Exam 3 Flashcards
What is an analysis of the relationship between one or more variables to determine if the factors impact the dependent variable?
A regression analysis is an analysis of two or more variables (x) and (y). For example, the score on the AICP exam is dependent on education, years experience, and the number of hours studying.
The correct answer is: Regression
A volume to capacity ratio of 1 indicates which of the following?
Congestion can be measured by a volume-to-capacity ratio (V/C Ratio). A V/C Ratio of greater than 1.0 indicates severe congestion.
The correct answer is: Congested traffic flow
How does the Concentric Zone Theory differ from the other theories of urban development?
Select one:
a.
Concentric zones are nodes of activity
b.
Concentric zones were formed along major transportation lines
c.
Land uses are based on the surrounding land values
d.
The use of “invasion-succession” in describing dynamics
Invasion and succession is the appropriate choice. Concentric Circle theory, developed by Earnest Burgess in 1925, finds that growth happens by land uses expanding outward from one area to another. For example, downtown office towers expanding into a warehouse district.
The correct answer is: The use of “invasion-succession” in describing dynamics
You work for a consulting agency that has been hired by the county to help formulate a comprehensive plan for the region. Your firm is suggesting that a moratorium on new development be temporarily enacted while the comprehensive plan is formulated. Some planning commissioners are concerned, but you advise them that there is legal precedent. What case provides this precedent?
You work for a consulting agency that has been hired by the county to help formulate a comprehensive plan for the region. Your firm is suggesting that a moratorium on new development be temporarily enacted while the comprehensive plan is formulated. Some planning commissioners are concerned, but you advise them that there is legal precedent. What case provides this precedent?
What is the purpose of the State Standard Enabling Act?
The standard state enabling act published by the US Department of Commerce in the 1920s sought to provide a basic foundation for zoning in the United States. In many states, this standard act still supplies the institutional structure.
The correct answer is: to provide a basic foundation for zoning in the United States
A[n] ______ variance allows a property to have a use not explicitly allowed under the zoning district regulations.
A variance is the process by which an applicant can request deviation from the set of rules a municipality applies to land use and land development, typically a zoning ordinance. A use variance allows for a use not otherwise permitted by right in the district.
The correct answer is: Use
The city has been struggling since the economic downturn to fully fund public services. The city has created a task force to look at opportunities to reduce costs. Of particular interest are opportunities to partner on shared services. Which of the following should you recommend as part of the task force report?
Communities and schools have partnered to share school recreational facilities when school is not operating. This maximizing facility utilization and shares the cost.
The correct answer is: School recreational areas
For an AICP planner, which of the following would NOT be considered adhering to ethical conduct?
Influencing an election would NOT be considered adhering to ethical conduct.
The correct answer is: Influencing an election
Which U.S. Supreme Court case is considered a landmark ruling that made government agency decisions subject to judicial review and also spurred the creation of large numbers of citizens groups dedicated to environmental activism?
In the 1960s, Citizens to Preserve Overton Park filed suit against US Secretary of Transportation John Volpe after he announced plans to build Interstate 40 through Overton Park in Memphis. The suit claimed that he was violating section 4(f) of the Dept. of Transportation Act of 1966, which required the government to show there were no “feasible and prudent” alternatives to using public lands, such as parks when building freeways. In 1971, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Citizens to Preserve Overton Park. This led to a considerable increase in grassroots environmental organizing.
The correct answer is: Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe
Communicative theory emphasizes that the planner
Bringing stakeholders to the table to build consensus is a cornerstone of communicative planning.
The correct answer is: negotiate and build consensus
This case was concerned with the concept with a nuisance land use.
The Spur v. Webb case involved a new retirement community’s efforts to stop the operation of an exiting feedlot. The court permitted the feedlot to continue to operate.
The correct answer is: Spur Industries v Webb
Which of the following is least associated with an Urban Growth Boundary?
Urban Growth Boundaries do not necessarily increase the cost of infrastructure. A UGB should decrease the cost of infrastructure due to an increase in density.
The correct answer is: Increasing the Cost of Infrastructure
As the county’s economic development director you are looking for creative solutions to promote economic development in this largely agricultural county. You have convened a group of farmers to promote agritourism. Which of the following would be most effective?
Effective agritourism attracts consumers who wish to experience agriculture. Joint marketing and planning can expand the impact of agritourism in a community. In this case, encouraging direct economic benefit to farmers will be key, as well as having a clear destination for visitors.
The correct answer is: Encourage farmers along a key accessible corridor to collaborate on adding complementary agritourism activities to create a day trip to attract families from the adjacent metropolitan area.
The city’s current high-rise public housing is a mess. It is crime ridden, falling apart, and residents do not want to live there. You have developed a plan to create mixed income townhouse developments near the downtown that would accommodate the residents of the existing public housing. Which federal housing program would provide funds to implement this plan?
HOPE VI provides funds for physical improvements, management improvements, and social and community services to address public housing resident needs. All of the above are housing programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The correct answer is: HOPE VI
The Planning Commission is responsible for…
The Planning Commission is responsible for advising the governing body on zoning issues. While the planning commission may review a comprehensive plan, they do not have adoption powers. These lie with the City Council or other appropriate legislative board (such as County Board of Commissioners).
The correct answer is: advising the governing body on zoning issues.
The city is hosting a design competition for design solutions for a riverfront redevelopment. You have recruited an esteemed group of judges. Which of the following criteria should be used in best judging the submissions?
From an urban design perspective, all of these criteria are appropriate to consider.
The correct answer is: I, II, III and IV
Shift-Share analysis involves which of the following?
A shift-share analysis, determines what portions of regional economic growth or decline can be attributed to national, economic industry, and regional factors. The analysis helps identify industries where a regional economy has competitive advantages over the larger economy.
The correct answer is: All of these are involved in a shift-share analysis
Groundwater is…
Groundwater is a supply of freshwater under the earth’s surface.
The correct answer is: a supply of freshwater under the earth’s surface.
You are evaluating a new district plan to determine the extent to which it meets the city’s connectivity goals. You calculate a connectivity index and write in your report:
A roadway connectivity index refers to the density of connections in a road network and the directness of links. A well-connected road has many short links, intersections and minimal dead ends. As the connectivity increases, travelers have more route options and more direct travel between destinations. There are several methods to calculate ratios, the higher the ratio the greater the connectivity.
The correct answer is: The district plan has a low ratio but could be improved by reducing the number of dead end and cul-de-sac streets.
Which term is used to describe urban growth in a low-density development pattern?
Low-density development that occurs outside of the existing urban core is often termed urban sprawl.
The correct answer is: Urban Sprawl
Scoping is required as part of what planning process?
Scoping is required in the early states of preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A scoping meeting introduces the public to the project and the environmental issues.
The correct answer is: Environmental Impact Statement
You recently read about a community in Colorado that used a meeting in a box technique where the public was provided with a box filled with discussion questions, popcorn, and paper and pencils to take note. The idea was to have people get together with neighbors and then mail back their boxes. You want to undertake a similar approach that will allow you to interact in small informal discussions with neighborhood residents to discuss traffic calming approaches. Which of the following techniques best meets your needs:
A coffee klatch is a small, informal discussion with a group of people in a private home with light refreshments. The planner typically has a short presentation followed by questions and discussion.
The correct answer is: Coffee Klatch
Which of the following is true of the Vieux Carre Commission?
The Vieux Carré, also known as the French Quarter, is the oldest section of the City of New Orleans and is a National Historic Landmark. The Vieux Carré Commission (VCC) protects, preserves, and maintains the distinct architectural, historic character, and zoning integrity of the Vieux Carré.
The correct answer is: It was the first Historic Preservation Commission.
The Mayor has asked you to lead a group to develop a climate action plan. As a coastal city, the Mayor is particularly concerned about the potential impacts of climate change. You prepare the plan to include which of the following?
Climate plans can include a focus on how to reduce vehicle miles traveled (through TOD), reducing energy consumed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and understanding the sources of greenhouse gases.
The correct answer is: All of these should be included
The city you work for is interested in expanding its carbon sequestration. Which of the following would you recommend be included as part of the green infrastructure plan to achieve this goal?
Planting trees as part of an urban forestry program will result in carbon sequestration. In addition, the diversion of food waste to composting (rather than a landfill) will also result in carbon sequestration.
The correct answer is: Institute a food waste diversion program at all city facilities and create an urban forestry program
Open Meetings Laws require that…
Open Meetings Laws require that Planning Commission meetings be open to the public.
The correct answer is: …Planning Commission meetings be open to the public.
What is the smallest Census geographic unit for which the Census Bureau collects 100-percent data?
Census block is the smallest Census geographic unit for which the Census Bureau collects 100-percent data
The correct answer is: Census block
The stormwater runoff in the downtown area has been a historical concern. You have a dense urban commercial district. You would expect, compared to other areas of the city that the coefficients of runoff would be:
Compared to other areas of the city that the coefficients of runoff would be higher. Because the area is dense it is likely to have high levels of pervious cover, resulting in higher levels of stormwater runoff.
The correct answer is: Higher
You are a planner who works in settings where there are low literacy levels. You devise a participation plan calling for the use of which of the following techniques?
SARAR stands for Self-esteem, Associative strength, Resourcefulness, Action planning, and Responsibility. This is a series of techniques designed to be highly visual and accessible to those who cannot read or write. Examples, include pocket charts, three pile sorting, and picture stories with gaps.
The correct answer is: Self-esteem, Associative strength, Resourcefulness, Action planning, and Responsibility