Exam 2 Incorrect Answers

Question 1

You are preparing the County’s hazard mitigation plan, in compliance with the hazard mitigation act. Which of the following do you undertake?

I. identifying potential natural hazards 
II. assess the risks from those hazards 
III. set community goals and actions to reach those goals 
IV. develop an emergency response system
Select one:
a. I, II, and III
b. I, II, III, and IV  
c. III only
d. I and II

Answer 1

I, II and III only. The Hazard mitigation act requires communities identify natural hazards, assess the risks, and set community goals.
The correct answer is: I, II, and III

Question 2

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.
Select one:
a. The developer submits the results of a nitrate test.
b. The development submits the results of a permeability test.
c. The developer submits the results of an auger test.
d. The developer submits the results of a fertility test.

Answer 2

An auger can be used to retrieve soil samples and then examined for the soil profiles.
The correct answer is: The developer submits the results of an auger test.

Question 3

A planner is made aware that a coworker inappropriately disclosed information that was not public to a developer. Which of the following actions should she pursue?
Select one:
a. Discuss the problem with her Planning Director
b. Confront the co-worker
c. Discuss the problem with the Human Resources Director
d. Report the violation to the AICP Ethics Officer

Answer 3

The correct answer is discuss the problem with the planning director. The Code of Ethics requires disclosure of public information, but in this situation it is best handled within the department. The AICP Code 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. Nor shall we disclose such confidential information except when (1) required by process of law, or (2) required to prevent a clear violation of law, or (3) required to prevent a substantial injury to the public. Disclosure pursuant to (2) and (3) shall not be made until after we have verified the facts and issues involved and, when practicable, exhausted efforts to obtain reconsideration of the matter and have sought separate opinions on the issue from other qualified professionals employed by our client or employer.” If the problem is not resolved internally then it may be appropriate to report the problem to AICP.
The correct answer is: Discuss the problem with her Planning Director

Question 4

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] \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Select one:
a. Regional planning initiative
b. Smart growth
c. Urban growth boundary
d. Urban service area

Answer 4

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 5

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:
Select one:
a. The property owner notified all required parties and this hearing provides the opportunity for everyone to be heard.
b. 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.
c. Agree that the public hearing process is an example of tokenism.
d. Propose that in future cases a neighborhood meeting should be held in advance of the planning commission so that your staff report can reflect public comment.

Answer 5

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 6

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

I. National Environmental Policy Act 
II. Clean Air Act 
III. Clean Water Act 
IV. Farm Bill Conservation
Select one:
a. I only  
b. I and II only
c. I, II, and III only
d. I, II, III, and IV

Answer 6

The correct answer is all of the above. 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: I, II, III, and IV

Question 7

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?
Select one:
a. Five years
b. Three years  
c. Two years
d. No wait necessary

Answer 7

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 8

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

I. Restrictive Covenants 
II. Subdivision Regulations 
III. Zoning Ordinances 
IV. Nuisance Laws
Select one:
a. I and III only
b. II and III only
c. I and IV only
d. I, II, III and IV

Answer 8

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: II and III only

Question 9

General Obligation Bonds...
Select one:
a. are sold to purchase a police car.
b. are sold to purchase a wastewater treatment plant. 
c. are sold to pay for a city hall.
d. are sold to pay for a stadium.

Answer 9

General Obligation Bonds are sold to pay for a city hall.

The correct answer is: are sold to pay for a city hall.

Question 10

Which of the following information is needed to conduct a shift-share analysis?
I. industry employment for the region
II. industry employment for the nation
III. total employment for the community
Select one:
a. I only
b. II only
c. I and II only
d. I and III only

Answer 10

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: I and II only

Question 11

What concept did Fred French Investing Co. v. City of New York introduce for the first time?
Select one:
a. eminent domain  
b. impact fees
c. transfer of development rights
d. planned unit development

Answer 11

The correct answer is transfer of development rights. In French v. City of New York the Court found that TDR is an inappropriate method to compensate the landowner for a taking by the City of New York.
The correct answer is: transfer of development rights

Question 12

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

I. Descriptive 
II. Inferential 
III. Sample 
IV. T-test
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only  
c. I, II, and III only
d. I, II, III, and IV

Answer 12

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: I only

Question 13

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

I. Reviewing variance requests
II. Reviewing rezoning requests 
III. Reviewing final plats 
IV. Reviewing capital improvement programs
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only  
c. I, II, and III only
d. I, II, III, and IV

Answer 13

The Board of Zoning Adjustments is responsible for quasi-judicial actions, such as variances. Rezoning and plats are reviewed by the planning commission and CIP programs may be reviewed by the planning commission or elected body.
The correct answer is: I only

Question 14

In your county there are a large number of rural residents who live in manufactured housing. One of the county commissioners is concerned about the visual appearance of manufactured homes. He has recommended that the County require that all manufactured housing be located in manufactured home parks. You are asked to prepare a manufactured home ordinance. As part of your staff report, you provide the following statistic from the 2010 US Census:
Select one:
a. 42% of manufactured housing is occupied by residents under the age of 40.
b. 25% of new manufactured homes are located in manufactured housing communities.
c. 50% of households living below the poverty line live in manufactured housing.
d. 33% of all new housing in the United States is manufactured.

Answer 14

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 15

Your Metropolitan Planning Organization received a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regional sustainability planning grant. As part of the grant you are responsible for developing a Fair Housing Equity Assessment. In the development of this assessment, you and your team have undertaken extensive public engagement. 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?

A. 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.

B. Offer to speak to the family personally afterwards. Take down their information and then make a call to the local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development office to file a complaint and provide information on the family.

C. Ask others in the focus group if they have had a similar experience.

D. Explain that landlords have the right to choose who they want to live at their property and encourage the family to connect with a social service agency that assists in providing housing.

Answer 15

Answers A, B, and C could all be acceptable approaches. Answer A provides the clearest information to participants on housing discrimination. 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: A

Question 16

This act created the Federal Housing Administration and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation.
Select one:
a. Housing Act of 1937  
b. Housing Act of 1949
c. National Housing Act of 1934
d. Fair Housing Act of 1968

Answer 16

The Housing Act of 1934 established the Federal Housing Administration, as well as the FDIC
The correct answer is: National Housing Act of 1934

Question 17

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:
Select one:
a. The IRA was passed by Congress to increase tribal self-governance. Incorrect
b. The IRA provided for written constitutions to strengthen tribal structures.
c. The Wheeler-Howard Act restored land management to Native Americans in order to create an economic foundation for residents.
d. The IRA authorized the tribal council to negotiate with other levels of government.

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What is the correct sequence of the following steps in the urban design process, from first to last?

I. Identification of green spaces 
II. Exploration of circulation patterns 
III. Visual survey of the area 
IV. Develop design proposals
Select one:
a. III, II, I, IV
b. IV, III, II, I
c. I, II, III and IV
d. III, I, II, IV

Answer 18

First visually survey the area, then explore circulation patterns and identify green space before developing design proposals.
The correct answer is: III, II, I, IV

Question 19

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?
Select one:
a. Hold a public hearing
b. Host a design charrette
c. Create a downtown newsletter
d. Organize a stakeholder meeting

Answer 19

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 20

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.
Select one:
a. 1 mile
b. 2 miles
c. ¼ mile  
d. ½ mile

Answer 20

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

Question 21

A federal agency considering an action that might have significant environmental effects must prepare which of the following?
Select one:
a. An environmental indicator
b. Environmental scoping
c. An environmental assessment
d. An environmental impact statement

Answer 21

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 22

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 such as parks, public transit, and transportation infrastructure. Which of the following would be examples of regions that effectively collaborate on cross jurisdictional planning?

I. Portland, OR 
II. Orlando, FL 
III. Columbus, OH 
IV. Phoenix, AZ
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and III only  
c. I, III and IV only
d. I, II, III only

Answer 22

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

Question 23

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

I. Incomplete information 
II. Not inviting key stakeholders 
III. No commitment to an outcome
Select one:
a. I only
b. II only  
c. I and II only
d. I, II, and III

Answer 23

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: I, II, and III

Question 24

A recent death at a light rail crossing made the local news and there have been numerous editorials about the dangers of track crossings. As the transportation planner for the City, the mayor has asked you to identify a solution. You point out that rubber mats have been used to cover the unused light rail track crossings to prevent light rail cement-embedded track dangers. Which of the following objects have become stuck in light rail tracks, causing deaths?

I. Motorcycles
II. Bicycles
III. Strollers
IV. Wheelchairs
Select one:
a. III and IV
b. II, III, and IV  
c. I and II

Answer 24

The correct answer is Strollers and Wheelchairs. The wheel sizes of strollers and wheelchairs can result in getting embedded and stuck in the tracks.
The correct answer is: III and IV

Question 25

You received a grant to restore a wildlife area by removing invasive species. Which of the following would be needed to get the project going?

I. Determine ownership of parcels in the wildlife area
II. Review aerial imagery to access conditions in the wildlife area
III. Identify the best methods for removal of invasive species
IV. Initiate fines for property owners who refuse to participate
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. I, II, and III only
d. I, II, III, and IV

Answer 25

Fining property owners would not be appropriate in this case. This is a grant project, not a regulatory requirement.
The correct answer is: I, II, and III only

Question 26

Your community has long had a thriving independent music scene. As part of your current economic development planning process, your city manager has asked you to think about how the city can create a number of places where both the workplaces and cultural spaces encourage creative ideas. As you prepare the economic development plan, you develop a key goal of encouraging a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_?
Select one:
a. Creative Culture
b. Innovation Culture
c. Innovation Economy
d. Creative Economy

Answer 26

Creative culture is an emerging term popular particularly in Great Britain that is used to describe the integration of creativity into daily activities.
The correct answer is: Creative Culture

Question 27

You are a planner in California working on an integrated regional water management plan. Priorities include maintaining and restoring water quality, the quantity of water available for people and the environment, and environmental quality. You have developed the public participation plan. Which of the following outreach strategies would be best for communities possibly affected by environmental justice issues?

I. Build a list of contacts for these communities
II. Work with public agencies and non-profit staff to facilitate outreach efforts
III. Identify water agencies, irrigation districts in rural areas
IV. Place information, documents and other materials in local libraries
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. I, II, III only
d. I, II, III and IV

Answer 27

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: I, II, III and IV

Question 28

Within your city’s extra territorial 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?
Select one:
a. Conditional use permit
b. Moratorium  
c. Conservation zoning
d. Planned unit development

Answer 28

The correct answer is conservation zoning, which 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 29

The New York State Court of Appeals upheld the Town of Ramapo's right to require \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to obtain a special building permit.
Select one:
a. Impact fees Incorrect
b. Parkland dedication
c. Conservation easements
d. Performance standards

Answer 29

The New York State Court of Appeals upheld the Town of Ramapo’s right to require performance standards to obtain a special building permit.
The correct answer is: Performance standards

Question 30

You are the Director of Community and Economic Development for a large city. At a recent City Council meeting, you were directed to develop a response to a report issued by the regional MPO about trends in transportation in the region. Most of the report is focused on the impact cars are having on existing roads and the need for more freeways. The report indicates that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to build more freeways and HOV lanes. You recognize that traffic is hot button issue in your community, but you think the answer to traffic congestion is much more complicated than what is presented in the report. You have recently read reports that contradict the argument that building more roads solves traffic problems. In your report to the Council which of the following recommendations should you make?
Select one:
a. 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.
b. Recommend that the report as submitted be adopted by the City Council.
c. Ask the transportation division of your department to conduct a detailed transportation study and compare this to the findings in the report.
d. Tell the City Council to toss the report in the trash because it is worthless.

Answer 30

You should 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.
The correct answer is: 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 31

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?

I. Soil and Water Conservation District 
II. Environmental Protection Agency
III. State Environmental Department 
IV. State Department of Transportation
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. I, II and III only
d. I, II, III, and IV

Answer 31

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 EPA (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: I, II and III only

Question 32

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)?
Select one:
a. 1.25
b. 10
c. 0.8
d. 0.1

Answer 32

“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 33

Real property includes which of the following?

I. Mineral Rights 
II. Buildings 
III. Easements 
IV. Trees
Select one:
a. I only
b. I and II only  
c. I, II, and III only
d. I, II, III, IV

Answer 33

Real property consists of all land, structures, attached equipment such as street lights, anything growing on the land, and all “interests” in the property which may be the right to future ownership, right to occupy for a period of time, the right to drill for oil, the right to get the property back if it is no longer used for its current purpose, use of airspace or an easement across another’s property.
The correct answer is: I, II, III, IV

Question 34

What does ZIP Code stand for?
Select one:
a. Zone Improvement Plan Code
b. Zoning Improvement Plan Code
c. Zone Improvement Planning Code
d. Zoning Improvement Planning Code

Answer 34

ZIP Code stands for Zone Improvement Plan Code.

The correct answer is: Zone Improvement Plan Code