic development incentives
b. Zoning regulations for Recreational Vehicles
c. Siting a new industrial park
d. Expanding an airport

A

State planners can be involved in economic development incentives for bringing major employers to the state. State planners would not be involved in zoning regulations and the siting of an industrial park and expansion of an airport are typically the jurisdiction of local governments.
The correct answer is: Economic development incentives

52
Q

The City is considering whether to spend $300,000 on a building addition this year. However, the city council is debating whether it makes more sense to spend the $300,000 now or to wait four years when the expected cost for the addition would be $500,000. You have been asked to provide a fiscal analysis that provides support for which would be the best choice. You assume a 10 percent discount rate. What is your recommendation to the council?
Select one:
a. You recommend to the city council that they proceed with the addition now as the future value of the funds would not exceed the expected cost of the addition in four years.
b. You recommend to the city council that they proceed with the addition now as the future value of the funds would exceed the expected cost of the addition in four years.
c. You recommend to the city council that they not proceed with the addition now as the future value of the funds would exceed the expected cost of the addition in four years.
d. You recommend to the city council that they not proceed with the addition now as the future value of the funds would not exceed the expected cost of the addition in four years.

A

This is a present value problem. The formula is Future Value (FV) = PV * (1 + r) ^ n The Present Value (PV) is $300,000, r is the interest rate which is not given but we could pick a modest interest rate of say five percent, n is the number of years in this case 5 years. Assuming simple interest we could calculate this as 300,000(1 + 5*5/100). Using this formula the future value of the $300,000 is $375,000, which is less than the needed $500,000 for the addition in five years.
The correct answer is: You recommend to the city council that they proceed with the addition now as the future value of the funds would not exceed the expected cost of the addition in four years.

53
Q
You are a planner in an arctic climate. In the winter many retailers close their shops because customers won’t go out in the extreme temperatures. You are working on a plan to create an indoor shopping center with a series of stands that would allow retailers and customers to come together in one location. This is an example of:
Select one:
a. Downtown planning
b. Urban planning
c. Rural planning  
d. Regional planning
A

Downtown planning. Planning for downtowns can include a range of topics, including the planning for retail activity.
The correct answer is: Downtown planning