Exam 2

Question 1

You received a grant to restore a wildlife area by removing invasive species. Which of the following would NOT be needed to get the project going?

Answer 1

Initiate fines for property owners who refuse to participate

Question 2

As the planning director, you are part of the team that reviews and updates agreements with unionized employees. Which of the following would be critical for you to understand?

Answer 2

Collective Bargaining Agreement

Question 3

_________ pioneered indoor shopping malls; developed the new town of Columbia, Maryland; Baltimore’s Harbor Place; and Boston’s Faneuil Hall.

Answer 3

James Rouse

Question 4

As a planner working in a mid-sized city, you have been tasked with developing a strategy to pay for a new stadium. Based on prior work you did on a survey of community preferences, you know that the city’s residents strongly support the stadium. What kind of financing mechanism will you most likely be investigating as a possible funding source?

Answer 4

Revenue Bond

Question 5

___________ is an area with at least 2,500 but less than 50,000 people and a population density of 1,000 persons per square mile.

Answer 5

Urban Cluster

Question 6

A housing development is being considered for approval by the local government you work for. Your boss has asked you to prepare a Fiscal Impact Analysis. Which of the following best describes what you should focus your analysis on?

Answer 6

The cost of providing service to the new development.

Question 7

A regional task force is working to develop a public participation plan to engage the region’s citizens in a dialogue about urban sprawl. You are working to develop a presentation that outlines key contributors to urban sprawl. You include all of the following except:

Answer 7

Urban service limits

Question 8

You are the Director of Community and Economic Development for a large city. A report from the regional MPO indicates that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to build more freeways and HOV lanes. You have recently read reports that contradict this approach. In your report to the Council which of the following recommendations should you make?

Answer 8

Recommend that key staff and council members meet with the MPO to discuss the recommendations in the report and discuss how the MPO’s findings could be incorporated into long range transportation planning in the city.

Question 9

What could be described as the “holy grail” of effective planning agency management?

Answer 9

Having the best possible team

Question 10

Which of the following techniques for preserving agricultural land would be the most effective?

Answer 10

Purchase of Development Rights

Question 11

Who was the first full-time planner for a United States city?

Answer 11

Harland Bartholomew

Question 12

As a planner that works for a federal agency, you have been elected to your city council. In your role with the federal agency, you know that the Environmental Protection Agency will be seeking to undertake an enforcement action against the city. During an executive session of the City Council, you advise the city council members and city attorney about options to quickly intervene to avoid an enforcement action. Does this raise an ethical concern?

Answer 12

Yes, you may not use the power of any office to seek or obtain a special advantage

Question 13

What are some of the common ways in which cities use Tax Increment Financing (TIF)?

I. To fund capital improvements to jump-start development in a specific area.
II. To retain existing businesses by investing in infrastructure upgrades or additional services in a district.
III. To lower taxes for businesses and residents of a struggling community in perpetuity.
IV. To subsidize public schools throughout the city.

Answer 13

I, II

Question 14

How many homes would be allowed on one acre if the zoning requires a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet?

Answer 14

5

Question 15

Your City Council members have requested to take a tour of historic cities across the Atlantic Coast to study urban planning and design. You have organized a tour of three cities, including Washington DC. You explain to the Council members that Washington DC is an example of the ____________ movement?

Answer 15

City Beautiful

Question 16

You have been contacted by this federal agency notifying your community that the federal government will be disposing of a property. The city could choose to acquire the property. Who would you be working with?

Answer 16

General Services Administration

Question 17

You are preparing design standards to guide the redevelopment an urban district that has seen significant interest from developers. The existing residents are most concerned about the safety of the commercial corridor. Which of the following would be best to include in the standards:

Answer 17

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles

Question 18

A national organization wanted to estimate the proportion of adults in the nation are physically active. The organization decided that it would be nice to have estimates for each state as well. To accomplish this, they took a random sample of adults within each state and combined the data to obtain a national estimate. What type of sampling plan is this?

Answer 18

stratified random sampling

Question 19

A national organization wanted to estimate the proportion of adults in the nation are physically active. The organization decided that it would be nice to have estimates for each state as well. To accomplish this, they took a random sample of adults within each state and combined the data to obtain a national estimate. What type of sampling plan is this?

Answer 19

stratified random sampling

Question 20

In a newly annexed area there is a desire by a developer to include a rural subdivision. The proposed development area has a portion in wetlands. In your review of the subdivision plat, you are concerned about the use of septic tanks given the proximity of the wetlands. You ask the developer to provide evidence that the soil is suitable for septic tanks and request that the public health department provide feedback.

Answer 20

The developer submits the results of an auger test.

Question 21

As a staff planner at the State Environmental Protection Agency office, part of your role is to educate elected officials and staff members at the local level about options to be more environmentally sustainable. You are putting together a public program on green infrastructure.

Which of the following would you be LEAST likely to emphasize?

Answer 21

Communities should plan to spend more over the long run on green infrastructure

Question 22

Advocacy planning did which of the following:

Answer 22

Moved planning into the public eye

Question 23

After completing an email survey of city residents about their preference for expansion of the transportation network in the city you are reporting the results to the City Council. One of the council members asks you if the survey results could be biased? Which of the following is the best answer:

Answer 23

The survey was sent out via email to all residents who have provided their email address as part of their garbage bill. The result is that the survey results could be biased towards those who are homeowners and residents who use email.

Question 24

You are a planner working for a consulting agency that has just been hired to revise a nearby County’s zoning ordinance. During a public meeting, some members of the community express interest in allowing residential uses in an industrial zone, which the current code does not allow. What kind of code are these residents advocating?

Answer 24

Cumulative

Question 25

What act built on the National Housing Act of 1934 to provide millions in loans for low-income housing?

Answer 25

Wagner-Steagall Housing Act

Question 26

The value of all final goods and services produced in a country in one year (gross domestic product) plus income that residents have received from abroad, minus income claimed by nonresidents.

Answer 26

Gross national product

Question 27

Recently developers have been complaining that it is taking too long to get plans reviewed. What should you do?

Answer 27

Undertake a management audit

Question 28

As the planner for the City of Plannersville you have been exploring innovative growth management tools and you present a series of options to the city council. One city council member is particularly concerned about whether the city has the legal authority to implement some of these tools.

Answer 28

The city has home rule authority, which allows the city to implement regulations that have not been explicitly enabled by the state.

Question 29

You are the division manager over current planning in a coastal city. You have received a rezoning application for a 10-acre parcel of land adjacent to your home. The request is to rezone the parcel from agriculture to retail. If the parcel is rezoned, it might cause depreciation to your home. According to the AICP Code of Professional Ethics, what should you do?

Answer 29

Tell your director of planning to reassign the case to another staff member to avoid a conflict of interest.

Question 30

The American Planning Association, when it refers to “Great Streets”, it means:

Answer 30

Streets designated by APA as part of the Great Places in America program.

Question 31

You are a planner trying to calculate how many total jobs will be lost in your county as a result of job loss in the fishing and tourism industries. Which of the following analyses would be most appropriate?

Answer 31

Multiplier Analysis

Question 32

Which of the following describes the objective of a hypothesis test?

Answer 32

A test for the rejection of a hypothesis

Question 33

What is the name of the generation of children born to baby boomers between 1980 and 1995?

Answer 33

Generation Y

Question 34

The City has recently seen a prolific number of applications for digital billboards and a zoning ordinance amendment to disallow off-premise signs of certain dimensions is being advocated by City Council. To ensure a constitutional ordinance, you want to make sure that the ordinance advances a significant governmental interest. Which of the following reasons would likely be upheld?

Answer 34

Aesthetics and traffic safety

Question 35

A homeowner in a single family residential district is running a hair salon. Your inspection uncovers that he does not have a home occupation permit. If you close down the salon, the homeowner will not be able to afford to make payments on the house. What should you do?

Answer 35

Visit with the property owner and explain the proper procedure for applying for a home occupation permit. Suggest the owner to apply for a permit immediately and close the operation in the interim.

Question 36

Which of the following do TIGER files NOT include?

Answer 36

Ethnicity

Question 37

Which of the following do TIGER files NOT include?

Answer 37

Ethnicity

Question 38

Recently you had an issue arise at a planning commission meeting where you believe a commissioner engaged in an activity that was not ethical. What would be the most appropriate course of action?

Answer 38

Have a frank and open discussion around the ethical issue in a closed door session with the commissioners. And follow this with training on ethics.

Question 39

In preparing the comprehensive plan you want to create a map that demonstrates the density of residential development. Which of the following measures would be best to use?

Answer 39

Dwelling units per acre

Question 40

You are a planner who helped create a streetscape plan that includes a series of planters, street lighting, public art and other improvements. At the City Council hearing to adopt the plan, a Council member asks about your public participation process.

You report that you notified and invited input from all the property owners along the corridor and within 500 feet. You also held meetings with the transit authority. The Council member expresses disappointment that you failed to engage with bus riders, shoppers at the businesses, and patrons at the entertainment establishments.

What would be the best next step?

Answer 40

Ask the plan to be tabled until you can expand the public participation process to include users of the corridor.

Question 41

What concept did Fred French Investing Co. v. City of New York introduce for the first time?

Answer 41

transfer of development rights

Question 42

Who is the father of zoning?

Answer 42

Edward Bassett

Question 43

The Mayor is pressuring the planning department to put in place design guidelines that will prevent “garagitecture” (whole streets where the most visible feature of the buildings is the garage). In a memo to the Mayor, you outline what you believe would be the most effective way to manage garage design.

Answer 43

Design standards that require a garage to be side or rear-facing on the lot

Question 44

Which of the following is associated with Charles Lindblom?

Answer 44

Incremental Planning

Question 45

In this case, the respondent argued that the city had violated a telecommunications act by discriminating against a commercial enterprise:

Answer 45

City of Rancho Palos Verdes v. Abrams

Question 46

This law requires the full or partial disclosure of public information and documents.

Answer 46

Freedom of Information Act

Question 47

The mayor has asked you to serve as the Chair of a citizens committee on sustainability in the community. You have been charged with researching electricity use in buildings. You report:

Answer 47

About 75 percent of the electricity used in the country goes towards heating, cooling, and lighting buildings.

Question 48

The New York State Court of Appeals upheld the Town of Ramapo’s right to require _________ to obtain a special building permit.

Answer 48

Performance standards

Question 49

The New York State Court of Appeals upheld the Town of Ramapo’s right to require _________ to obtain a special building permit.

Answer 49

Performance standards

Question 50

The 1956 Federal Highway Act did which of the following?

I. Authorized states to pass property taxes to fund roads
II. Created the highway system that links state capitals and most large cities
III. Created toll roads across the United States
IV. Allocated funds from automobile sales for road construction

Answer 50

II and IV only

Question 51

What portion of mail surveys are typically returned?

Answer 51

Less than 20 percent

Question 52

Which of the following is a responsibility of the Board of Zoning Adjustments?

Answer 52

Reviewing variance requests

Question 53

You manage the site plan review process for the City of Plannersville. You have received a complete submission for a site plan for a 120 unit apartment complex on 15 acres. In reviewing the site plan you are looking for all of the following except:

Answer 53

Rent to be charged

Question 54

You are leading your departmental strategic plan. You have just completed a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Analysis. Which of the following steps would be most appropriate?

Answer 54

The steps in the Strategic Planning process include

1) Conducting a needs assessment
2) Identifying core values
3) Creating a mission Statement
4) Identify fundamental tenets
5) Undertake a SWOT analysis
6) Assign strategic priorities

The correct answer is: Assign strategic priorities

Question 55

You work for a transportation planning agency and you have been asked to evaluate the traffic flow of a local arterial. Residents in the area claim that traffic can no longer be accommodated by the existing roadway, i.e., that it has reached a point where traffic is sometimes at a standstill. If the residents are correct, what Level of service is this roadway likely experiencing?

Answer 55

Level of Service D is characterized by high-density flow in which speed and freedom to maneuver are severely restricted and comfort and convenience have declined – but flow remains stable. In Level of Service F, the amount of traffic approaching a point exceeds the amount that can be served, which describes standstill traffic. Level A is free flowing. There is no Level G.
The correct answer is: Level F

Question 56

The City of Plannersville is a growing city of 5,000 people. You have just been hired as the Director of Economic Development. Your first task is to develop an economic development strategy. Below is a list of suggestions you have received from your Economic Development Task Force. Which of the following would be the most successful strategy?

Answer 56

The correct answer is to work with existing businesses to expand. Existing businesses have a commitment and ties to the community. The other suggestions are unlikely to be successful because of the high cost (developing a research park), inappropriate scale (attract a major employer with more than 1,000 employees) or likely do not build on an existing business base (attract small start-up biotech companies).
The correct answer is: Work with existing businesses to expand.

Question 57

The Mayor set a goal to increase access to neighborhood parks as part of her agenda to promote healthy communities and healthy kids. You advise her that 65% of the population is within __________ mile(s) of a neighborhood park and that this is the ideal service area for a neighborhood park.

Answer 57

Neighborhood parks typically service a ½ mile radius. Many cities set this as their neighborhood park standard.
The correct answer is: ½ mile

Question 58

The Federal Property Administration Act of 1949 was developed to allow the government to do which of the following?

Answer 58

The Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 is a United States federal law that established the General Services Administration which is responsible for managing, acquiring, and disposing of federal property.
The correct answer is: Dispose of federal property

Question 59

You are a planner for a design firm and live in the community of Plannersville. You want to make sure that the city does not permit any additional restaurants in your neighborhood because of your concerns about parking on neighborhood streets. You talk to the mayor and offer that you can provide design services pro bono to the city in exchange for the mayor’s support for preparing a zoning overlay that would restrict restaurants in your neighborhood. Does this raise an ethical concern?

Answer 59

The AICP Code of Ethics states “We shall not sell, or offer to sell, services by stating or implying an ability to influence decisions by improper means.” While planners are free to offer pro bono services, they can not offer services where they are seeking to influence a decision. If the planner wants a zoning overlay in the neighborhood, they should do it through the normal public hearing process.
The correct answer is: Yes, you may not offer services to influence a decision.

Question 60

A developer has brought in a proposal for a new mixed-use building with a restaurant on the first floor and apartments above, located in downtown. The downtown zoning district has design criteria and a floor area ratio requirement. The footprint of the proposed building is 10,000 square feet, has eight stories, and the site is 100,000 square feet. What is the floor area ratio (FAR)?

Answer 60

“FAR” stands for floor area ratio. This is the ratio of floor area of the building on the site to the area of the site itself. The building in the example has an area of 80,000 square feet, and the site has an area of 100,000 square feet, so 80,000 divided by 100,000 equals 0.8.
The correct answer is: 0.8

Question 61

You are responsible for developing a Fair Housing Equity Assessment. During a focus group at a homeless shelter you hear from a family who describes how they had their application for a lease of a rental unit denied and that the reason the landlord gave is that he doesn’t want people like them in his complex. Which of the following would be the best response?

Answer 61

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in all U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assisted programs. Any person who believes they have been a victim of housing discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in a program receiving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assistance may file a complaint with HUD as part of Title VI.
The correct answer is: Advise all focus group participants that housing discrimination is prohibited under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and share how they can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Question 62

Which of the following types of roadways can carry the highest traffic volumes?

Answer 62

Major arterial roadways can carry the highest traffic volumes.
The correct answer is: Major arterial

Question 63

What is UrbanSim?

Answer 63

UrbanSim is a simulation modeling software that allows the ability to simulate the impacts of land use and transportation plans from a parcel to metropolitan area.
The correct answer is: A software program that simulates urban development

Question 64

Which of the following can be a problem in a charrette process?

Answer 64

A charrette process should have the right people at the event - inviting key stakeholders is essential. Participants should have access to appropriate and complete information where possible. And leadership should be committed to an outcome as defined in the process.

The correct answer is: All of these choices can be a problem.

Question 65

Which of the following standards for air and water quality restrict the discharge of pollutants into the environment?

Answer 65

The state establishes basic effluent limits for all facilities to protect surface water quality and air quality standards. A point source is a source of effluence, while wastewater is a type of effluent.
The correct answer is: Effluent

Question 66

The City has created a master plan that is based on the principles of New Urbanism and promotes transit oriented development. To achieve implementation, which of the following is most appropriate to use?

Answer 66

Form based zoning allows for development to focus on form over use.
The correct answer is: Form-based zoning

Question 67

Which U.S. Supreme Court case challenged the ability of a city to prohibit a brick kiln in the city limits?

Answer 67

The Supreme Court found that the State can declare in particular circumstances and locations that a given business is a nuisance and exercise police power in Hadacheck v. Sebastian.
The correct answer is: Hadacheck v. Sebastian

Question 68

Which of the following US Supreme Court cases was responsible for putting forth the “severity of the burden” rather than the “substantially advances” test for takings cases?

Answer 68

In Lingle v. Chevron the Court found that the takings clause should be based on the severity of the burden that the regulation imposes upon property rights and not whether the effect of the regulation is to “substantially advance” governmental interest. The substantially advances clause came from Agins v. Tiburon.
The correct answer is: Lingle v. Chevron

Question 69

Within your city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction there has been a rapid increase in the number of homes built with septic tanks. The city is concerned about the possibility of well water contamination. Which of the following would be the most appropriate regulatory technique?

Answer 69

Conservation zoning requires the clustering of homes while preserving open space. The subdivisions can be designed to protect well water areas by placing septic systems in other areas.
The correct answer is: Conservation zoning

Question 70

What type of map uses scales of 1:25,000; 1:50,000; and 1:100,000?

Answer 70

These are the scales used in USGS topographic maps.

The correct answer is: United States Geological Survey topographic

Question 71

In Hunter v. Pittsburgh, the Supreme Court wrote “…the State is supreme, and its legislative body, conforming its action to the state constitution, may do as it will, unrestrained…” This refers to:

Answer 71

This 1907 Supreme Court case is referring to the state’s right to be exempt from local zoning.
The correct answer is: State immunity from local zoning

Question 72

Government regulation of land use at the local level is typically accomplished by which of the following:

Answer 72

Communities have both zoning and subdivision regulations to manage land use. Nuisance laws are not always about regulating land use, and restrictive covenants are private restrictions.
The correct answer is: Zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations

Question 73

When you came in as the new city manager, you heard consistent complaints across the organization that departments were working in silos and no one knew what other departments were doing. To address this you decide to undertake a reorganization. Which structure would be most appropriate?

Answer 73

A matrix organization has staff members working across departments on functional teams. This can be effective in breaking down silos.

The correct answer is: Matrix

Question 74

Which of the following is NOT associated with George Pullman?

Answer 74

Pullman is a neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Pullman (Historic Pullman) was built in the 1880s by George Pullman for his eponymous railroad car company, the Pullman Palace Car Company. The company owned everything, from stores to townhouses. The houses were comfortable by standards of the day, but a rebellion ensued when Pullman sought to raise rents without raising worker pay.

The correct answer is: Land use law

Question 75

You are a planner in California working on an integrated regional water management plan. Which of the following outreach strategies would be best for communities possibly affected by environmental justice issues?

Select one:

a.
Place information, documents and other materials in local libraries

b.
Work with public agencies and non-profit staff to facilitate outreach efforts

c.
Identify water agencies and irrigation districts in all areas

d.
All of these choices are correct.

Answer 75

All of these items should be a component of a public outreach strategy intended to reach into communities that could be affected by environmental justice issues.

The correct answer is: All of these choices are correct.

Question 76

Each summer the City sees a sharp increase in graffiti, vandalism, and garage break-ins. In order to combat these problems it decides to invest in recreational programming. The goal over the long-run is that “summer crime”, committed by children who are not in school, will decrease. Which cost analysis technique was used by the city?

Answer 76

An analysis done to find the most cost effective alternative plans. In this case a cost could be calculated based on the expected reduction in crime (and therefore police time).
The correct answer is: Cost effectiveness analysis

Question 77

As the planner for a suburb you are seeking to focus on placemaking. In preparing the comprehensive plan you illustrate development alternatives including a scenario for transit oriented development. What is the walking radius that you show?

Answer 77

Half a mile is a typical standard for transit oriented development. Pedestrians will typically walk up to half a mile to reach transit or destinations.
The correct answer is: One half of a mile

Question 78

_____________ is a doctrine in which a person in possession of land owned by another person may acquire title to it as long as common law requirements are met and that person is in possession of the property for a sufficient period of time.

Answer 78

Adverse possession is as described. The common law requirements may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but typically include the continuous occupation of a property.The owner is aware that a trespasser has been in possession of the property, among other requirements.
The correct answer is: Adverse possession

Question 79

As the planner for a suburb you are seeking to focus on placemaking. In preparing the comprehensive plan you illustrate development alternatives including a scenario for transit oriented development. What is the walking radius that you show?

Answer 79

Half a mile is a typical standard for transit oriented development. Pedestrians will typically walk up to half a mile to reach transit or destinations.
The correct answer is: One half of a mile

Question 80

You have been hired as a rural planner working for a County government. One of the small towns in your jurisdiction has a population of 2,400 people and has indicated that they want to undertake a comprehensive plan. Which of the following elements would likely NOT be included in the comprehensive plan?

Answer 80

Zoning is a part of the implementation of a comprehensive plan, and although it is ideally in conformance with the plan, it is usually not included as part of it. Land use, housing and transportation/circulation are common subjects included in a comprehensive plan.
The correct answer is: Zoning

Question 81

As a planner for the State who specializes in watershed planning you are assisting a small, but rapidly growing, suburb who is experiencing significant increases in stormwater runoff, causing flooding in neighborhoods. Which of the following do you recommend as the best approach for the suburb to pursue?

Answer 81

Maximum lot coverage regulations set limits on the amount of land that may be covered by impervious surface and can be helpful in stormwater management. Floodplain regulations only apply to properties in the floodplain and require buildings to be elevated.
The correct answer is: Maximum lot coverage regulations

Question 82

The mayor of a mid-sized city asks the planning director to come up with a plan to redevelop an abandoned industrial site. Being a pragmatist, the director asks her staff to devise a plan for the industrial area following the steps outlined in the rational planning model. Which of the following steps would not be included?

Answer 82

Rational planning typically involves these 5 steps: set a goal, come up with alternatives, evaluate the means against the ends, consider costs and benefits, and implement the best alternative. Discussing alternatives with stakeholders is not associated with the rational planning model (which is why the model is critiqued).
The correct answer is: Discuss alternatives with stakeholders

Question 83

The mayor has established a goal of becoming the most pedestrian friendly community in the region. As part of the comprehensive planning process you are assessing the walkability of the community. Which of the following tools has proved particularly helpful in communicating the walkability of neighborhoods throughout the city?

Answer 83

Walkscore is an internet based large-scale, public access walkability index that assigns a numerical walkability score to any address in the United States.
The correct answer is: WalkScore

Question 84

A 250 unit apartment complex is proposed and the zoning code requires 1.5 parking spaces for every unit. The average size of a parking space is 400 square feet. How much area would be needed for parking?

Answer 84

The correct answer is less than 5 acres. First multiply 250 * 1.5 = 375 parking spaces required. Then multiply 375 * 400 = 150,000 square feet required. 150,000 / 43,560 = 3.4 acres.
The correct answer is: Less than 5 acres

Question 85

The city is focusing on the university district. The urban design strategy for the district is focused on adding pedestrian amenities. You encourage the addition of:

Answer 85

Street furniture includes benches, planting, trash receptacles, and physical elements that improve the way pedestrian experience the district.
The correct answer is: Street furniture

Question 86

You are drafting a wellhead protection ordinance to minimize aquifer contamination. Which of the following would NOT be protected by a wellhead protection ordinance?

Answer 86

A wellhead protection area is a surface and subsurface land area regulated to prevent contamination of a well or well-field supplying a public water system. Wellhead protection is established under the Safe Drinking Water Act and each state develops its own implementation approach. A wellhead protection ordinance would protect:

Primary Recharge Area
Secondary Recharge Area
Tertiary Recharge Area
The correct answer is: Quaternary Recharge Area

Question 87

The planner for a county is estimating the current population by using the 2010 Census population as a starting point. He determines the number of single family building permits that have been issued since 2000. He multiplies this number by the average household size to determine the number of people that have been added to the community. This method is known as which of the following?

Answer 87

Symptomatic population estimates include using local data such as utility connections or building permits to estimate the current population.
The correct answer is: Symptomatic

Question 88

The Plannersville region has 3% of its employment in the oil and gas industry, while nationally employment in oil and gas is 1%. The location quotient for the oil and gas industry is?

Answer 88

The location quotient is the division of the regional employment by the national employment, equaling 3. A ratio greater than one indicates that a region is exporting versus a ration smaller than 1 that is importing.
The correct answer is: 3

Question 89

What term best describes the idea of strengthening communities with arts at the core?

Answer 89

Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities.

The correct answer is: Creative Placemaking

Question 90

At the end of your women’s social club meeting, a member approaches you with concerns about the proposed expansion of the regional mall, which her neighborhood group wants to stop. You listen to the woman’s concerns, but you are aware that her neighborhood was built after the mall was in place.

Initially, what should you do to respond to her concerns?

Answer 90

Providing public information on a case is appropriate.
The correct answer is: Ask the woman to call your office the following Monday morning and you will provide her with the developer’s contact information, as well as the contact information for the economic development director. Both of these people should be able to provide the woman with more information on the proposed project.

Question 91

Which of the following best describes growth management?

Answer 91

Growth management relates to the character, location and timing of development. Answer C refers to concurrency. D refers to special districts.
The correct answer is: The regulation of the character, location, and timing of development.

Question 92

The notification process of your city requires that property owners within a one-quarter mile radius of a proposed project be notified about proposals under consideration for development approval. A proposal you are considering is located very close to the boundary of the city. What would be an appropriate way to handle the fact that many property owners within the one-quarter mile radius are located outside of the city’s jurisdiction?

Answer 92

There is no harm in notifying residents and property owners outside of your boundaries. Although the letter of the law means that you only need to give notice to the properties in your jurisdiction, you should not assume that residents outside of your jurisdiction are unaffected, or that staff from the other jurisdiction should make a determination without involving the affected properties.
The correct answer is: You should provide notice to all properties within the prescribed radius.

Question 93

Which of the following is true statements about the Civil Rights Act?

Answer 93

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination and segregation on the basis of race, religion, national origin and gender in the workplace, schools, public accommodations and in federally assisted programs. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 provided for equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or national origin. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is also known as Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

The correct answer is: Title VIII of the 1968 Civil Rights Act is also known as the Fair Housing Act

Question 94

You work for a small city and you want to determine population based on county-level population estimates for the current year. Which of the following would be the best method for estimating population?

Answer 94

Information that is available at the county level can easily be converted to the town level. Because of the small size of the community, it would be difficult to use the symptomatic and cohort survival methods.
The correct answer is: Step-Down

Question 95

A federal agency considering an action that might have significant environmental effects must prepare which of the following?

Answer 95

An environmental assessment is a concise public document that a Federal agency prepares under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide sufficient evidence and analysis to determine whether a proposed agency action would require preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) or a finding of no significant impact.
The correct answer is: An environmental assessment

Question 96

The American Planning Association created which of the following documents to encourage states to revise their standard state zoning enabling acts?

Answer 96

The Growing Smart Legislative Guidebook and its accompanying User Manual are the culmination of APA’s seven-year Growing Smart project, an effort to draft the next generation of model planning and zoning legislation for the U.S.
The correct answer is: The Growing Smart Legislative Guidebook

Question 97

In which of the following cases was a violation of the First Amendment freedom of speech found?

Answer 97

Metromedia v City of San Diego was found to violate the First Amendment’s freedom of speech. In this case, the City of San Diego banned most outdoor advertising signs to improve aesthetics and prevent a distraction for motorists. The City only permitted on-site signs, not off-site signs. This Court found that this did violate the first and fourteenth amendment finding that this ban discriminated against noncommercial speech. In this case, they found that the ordinance provided a greater degree of freedom of speech protection to commercial speech.
The correct answer is: Metromedia v City of San Diego

Question 98

Which of the following are NOT true of visioning?

Answer 98

Visioning is not a simple process that can be completed quickly.
The correct answer is: It is a simple process that can be completed quickly.

Question 99

The rural areas of your county have seen an increase in the use of septic tanks and package treatment plans. You have been asked to brief the county commission on this trend. Which of the following will you emphasize as the most important concern in using private wastewater treatment facilities?

Answer 99

Septic and package treatment can be effective methods of treating waste, but only if maintained properly.
The correct answer is: Operation and maintenance issues

Question 100

An AICP Planner is found to have been in violation of the AICP Code of Ethics. Which of the following is a form of discipline that can be applied?

Answer 100

According to the AICP Code of Ethics all of these forms of discipline are possible. In addition “The Ethics Officer or the Ethics Committee may attach conditions to these disciplinary actions, such as the writing of a letter of apology, the correction of a false statement or statements, the taking of an ethics course, the refunding of money, or any other conditions deemed just in light of the conduct in question.”

The correct answer is: All of these choices are forms of discipline that can be applied.

Question 101

Greenbelt towns were built during the 1930s by which of the following?

Answer 101

Tugwell, as the head of the US Resettlement Administration built Greendale, Wisconsin, Greenhills, Ohio and Greenbelt, Maryland
The correct answer is: The Resettlement Administration of the US Department of Agriculture

Question 102

You are a senior planner responsible for developing the Comprehensive Plan for your county. You want to involve citizens from the beginning of the planning process. You plan to develop a steering committee that will help guide the planning process. Who should be on the steering committee?

Select one:

a.
Property owners

b.
Business professionals

c.
Residents of low income housing

d.
All of these people should be on the steering commitee

Answer 102

A comprehensive plan should engage a wide array of stakeholders. All of these listed are appropriate stakeholders to include in the planning process.
The correct answer is: All of these people should be on the steering commitee

Question 103

You are the planner for a small city. You have been asked by the Chamber of Commerce to make a presentation at a luncheon on your views on economic development versus environmental protection. This is currently a very hot topic in your city. You are known in the community as an environmental advocate. You know that your opinions are often at odds with the Chamber of Commerce and you believe your job is in danger because of a shift in the membership of the City Council. You accept the opportunity to present before the Chamber and decide to focus your presentation on the economic value of environmental protection.

Answer 103

Demonstrating the values of environmental preservation in terms that the Council will understand is a valuable way to present the argument in terms that others will understand.
The correct answer is: No

Question 104

You are the director of planning responsible for facilitating a visioning process. You and the rest of the staff are working with a citizens’ committee to determine how to evaluate the outcomes of the vision. Which of the following would NOT be an example of a performance standard?

Answer 104

Setting a goal of improving open space is not a performance standard.
The correct answer is: Setting a goal of improving open space

Question 105

An area of a neighborhood commercial district was built in the 1960s and could greatly benefit from streetscaping, branding and marketing to enhance its economic success. Which of the following would be the best approach?

Answer 105

The two options that would be best are a business improvement district or tax increment financing district. In this case because branding and marketing is a key piece then a business improvement district would be the best choice as this brings property owners together to work towards common goals and allows for the expenditure of shared taxes on items such as marketing.
The correct answer is: Business Improvement District

Question 106

In the urban design process, what should come first?

Answer 106

First visually survey the area, then explore circulation patterns and identify green space before developing design proposals.

The correct answer is: Visual survey of the area

Question 107

You are giving a lecture to a group of planning students to help them understand the basics of eminent domain. Which of the following is the best description:

Answer 107

Eminent domain refers to the power of the government to take private property and convert it into public use. The Fifth Amendment provides that the government may only exercise this power if they provide just compensation to the property owners.

The correct answer is: Eminent domain provides governments with the power to take private land for public use with fair compensation

Question 108

You are giving a lecture to a group of planning students to help them understand the basics of eminent domain. Which of the following is the best description:

Answer 108

Eminent domain refers to the power of the government to take private property and convert it into public use. The Fifth Amendment provides that the government may only exercise this power if they provide just compensation to the property owners.

The correct answer is: Eminent domain provides governments with the power to take private land for public use with fair compensation

Question 109

One of the county commissioners where you are a planner is concerned about the visual appearance of manufactured homes, and wants all manufactured housing to be located in manufactured home parks. As part of your staff report, you provide the following statistic from the 2010 US Census:

Answer 109

According to the 2010 Census, 75% of new manufactured homes were located on private property, and 25% of new manufactured homes were located in manufactured-housing communities.
The correct answer is: 25% of new manufactured homes are located in manufactured housing communities.

Question 110

What information is needed to conduct a shift-share analysis?

Answer 110

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. To conduct a shift-share analysis one must know the industry employment for the region and the nation.

The correct answer is: Industry employment for the region and industry employment for the nation

Question 111

You are interviewing to become a planner on a reservation. The Director of Development asks you how familiar you are with the Indian Reorganization Act. Which of the following would be the best response:

Answer 111

The Indian Reorganization Act is also called the Wheeler–Howard Act (1934). It is a measure enacted by the U.S. Congress, aimed at decreasing federal control of American Indian affairs and increasing Indian self-government and responsibility.

The correct answer is: The Wheeler-Howard Act restored land management to Native Americans in order to create an economic foundation for residents.

Question 112

Which of the following are components of a strategic planning process?
a.
SWOT analysis

b.
All of these are choices are components of a strategic planning process.

c.
Assignment of strategic priorities

d.
Needs assessment and identification of core values

Answer 112

All of these are components of a strategic planning process as identified in Local Planning Contemporary Principles and Practice.

The correct answer is: All of these are choices are components of a strategic planning process.

Question 113

What is an example of a “LULU”?

Answer 113

A Locally undesirable land use is known as a LULU and applies to a generically described land use like a “hazardous waste dump.” Superfund sites are specifically designated toxic sites designated and managed by the EPA. A greyfied is a term used to describe underutilized land in need of redevelopment, such as a parking lot or a dead mall. The federal government is not the only level of government that addresses a hazardous waste dump.
The correct answer is: Hazardous waste dump

Question 114

The Village of Mariemont, designated as a National Historic Landmark, is interesting for planners because it was:

Answer 114

Mariemont was designed by John Nolen based on Garden City principles. It was also one of the earliest Garden Cities to be designed with the automobile in mind.

The correct answer is: Modeled on Garden City principles

Question 115

Which of the following is not true about the Delphi technique?

Answer 115

Explanation: A group of appointed citizens to advise the governing body is known as a Citizen Advisory Committee (also known by other names in each community). It is not necessary to have a group of appointed citizens to participate in the Delphi technique.
The correct answer is: Uses a group of appointed citizens to advise the governing body.

Question 116

Which of the following states experienced the largest population increase as a result of migration following Hurricane Katrina?

Answer 116

Texas’s population grew by 580,000 people as a result of population migration following Hurricane Katrina.
The correct answer is: Texas

Question 117

What is the mean of the following numbers? 2, 2, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6

Answer 117

3.5

Question 118

The city has made an arrangement with a car sharing service that allows residents to pay for a car on a per minute usage basis. Residents are complaining about car sharing cars being parked in their parking spot in front of their house on the street and staying overnight. How could you best respond to these calls?

Answer 118

Public streets are public and open to on-street parking. One key issue is that car sharing is that people are using the cars to get to a destination and on a residential street the destination is a particular house.
The correct answer is: Explain how public streets work and that anyone can park on-street. You also explain that car sharing works by people taking cars to destinations and that it is likely their neighbors who are parking on street.

Question 119

Telephone surveys provide quick data collection, but have which of the following limitations?

Answer 119

The best answer is that the interviewer may have a bias. Bias can be introduced whenever the surveyor needs to interpret responses. It is not possible to see the respondent’s facial expressions and so the surveyor might interpret certain responses in unintended ways. Telephone surveys are more expensive than mail surveys and online surveys, but they are not considered “prohibitively expensive.” Response rates have been declining, but the sample will be statistically valid if set up correctly.

The correct answer is: May have interviewer bias

Question 120

Which of the following is true about young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 and where they live?

Answer 120

Adults between 25 and 34 are living closer to city centers (within 10 miles) than previous generations, and young adults living outside metro areas in the U.S. plummeted in the 2010s. This age group is also living near city centers at a higher rate since 2010 than in the previous decade. Much of the growth is happening in urban areas just outside of downtown. However, in absolute terms, more people in this age range live in the suburbs, though growth has leveled off.
The correct answer is: They are living closer to city centers (within 10 miles) than previous generations

Question 121

To whom is the Neighborhood Unit Concept attributed?

Answer 121

The Neighborhood Unit Concept is attributed to Clarence Perry.
The correct answer is: Clarence Perry

Question 122

Your community has been awarded an Environmental Protection Agency grant to support the protection of a blueway. As the project manager, who beyond your department should be involved in the project?

Answer 122

Given the project is focused along a waterway the most appropriate parties to involve would be the soil and water conservation district, the state environmental department and Environmental Protection Agency (since they are the grantor of funds). The state department of transportation might be involved depending on whether the waterway will be used for transportation purposes.

The correct answer is: Soil and Water Conservation District, EPA, and State Environmental Department

Question 123

You are at a heated planning commission meeting about a new planned shopping center. One of the members of the audience accuses the City Council of “tokenism”. You respond by saying:

Answer 123

Tokenism refers to public participation that is insincere and for which the participation by the public will not have any bearing on the outcome.
The correct answer is: The purpose of this meeting is for the planning commissioners to hear from the community and they will fairly evaluate all comments as part of the decision making process.

Question 124

The City of Austin is considering creating an urban rail system. The City Council is considering putting forward a bond election in November. The City Council wants to get a read on the community to determine whether the public would support a bond initiative. Which of the following techniques would be most effective in getting a read on how the public might vote?

Answer 124

A Plebiscite is a direct vote on an issue.

The correct answer is: Advisory Plebiscite

Question 125

Two variables, studying for the AICP Exam and Amount of Free Time, were examined to determine if there is a correlation. The analysis resulted in a correlation value of -0.85. What does this mean?

Answer 125

Correlation is about the strength of a “linear” relationship. It is very similar (but not identical) to the slope of a regression between the two variables.

So, a “strong” correlation would be a value close to either +1 or -1, a “weak” correlation would be a value close to 0. Strictly speaking, one would need standard errors to state whether the correlation is significant or not, but with a value of -0.85 that is likely to be significant (this is something the question should have specified). The “negative” correlation implies an inverse relationship between studying and having free time, which makes sense: if you don’t study, you have a lot of free time; if you study a lot, you don’t have free time.

Hence the correct answer is a. Note that “strong correlation” does not mean positive correlation (i.e., more studying means more free time), just that it is significantly different from “no correlation” (whether you study or not does not affect your free time).

The correct answer is: There is a high correlation between studying for the AICP Exam and the amount of free time people have.

Question 126

The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition included the _____________, designed by Daniel Burnham.

Answer 126

The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition included the White City, designed by Daniel Burnham. The term has been applied to mean the color of the buildings as well as the exclusionary tactics used.

The correct answer is: White City

Question 127

This is an area within which development is allowed over a specified period of time. Beyond this area development is prohibited or strongly discouraged. This is known as a[n] ____________________.

Answer 127

An urban growth boundary is a regional boundary set to limit urban sprawl by mandating that the area inside the boundary be used for development and the area outside be used for agriculture and other low density uses.
The correct answer is: Urban growth boundary

Question 128

What does the smallest time frame possible to use a cohort survival method to project the population depend on?

Answer 128

Five years is the smallest time frame using a cohort survival method of population analysis. The Cohort Survival Projection Method is a method for forecasting future population based upon the survival of the existing population and the births that will occur. This method can be applied for any period of time but it typically it involves five-year increments. It would give the population five years ahead or when applied twice it would give the population ten years ahead. For five year projections, the base year population must be given by five year age groups.
The correct answer is: The age interval of survival rates

Question 129

Under the AICP Code of Ethics, a planner’s primary obligation is to serve the public interest. Which of the following does this not include?

Answer 129

Participating in moonlighting activities is not one of a planner’s primary obligations.
The correct answer is: Participating in moonlighting activities

Question 130

What is the function of a Council of Government (CoG) or regional council?
a.
A planning organization

b.
Technical service provider

c.
“Visionary” to its member local governments

d.
All of the above

Answer 130

The correct answer is “all of the above.” A COG or regional council is a multi-service entity with state- and locally-defined boundaries that delivers a variety of federal, state, and local programs while carrying out its function as a planning organization, technical assistance provider, and “visionary” to its member local governments.
The correct answer is: All of the above

Question 131

Who created advocacy planning?

Answer 131

Paul Davidoff

Question 132

Following the U.S. Census Bureau’s delineation of urban area boundaries, you are directed by your supervisory to challenge the delineation because of how it affects program eligibility and funding formulas. You respond to your supervisor that:

I. Urban area boundaries do not impact funding formulas.

II. The Census Bureau does not have an appeal process.

III. The Census Bureau publishes criteria for delineating urban areas prior to each decennial census, and that is when comments are received.

IV. You will draft the appeal which will then need to be approved by the County Board.

Answer 132

Program eligibility and funding formulas can be impacted by urban and rural boundaries. However, the Census Bureau does not have an appeal process. Prior to each decennial census, the Census Bureau publishes in the Federal Register proposed criteria for delineating urban areas for public review and comment. The final criteria adopted for application with decennial census and other data to delineate urban areas reflects the comments received through the Federal Register comment process.
The correct answer is: II and III only

Question 133

You are a city planner with AICP Certification and you have decided to accept a job working for a consultant that will be working on a project that you are currently working on in your current position. The consulting firm represents developers and will be pushing for the city to modify its plan for this district in the city to permit increased development. How long should you wait before representing the consulting firm in any action before the city with which you were employed?

Answer 133

You can represent the consulting firm in any action before the city as long as it does not conflict with a position you held during your employment with the city.
The correct answer is: No wait necessary

Question 134

During a fourth of July party, you run into the Mayor, with whom you offer a hello, the Mayor then begins engaging in a conversation about an upcoming rezoning case. What should you do?

Answer 134

The AICP Code of Ethics states “We shall not engage in private discussions with decision makers in the planning process in any manner prohibited by law or by agency rules, procedures, or custom.” It is customary to engage in discussions about rezoning cases during office hours. It would be inappropriate to discuss this at a party in a public location.

The correct answer is: Tell the Mayor you would be happy to discuss this on Monday when you are both in the office.

Question 135

All of the following groups of planning philosophies came before the City Humane Movement, except:

Answer 135

The planning philosophies, City Efficient, City Beautiful, and Public Health came before the City Humane Movement. The City Humane Movement occurred in the 1930s.
The correct answer is: City Functional

Question 136

You are organizing a regional research summit to bring together professionals in the region with researchers at the university. You are organizing a panel that will focus on basic research and how it can be taken into practice. This is known as:

Answer 136

Translational research aims to make findings from basic science useful for practical applications that enhance human health and well-being. It is practiced in a wide variety of fields such as environmental science, as well as the health, behavioral, and social sciences.
The correct answer is: Translational research

Question 137

As an AICP planner, you are passionate about social justice issues. You learn that the city is planning to recommend against the rezoning of a property for affordable housing. You know that if you share this information with a colleague at a non-profit housing advocacy organization then this colleague will rally and organize a letter writing campaign to the city council and plan to appear at the planning commission meeting. What should you do?

Answer 137

The AICP Code of Ethics states “We shall not use to our personal advantage, nor that of a subsequent client or employer, information gained in a professional relationship that the client or employer has requested be held inviolate or that we should recognize as confidential because its disclosure could result in embarrassment or other detriment to the client or employer.” It would be inappropriate to share the recommendation as it is not yet public information. In this case, you do not have information on why the city may recommend against affordable housing, so D may not be the best option. It would be okay to let interested parties know that there is a matter before the city which may be of interest.
The correct answer is: Inform the colleague that the city is considering a case.

Question 138

You are preparing the County’s hazard mitigation plan, in compliance with the Hazard Mitigation Act. Which of the following would you undertake first?

Answer 138

The Hazard Mitigation Act requires communities to identify natural hazards, assess the risks, and set community goals.
The correct answer is: identifying potential natural hazards

Question 139

As the historic preservation planner for the city you are working with a local neighborhood to assess the historic resources they have. Which of the following would you be helping them to assess?

Answer 139

According to the APA Policy Guide on Historic and Cultural Resources, “historic preservation practice has broadened to protect a greater array of cultural resources including historic districts, buildings, structures, sites, public works, transportation corridors, archaeological sites, heritage areas and corridors, cultural landscapes, objects and related built forms.”

The correct answer is: Buildings, sites, cultural landscapes and public works

Question 140

Under the AICP Code of Ethics, a planner owes diligent, creative, independent, and competent performance of work in pursuit of the client’s or employer’s interest. Which does not fit those standards?

Answer 140

A bribe is not consistent with an employer’s interest.

The correct answer is: Accepting a bribe for allowing a minor variance to a zoning application.

Question 141

If you have data about a population, which of the following types of statistics could you use to describe your data?

Answer 141

Descriptive statistics are distinguished from inferential statistics (or inductive statistics), in that descriptive statistics aim to summarize a sample, rather than use the data to learn about the population that the sample of data is thought to represent.
The correct answer is: Descriptive

Question 142

The APA’s Ethical Principles for Planning include all of the following except:

Answer 142

The correct answer is that the ethical principles do not require developer contributions in the planning process. All others are included in the APA Ethical Principles.

The correct answer is: Require developer contributions in the subdivision process

Question 143

Ebenezer Howard is associated with which of the following?

Answer 143

Ebenezer Howard wrote Garden Cities of To-morrow and was responsible for the development of two garden cities in England.
The correct answer is: Garden cities

Question 144

Which of the following objects is least likely to become stuck in light rail tracks, potentially causing death?

Answer 144

The wheel sizes of bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs can result in getting embedded and stuck in tracks.

The correct answer is: Motorcycles

Question 145

According to the U.S. Census, a Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area can be described as which of the following?

Answer 145

According to the U.S. Census, a Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area can be described as an area consisting of two or more overlapping or interlocking urban communities (known as primary metropolitan statistical areas) with a total population of at least one million. CMSAs comprise the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The New York CMSA, for example, includes the primary metropolitan statistical areas of New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island and New York-New Jersey-Connecticut.
The correct answer is: A geographic entity, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget for use by federal statistical agencies, is based on the concept of two or more overlapping core areas with a large population nuclei that includes at least 1 million people.

Question 146

Which ordinance requires that a specified portion of a development be used to construct affordable housing?

Answer 146

Inclusionary zoning encourages development that includes all segments of the population.
The correct answer is: Inclusionary zoning

Question 147

Which ordinance requires that a specified portion of a development be used to construct affordable housing?

Answer 147

Inclusionary zoning encourages development that includes all segments of the population.
The correct answer is: Inclusionary zoning

Question 148

Which transportation demand management technique guarantees commuters an emergency ride home?

Answer 148

All of the above are transportation demand management techniques that can reduce traffic congestion but only one option is a guaranteed ride.
The correct answer is: Guaranteed Ride Home

Question 149

Frederick Law Olmsted was involved in the design of parks, cities, and suburbs. Which of the following could be considered his best example of a suburb?

Answer 149

Riverside was designed in 1869 by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 for the Riverside Landscape Architecture District.
The correct answer is: Riverside, Illinois

Question 150

Which type of legal description would include the following information? The SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 7

Answer 150

Township-range is the type of legal description that would include the information.
The correct answer is: Township-range

Question 151

A council member is looking into the possibility of establishing an Urban Service Limit Line as a boundary for identifying school boundaries and where new schools can be located. What do you advise the council member?

Answer 151

An Urban Service Limit Line is a boundary, sometimes parcel-specific, located to mark the outer limit beyond which urban development will not be allowed. It has the aim of discouraging urban sprawl by containing urban development during a specified period, and its location may be modified over time. An Urban Service Limit Line does not determine where public schools will be located.

The correct answer is: An Urban Service Limit Line is not appropriate for determining where public schools will be located

Question 152

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is responsible for coordinating which of the following federal programs?

Answer 152

The Council on Environmental Quality coordinates federal environmental efforts and works with federal agencies on the development of environmental policies and initiatives.

The correct answer is: All of these choices are valid.

Question 153

You have been asked to be a guest speaker at a conference about zoning. The organizers have asked you to speak about planning cases at the U.S. Supreme Court that were specifically related to zoning. In addition to Euclid vs. Ambler, what is another case that you would most likely speak about?

Answer 153

In the Nectow case (1928), the plaintiff sued for a mandatory injunction for a permit to erect a building without regard to the zoning ordinance, which zoned the land residential. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling, and found that the invasion of the plaintiff’s property right was “serious and highly injurious,” and that the zoning ordinance would not promote the health, safety, convenience or general welfare of the inhabitants of Cambridge.

The correct answer is: Nectow v. City of Cambridge

Question 154

As the City Planner for Plantasy Township you are in a meeting with a developer who is presenting a concept plan for a project that would involve the purchase of your sister’s property. If the development proposal is approved your sister’s property values would go up. Which of the following would be the best decision?

Answer 154

The best decision would be to let the developer know and then reassign the case. The AICP Code of Ethics states “We shall avoid a conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in accepting assignments from clients or employers.” Given relatives are involved, reassigning the case avoids the appearance of a conflict of interest.

The correct answer is: After you realize the project involves a family member’s project you let the developer know that you will be reassigning the case.

Question 155

Walmart has recently announced plans to enter your metropolitan area opening five new Supercenters. The City Council is concerned about the impact a new Supercenter would have on the existing retailers in the community. What would be an appropriate policy response?

Answer 155

All of the other options would affect all retail, not just big-box retailers. Additionally, a major retailer would be able to afford to pay the impact fees or go through design review, where this might make it difficult for smaller retailers to build in your city.

The correct answer is: Limit the maximum size of a retail store

Question 156

As the Planning Director of a medium sized city you have recently prepared a zoning ordinance amendment to regulate signage. The City Council passed the ordinance last month. Some of the local property owners are upset with the new ordinance and decide to file a federal lawsuit challenging the ordinance. What constitutional principle supports their challenge?

Answer 156

The 1st Amendment covers freedom of speech, which includes the regulation of signage.
The correct answer is: 1st Amendment

Question 157

As a new planner working for a regional planning agency, you are seeking to learn more about the ways that communities in a region participate in planning across jurisdictional boundaries to provide services for parks, public transit, and transportation infrastructure.

Which of the following areas is not known for all of these examples of cross-jurisdictional planning?

Answer 157

Portland, Columbus and Phoenix are examples of regions that provide regional parks, regional transit, and regional transportation infrastructure. Orlando participates in regional transportation planning, but does not have regionally shared parks.
The correct answer is: Orlando, FL

Question 158

Which of the following is not a step in the subdivision process?

Answer 158

A rezoning is not associated with the subdivision of land.

The correct answer is: City Council approves the rezoning

Question 159

Which case determined that property may be regulated to a certain extent, but if regulation goes too far it will be recognized as a taking?

Answer 159

The 1922 US Supreme Court case of Pennsylvania Coal Co. v. Mahon set forth the “balancing of interests” approach for reviewing taking claims. The Pennsylvania Coal Company entered into an agreement with Mahon to mine coal beneath his property. In 1921, Pennsylvania passed the Kohler Act that prevented miners from extracting below surface coal from land that supported buildings. When the Coal company notified Mahon that it would mine coal beneath his property Mahon filed suit. Pennsylvania Coal contented this constituted at taking under the 5th Amendment. The Supreme Court found that Pennsylvania exceeded its police powers by diminishing the value of the lane without a public interest. Because the regulation went too far it became a taking.
The correct answer is: Pennsylvania Coal Co. v. Mahon

Question 160

A person was making and selling beer. However, the state had a law prohibiting the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquor. The person was arrested but took the case to the US Supreme Court claiming that this is an infringement of his ______________ amendment rights. The court found in Mugler v. Kansas that the state law does not infringe on his right as it is an exercise of the state’s police powers.

Answer 160

Mugler claimed that his due process rights had been violated.
The correct answer is: 14th Amendment

Question 161

What constitutional amendment did Penn Central Transportation Co. v The City of New York primarily test?

Answer 161

Penn Central Transportation Co. v The City of New York primarily tested the Fifth Amendment. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Law of 1965 resulted in the designation of “landmarks” and “landmark sites.” Penn Central, which owned the Grand Central Terminal, was not permitted to build an office building above it. The Court held that the restrictions imposed did not prevent Penn Central from ever constructing above the terminal in the future, it simply prevented Penn Central from building this specific 50 story addition. The Court found that the zoning restriction was substantially related to the general welfare of the city.
The correct answer is: Fifth Amendment

Question 162

You are a planning consultant helping a local government come up with strategies to reduce homelessness. One of your tasks is to consider possible conflicts between the Fair Housing Act and local regulations. What regulation would you be least likely to consider?

Answer 162

Zoning and subdivision regulations may contain measures that conflict with federal protections under the Fair Housing Act. Among the most common problems are ordinances restricting the number of unrelated individuals who may occupy a residence, standards for development that unduly restrict access by protected classes, and restrictions on supportive services provided within a residential unit. Banning people from train stations is unrelated to the Fair Housing Act.

The correct answer is: Municipal restrictions banning homeless people from occupying train stations

Question 163

Which Supreme Court Case found that a regulation is a taking if it can be shown that it deprives a property of all economic viability and fails to advance a legitimate governmental interest?

Answer 163

In Agins v. City of Tiburon (1980), the Supreme Court held that the test for determining whether a zoning ordinance will be considered a taking is the “substantially advances” a legitimate state interest test. This test has since been overruled by the Lingle v. Chevron (2005) case finding that the “substantially advances” test would no longer be used to determine regulatory takings, reverting to the precedent of Penn Central v. New York City (1978) of a “reasonable return” on investment.
The correct answer is: Agins v. City of Tiburon

Question 164

Which of the following people is associated with Transactive Planning?

Answer 164

Friedmann is associated with Transactive planning.

The correct answer is: John Friedmann

Question 165

Which of the following is an example from the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, Section A3 Planners Responsibility to Our Profession and Colleagues?

Answer 165

We shall educate the public about planning issues and their relevance to our everyday lives.

Question 166

Census areas range in size, from a block up. From a statistical perspective, what is the value of larger census areas?

Answer 166

On most variables, larger census areas have the advantage of providing a larger sample size and a larger number of variables. The answer “complete population information” is incorrect because all census areas, from blocks on up, have complete population data (not samples) in terms of head count.
The correct answer is: larger sample size and larger number of variables

Question 167

As the planning director for a large city with a struggling downtown, you have decided to undertake a SmartCode planning process. Which of the following public participation tools would be the most appropriate?

Answer 167

Explanation: As part of the SmartCode procedures, a design charrette is held to determine the pedestrian sheds, transects, and design guidelines for the planning area. Other techniques could be useful, but the charrette is essential as part of the SmartCode process.
The correct answer is: Host a design charrette

Question 168

Which of the following would a planner be least likely to use in their role in working for the US Army as a planner?

Answer 168

Section 8 vouchers are associated with providing subsidy of housing for low-income people. This is not specific to a military base. BRAC refers to congressional actions that streamline military base operations. Air Installation Compatible Use Zones address land use coordination with local governments around the base. Joint Land Use Studies are a joint planning effort between active military installations, surrounding communities and other agencies.
The correct answer is: Section 8 Vouchers

Question 169

The State of Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the use of planned unit developments in which of the following cases?

Answer 169

The Court in 1968 found that planned unit developments are acceptable if the regulations focus on density requirements rather than specific rules for each lot.
The correct answer is: Cheney v. Village 2 at New Hope

Question 170

Planning for flood protection projects typically occurs at what level of government?

Answer 170

The US Army Corp of Engineers is responsible for flood protection planning. While planning for flooding does occur at the city and state level, the Army Corp has a primary responsibility while partnering with other organizations.
The correct answer is: National