AICP Study Questions fully solved & updated

The First Amendment deals with which of the following issues? Select one: a. Taking b. Procedural due process c. Freedom of speech d. Administrative due process - ANSWER-Freedom of speech is associated with the First Amendment, while takings are associated with the Fifth Amendment and due process is associated with the 14th Amendment. The correct answer is: C) Freedom of speech Associated Home Builders of Greater East Bay v. City of Livermore dealt with which of the following issues? Select one: a. Freedom of Speech b. Timing of Development c. Eminent Domain d. Exactions - ANSWER-The Associated Home Builders case was related to when building permits could be developed based on the availability of infrastructure. The correct answer is: B) Timing of Development A property owner plants some very tall trees in their yard that block sunlight to a neighboring yard. Under what circumstances could the neighbor with the blocked sunlight compel the neighbor with the tall trees to have their trees removed? Select one: a.If the neighbor secures enough votes from the planning commission b.If the neighbor is able to gain the support of the planning commission c.If the neighbor with blocked sunlight is able to obtain a solar access easement d.If the tree-planting neighbor did not properly notify the neighboring property about their plan to plant tall trees - ANSWER-Private easements occur when a property owner sells an easement to an individual. A property owner who has granted a solar access easement to their neighbor may not be allowed to plant trees or construct buildings, either of which would block sunlight, next to the easement. The correct answer is: If the neighbor with blocked sunlight is able to obtain a solar access easement One weekend after a friend's birthday party you drove home and got into a serious accident where you hit a pedestrian. You lied about the cause of the accident, indicating that the pedestrian jumped into the street when, in fact, you had looked down to answer a phone call. Phone records were used by the plaintiff to prove that you lied. You are now convicted of manslaughter. What is your responsibility to the AICP? Select one: a. Report this conviction to AICP. b. A planner must have special concern for the long range consequences of present actions. c. You do not need to report this conviction to AICP but you do not need to report this conviction to your employer. d. You do not need to report this conviction because it was not related to theft. - ANSWER-The correct answer is to report this conviction to AICP because your conviction in part involves false swearing. The AICP Code requires "We shall not fail to immediately notify the Ethics Officer by both receipted Certified and Regular First Class Mail if we are convicted of a "serious crime" as defined in Section D of the Code; nor immediately following such conviction shall we represent ourselves as Certified Planners or Members of AICP until our membership is reinstated by the AICP Ethics Committee pursuant to the procedures in Section D of the Code." The correct answer is: A) Report this conviction to AICP. The Zoning Ordinance was last overhauled more than 30 years ago. The ordinance has grown over time and with all of the amendments it has become a confusing mess for developers, residents, and the Planning Commission. The Planning Department is currently conducting an audit of the ordinance to identify the most problematic areas. You are currently reviewing the overlay districts. You discover you have an overlay district that is unusual and not typically found in other ordinances. Which of the following is the unusual overlay you discovered? Select one: a. Flood Hazard district b. Commercial Corridor district c. Central business district d. Airport overlay district - ANSWER-Central business districts are typically their own zoning district rather than an overlay. The correct answer is: C) Central business district Saul Alinsky advocated ALL of the following methods EXCEPT: Select one: a. Use of protests and boycotts b. Use of marches and rent strikes c. Developing rural plans d. Disruption of normal activities - ANSWER-Saul David Alinsky () was a community organizer and activist. He founded the Industrial Areas Foundation in Chicago. He was also an influential writer. His books Reveille for Radicals(1946) and Rules for Radicals (1972) were, and remain, important statements of community organizing. The correct answer is: C) Developing rural plans The regional planning agency is trying to decide whether to petition to become a recognized Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The latest population count for the urbanized portion of the region is 40,000. What would you advise the agency? Select one: a. MSAs only require a core area with a large population nucleus, which is variously defined. They would likely qualify. b. An MSA requires a conglomeration of large cities, and 40,000 is unlikely to be sufficient c. To be recognized as an MSA, there needs to be a core area with a small central population nucleus, and 40,000 is a sufficient threshold d. They do not have sufficient population. - ANSWER-An MSA is based on the concept of at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more population, plus adjacent territory that has a high degree of social and economic integration with the core. As of 2013, OMB defined and delineated 388 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). A typical MSA is centered on a single large city that wields substantial influence over the region (e.g., New York City or Philadelphia). However, some MSAs contain more than one large city (e.g., Dallas-Fort Worth or Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The correct answer is: D) They do not have sufficient population. As a planner for a large retirement community in Florida, you have noted a substantial increase in the population over the age of 85. As you are updating the comprehensive plan you are reconsidering the City's land use strategy with a goal of promoting aging in place. Which of the following recommendations would be most appropriate to include: I. Increase areas zoned for nursing and assisted living facilities II. Secondary housing units in single-family residential districts III. Grow transit services, particularly services for the aging and disabled IV. Integrate universal design standards into the zoning ordinance Select one: a. I and II b. II and III c. II, III, and IV d. I, II, III and IV - ANSWER-All of these are appropriate, with the exception of areas zoned for nursing homes. Aging in place means allowing one to stay in one's own home. See the APA Policy Guide on Aging in Community. The correct answer is: C) II, III, and IV Prior to the advent of comprehensive zoning ordinances, how did local governments deal with land use? Select one: a. Civil laws b. Police laws c. Nuisance laws d. Common laws - ANSWER-Local governments used nuisance laws which are used to ensure that property owners are able to have the quiet enjoyment of their land. The correct answer is: C) Nuisance laws The Mayor of your community has asked the planning department to come up with a simple way to gauge whether residents approve of the city's new recycling program. There is a very limited budget, and a survey has been devised asking residents to respond "yes" or "no" on the city's website. Is this an example of a binary variable? Select one: a. Yes, because binary variables have only two different values b. No, because "yes" and "no" questions have nothing to do with binary variables c. No, because binary variables can only have positive values d. No, because binary variables can have multiple values - ANSWER-Binary variables can only take on two values, and are typically represented as 0 and 1. They are used for variables for which there are only two possible outcomes, such as male or female or yes or no. A) The correct answer is: Yes, because binary variables have only two different values A representative from the League of United Latin American Citizens has come forward raising concerns about the lack of engagement in the Hispanic community. Which of the following is the reason that the representative gives as an example of her concern? Select one: a. Inviting community representatives to serve on advisory committees. b. The inclusion of neighborhood representatives in the planning process. c. Relying solely on elected officials in decision making processes. d. Regular attendance of planning staff at neighborhood association meetings. - ANSWER-Elected officials are intended to represent the interests of their constituents. But this is a passive form of public engagement. The other responses represent active forms of public engagement. The League of United Latin American Citizens seeks to advance the economic condition, educational attainment and civil rights of Hispanics in the United States. The correct answer is: C) Relying solely on elected officials in decision making processes. Which of the following were features of the 1937 Housing Act? I. It established a permanent public housing program in the U.S. II. It tied slum clearance to public housing. III. It established Section 8 housing, which authorized the payment of rental housing assistance to private landlords. IV. It created the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Select one: a. III only b. I and III only c. I, II, III and IV d. I, II, and III only - ANSWER-The 1937 Housing Act is viewed as a Progressive bill that established a permanent public housing program in the United States. Section 8 of the 1937 Housing Act authorized the payment of rental housing assistance to private landlords. Section 8 also authorized "project-based" rental assistance programs where the owner reserves some or all of the units in a building for low-income tenants. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was enacted in 1974. The correct answer is: D) I, II, and III only Which of the following could be included as an element(s) of a comprehensive plan? I. Demographics II. Land Use Plan III. Implementation Schedule IV. Historic Preservation Select one: a. I only b. I and II only c. I, II, and III only d. I, II, III and IV - ANSWER-All states either allow or require local governments to prepare comprehensive plans. However, there is no consensus about what, precisely, constitutes a comprehensive plan. Since the question asks what "could" be included this implies taking a broad view. Demographics would likely be part of an existing conditions section of the plan, while. An Implementation Schedule is also a common feature of the comprehensive plan. In California, the "elements" of a comprehensive plan have a more specific meaning, but this question does indicate that it pertains to California. The correct answer is: D) I, II, III and IV As a federal planner with the Department of Defense, you are responsible for an environmental restoration project at a military base. You are developing a public participation plan for engaging the base and stakeholders in the community the base is located in. Which of the following should be principals guiding public participation? I. Strive to create a process in which communities and federal agencies are seen as partners in the dialogue on cleanup issues II. Develop linkages among communities and public stakeholders, to share information about how priorities are being set and decisions will be made III. Produce results that restore the environment, while maintaining local community needs IV. Provide access to resources, information, and training, so that all stakeholders are able to participate in decision-making Select one: a. I only b. I and II only c. I, II, and III only d. I, II, III, and IV - ANSWER-The US EPA defines environmental justice as the "fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, income, or education level with respect to development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." I n 1992, the Federal Facilities Environmental Restoration Dialogue Committee offered these four guidelines for stakeholder involvement in federal facility cleanup activities. The correct answer is: D) I, II, III, and IV An arterial street... Select one: a. connects employees to their places of employment. b. does not provide access to adjacent properties. c. limits access. d. provides grade separations at intersections. - ANSWER-An arterial street limits direct access to homes and businesses The correct answer is: C) limits access. You are working on a complex Planned Unit Development (PUD) project. This projects includes more than 1,000 acres, of which a portion is unimproved and lacking infrastructure. As part of the County's comprehensive plan, there is a planned arterial roadway that will run through the property. As part of the land planning process, the County institutes a _______________ to ensure adequate infrastructure. Select one: a. Development agreement b. Special use permit c. Impact fee d. Subdivision regulation - ANSWER-A development agreement can be used to clarify what infrastructure will be provided as part of a development. Impact fees can also be instituted to pay for off-site improvements, however since this improvement is on-site the better answer is a development agreement. The correct answer is: A) Development agreement New Urbanism emerged in the late 1980s to combat what? Select one: a. Infill development b. Poverty c. Housing shortages d. Conventional suburban development - ANSWER-New Urbanism was proposed as an alternative to conventional suburban development, i.e., suburban sprawl. The movement focuses on creating walkable, diverse, complete neighborhoods as an alternative to car-dependent, homogenous suburbs. The organizing body for New Urbanism is the Congress for the New Urbanism, which was founded in 1993. The correct answer is: D) Conventional suburban development You have been the only planner in a small, but rapidly growing town. It is time to expand the staff. You sit down with the human resources director to create a plan for a staff that could grow to six people. Which of the following would be most appropriate to discuss as a starting point? Select one: a. Performance Assessments b. Classification Scheme c. Professional Development d. Recruitment Plan - ANSWER-All of these would be items to discuss with the HR director, but initially, it would be best to start with a discussion of the classification scheme, this is about the kinds of employees you would have and the job titles they would have. Once you know the positions you would then be better positioned to discuss recruitment, professional development, and performance assessment. The correct answer is: B) Classification Scheme As a growing suburban community, your city is experiencing rapid subdivision of agricultural land. The city has had a difficult time keeping up with the demand for infrastructure. The City Council has asked you, as Planning Director, to come up with a plan to reduce the number of lots that become buildable each year. Which of the following techniques would be most appropriate to recommend? Select one: a. Adequate public facilities ordinance b. Planned unit development c. Transfer of development rights d. Building permit moratorium - ANSWER-A public facilities ordinance allows the city to determine when infrastructure will be extended and maintain an adequate level of service. New building permits would not be issued unless the infrastructure is adequate. The correct answer is: A) Adequate public facilities ordinance The downtown businesses owners have repeatedly complained to the city council to do something about the street panhandling, trash, and the general dirty appearance along the sidewalk. The City Council president has directed the planning staff to find a solution to this problem. After significant research you have come up with what you believe is the best solution. Which of the following is most appropriate? Select one: a. Work with social service agencies to place the panhandlers in jobs b. Form a neighborhood block watch c. Implement a Business Improvement District d. Pass an ordinance preventing loitering - ANSWER-All of the choices are possibilities and could be used to support an effort to improve downtown. The best choice is to implement a Business Improvement District, which would provide funds to clean the sidewalks, police the streets, and keep up the appearance of the downtown. A Business Improvement District is one where the property owners agree to an increase in the district's tax rate. The revenue from the tax increase are used to fund improvements inside the district. The correct answer is: Implement a Business Improvement District Which of the following communities were designed with the automobile in mind? Select one: a.Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City, UK b.Mariemont, OH and Radburn, NJ c.Radburn, NJ and Lake Forest, IL d.Pullman, IL - ANSWER-Mariemont was a planned automobile suburb built in 1923. Radburn, NJ, built in 1929, was explicitly an attempt to work out the problem of the automobile using the superblock. Neither the company town of Pullman, IL (1880) nor the garden city of Letchworth, U.K. (1909) considered the impact of automobiles in their design. The correct answer is: B) Mariemont, OH and Radburn, NJ Which of the following divisions would characterize a planning agency that is vertically integrated by subject area? Select one: a. Comprehensive planning, site plan review, zoning b. Transportation, land use, housing c. Current planning, regulations, information systems d. Current planning, long range planning, sustainability - ANSWER-Planning agencies might be vertically integrated by subject area (e.g., transportation, land use, housing), which is different from organizing by functional approach (e.g., planning, regulations, information systems, investment, policy). Organization by an agency's legal status would separate legislative functions (e.g., planning, code writing), from quasi-judicial (e.g., regulatory), and enforcement (e.g., permit administration). The correct answer is: Transportation, land use, housing You have been asked by the City Manager to prepare the city's Five-Year Financial Forecast to determine the city's mid-term fiscal condition. You will use a cost-revenue analysis as the basis of your report. This analysis is based upon which of the following? Select one: a. The costs of providing service and the benefits received by the citizens b. Anticipated increases in the tax base c. The effective of cost expenditures on the well being of the city d. A set of economic assumptions for both sources of revenue and expected expenditures - ANSWER-Cost Revenue analysis takes into account anticipated revenues and expected expenditures both in capital and recurring sources. The correct answer is: D) A set of economic assumptions for both sources of revenue and expected expenditures Who designed Radburn, New Jersey? Select one: a. Frank Lloyd Wright b. Daniel Burnham c. Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. d. Henry Wright - ANSWER-Henry Wright designed Radburn, New Jersey. The correct answer is: D) Henry Wright In order to improve the sample reliability, which of the following should you do? Select one: a. Increase the sample size b. Repeat the test c. Use a homogeneous population d. Decrease the sample size - ANSWER-Large sample size improves sample reliability because there are more observations and thus a better chance of discovering the full heterogeneity of the population The correct answer is: A) Increase the sample size As part of a new form-based code, the city is encouraging more mixed-use development in certain districts in the city. A developer has come in with a one-acre site, that is 200 feet wide and 218 feet deep, and wants to better understand what he can put in. His vision is for 50% office/retail and 50% restaurant on the first floor and apartments on the second floor of the building with a total building size of 16,000 square feet. The code requires one parking space per 250 square feet of office/retail, one parking space per 100 square feet of restaurant, one parking space per 1,000 square feet of housing. The average parking area per space is 400 square feet. The code requires a five-foot setback on the front and the one side facing a street to allow for streetscaping, and zero setbacks on a non-street side and a five-foot setback from the alley at the rear of the site. When you meet with the developer you offer the fo - ANSWER-Removing the setbacks provides a total developable area of 40,560 square feet. The development as proposed would require 31,200 square feet (plus or minus depending on how you calculate the development). The correct answer is: B) I and II only Clarence Perry's Neighborhood Unit Concept proposes an ideal neighborhood that creates walkability and access. Which of the following best describes the size of the neighborhood unit? Select one: a. 5,000 - 9,000 residents b. 2,500 - 5,000 residents c. 15,000 - 20,000 residents d. 10,000 - 15,000 residents - ANSWER-Clarence Perry's Neighborhood Unit concept identifies 5-9,000 residents with a density of 10 units per acre and a school at the center and buildings around the edges for shopping. The correct answer is: A) 5,000 - 9,000 residents As a resident of a struggling neighborhood, you want to make sure the homes around you are kept up. After your neighbor moved out, you start by mowing the lawn and generally keeping up the property. Over time you take occupancy of the property, making repairs, and allowing your son to live in the home. You then continuously occupy the property for a period of ten years. You decide that you want to have the property legally transferred into your name, you put forward the argument that you are legally entitled to this property. This is known as: Select one: a. Homesteading b. Adverse abandonment c. Squatting d. Adverse possession - ANSWER-Adverse possession is a method of acquiring title to a property by possession for a period of time, based on statute. Squatters rights are a specific form of adverse possession. Squatters typically do not have a right to the title of the property but cannot be removed without due process. While homesteading occurs when the land has no legal owner or is owned by the government, the government allows homesteading with an expectation that the person occupying the property will undertake specific actions to gain the title. Adverse abandonment is associated with acquiring land abandoned by a railroad. The correct answer is: Adverse possession "Our county shall include small villages surrounded by farmland, open space, and nature preserves." This statement is an example of: Select one: a. Community Vision Statement b. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats Analysis c. Text from an Ordinance d. Objective of the Comprehensive Plan - ANSWER-The correct answer is a community vision statement. The sentence explains what the community would like the county to look like. The correct answer is: A) Community Vision Statement As part of the neighborhood planning process you are working to develop the goals for the neighborhood plan. In what order would you conduct the following activities? I. Engage the public II. Define the problems III. Present the necessary information IV. Identify Goals Select one: a. I, II, III, IV b. I, III, II, IV c. II, III, I, IV d. II, I, III, IV - ANSWER-You would conduct the activities in this order:I. Engage the publicII. Define the problemsIII. Present the necessary informationIV. Identify Goals The correct answer is: A) I, II, III, IV Pennsylvania Coal v. Mahon dealt with which of the following issues? Select one: a. Signs b. Easement c. Taking d. Eminent Domain - ANSWER-Pennsylvania Coal v. Mahon dealt with taking. The correct answer is: C) Taking Which of the following is an example of a U.S. Census Bureau household survey? Select one: a.Current Population Survey b.American Household Survey c.National Crime Victimization Survey d.All of these are an example. - ANSWER-All of these are part of the top five household surveys. Also included is the American Community Survey and the National Health Interview Survey ( The correct answer is: All of these are an example. Which of the following amendments to the United States Constitution prohibits governments from taking private property without just compensation? Select one: a. First b. Second c. Fifth d. Fourteenth - ANSWER-The correct answer is Fifth. The Fifth Amendment provides that "No person shall be...deprived of...property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation". The correct answer is: Fifth The case of Mugler v. Kansas found that while a person has the right to make alcohol for their own use, such a right can be conditioned on its effect on others. Which constitutional principle was tested in this case? Select one: a. First Amendment b. Second Amendment c. 14th Amendment d. Fifth Amendment - ANSWER-The US Supreme Court found that a Kansas prohibition law did not infringe on 14th Amendment rights and that the state legislature may exercise police powers. The correct answer is: 14th Amendment Jeff resigned his position as the city planner for Plannersville two years ago to take a position with a local developer. Jeff is now responsible for presenting a case before the Planning Commission to rezone a property from single family to commercial for a shopping mall. While Jeff was a city planner, he worked hard to prevent regional shopping in this area of the city. Is Jeff acting ethically by presenting this case to the commission? Select one: a. Yes, because it is up to the Planning Commission to grant the rezoning. b. No, because he is in violation of the AICP Code of Ethics. c. No, because he is in violation of the APA Code of Ethics. d. Yes, because he no longer works for the city. - ANSWER-We shall not accept an assignment from a client or employer to publicly advocate a position on a planning issue that is indistinguishably adverse to a position we publicly advocated for a previous client or employer within the past three years unless (1) we determine in good faith after consultation with other qualified professionals that our change of position will not cause present detriment to our previous client or employer, and (2) we make full written disclosure of the conflict to our current client or employer and receive written permission to proceed with the assignment. The correct answer is: B) No, because he is in violation of the AICP Code of Ethics. As part of a capital improvements planning process, you have been hosting a series of town hall-style meetings. Recently the meetings have been taken over by a small group of citizens associated with the Tea Party. They have dominated the conversation by not allowing others to have their voice heard. You've had this type of experience in the past with other types of groups dominating the conversation. You are looking at how you can make sure all voices are heard as you plan for the next round of engagement meetings. Which of the following tools would be most effective in ensuring you maximize participation of those in attendance? Select one: a. Design Charrette b. Audience Response System c. Visual Preference Survey d. Dot Voting - ANSWER-ARS is instant polling software used in conjunction with a slide presentation. A USB receiver/base station retrieves the data provided by an audience using wireless hand-held devices and stores this information on the presenter's computer. Some ARS programs offer the option of participating in the process via personal cell phones or laptop computers. The most obvious benefit of ARS is the chance to receive instant and accurate feedback from the audience. This feedback is assumed to represent honest opinions because the answers are sent anonymously. The correct answer is: B) Audience Response System You work for the State Department of Development Services. There has recently been a change in the governorship as a result of the statewide election. Which of the following people serves at the discretion of the Governor? Select one: a. Manager, Economic Development b. Site Selection Analyst c. Director of Development Services d. Site Selection Manager - ANSWER-The Director of Development Services reports directly to the Governor based on this organization chart and would serve at the discretion of the governor. The remainder of the employees in the answer list report to someone other than the governor. The correct answer is: Director of Development Services Which of the following is NOT a purpose of zoning? Select one: a. To attract inappropriate uses. b. To protect and maintain property values. c. To attract business and industry. d. To promote public health and safety. - ANSWER-Attracting inappropriate uses is not a purpose of zoning. The correct answer is: A) To attract inappropriate uses. As a planner for a non-governmental organization, you recently undertook a beneficiary assessment. Your supervisor has asked for an explanation for why you chose to undertake this participatory technique. You say you chose it... Select one: a. To ensure that project beneficiaries can provide insights on how the project will affect them. b. To ensure that the plan being prepared will represent the goals of the community. c. To ensure that ethical work is being conducted. d. To ensure compliance with federal laws. - ANSWER-Beneficiary assessments are used by the World Bank and other development organizations to make sure that project beneficiaries can provide insights on how a project will affect them, particularly the poor and those without political power. The technique solicits qualitative information about the development activity. This can include interviews, focus groups, and participant observations. The correct answer is: A) To ensure that project beneficiaries can provide insights on how the project will affect them. Which type of government is set up to work toward coordination of plans and programs at the regional level? Select one: a. Township b. Special district c. County government d. Council of governments - ANSWER-Councils of governments (CoGs—also known as regional councils, regional commissions, regional planning commissions, and planning districts) are regional governing and/or coordinating bodies that exist throughout the United States. The correct answer is: D) Council of governments The Standard State Zoning Enabling Act calls for what to happen first in the rezoning process? Select one: a. The City Council undertakes a public hearing. b. The City Council votes on the rezoning. c. The planning commission forwards its recommendation to the City Council. d. Public notice is provided of the City Council meeting. - ANSWER-According to the Standard State Zoning Enabling Act the rezoning process includes the following: 1. Submittal of the zoning application 2. Application review by staff 3. Notice is given of the planning commission public hearing 4. The staff report is created 5. The planning commission hearing 6. The planning commission recommendation 7. The recommendation is forwarded to the governing body 8. Notice given of the governing body public hearing 9. The governing body hearing occurs 10. The governing body decision The correct answer is: C) The planning commission forwards its recommendation to the City Council. A megachurch has made a request to build a 300,000 square foot facility that includes a bookstore, school, and recreational facility in addition to congregation and prayer facilities. The property is currently zoned for agriculture, but the comprehensive plan calls for low density residential development in the area. You are reviewing the application and plan to recommend denial of the application. Before completing the staff report you reference compliance with which of the following: Select one: a. Planned Unit Development b. Eminent Domain c. Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act d. Rational Nexus - ANSWER-The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act requires that religious freedom not be interrupted by treating churches with stronger requirements than other like uses. The correct answer is: C) Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act As an AICP planner, you are interviewing a candidate for a planner position with your consulting firm. The candidate holds an AICP certification. As part of the interview, he notes a series of requests for proposals that the city will likely issue in the next six months for which the firm could be competitive. He tells you that he has saved to his personal computer files related to the RFPs that he could share to provide the ability to begin drafting responses immediately. What should you do? Select one: a. Hire the candidate and ask that they share the files immediately b. Decline the candidate's offer for the files c. Call the AICP Ethics Officer and report the incident d. Explain to the candidate that it would be unethical to share this information - ANSWER-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 detriments to the client or employer." In this case, both answers C and D are appropriate actions. The best course of action is to address the issue immediately by informing the candidate why this would violate the Code of Ethics. This would prevent the sharing of information. If the information were shared it would be a violation of the Code of Ethics. The correct answer is: D) Explain to the candidate that it would be unethical to share this information Clarence Perry's Neighborhood Unit Concept (1929) was published in which of the following plans? Select one: a. Plan for Chicago b. Regional Survey of New York and Its Environs c. Plan for Washington, D.C. d. Cincinnati Comprehensive Plan - ANSWER-The idea was to create complete neighborhoods that provided convenient access for residents to school and businesses. The correct answer is: B) Regional Survey of New York and Its Environs The residents and businesses on the northwest side of the city have grown increasingly concerned over the increasing vacancies in the shopping centers in this community. They have come to the city asking for help in reimagining what their commercial main street could be. You have decided to use an intensive, interactive problem-solving session, focusing on the commercial main street. You have chosen to use a: Select one: a. Focus group b. Delphi c. Public hearing d. Charrette - ANSWER-A charrette is a type of participatory planning process that assembles an interdisciplinary team—typically consisting of planners, citizens, city officials, architects, landscape architects, transportation engineers, parks and recreation officials, and other stakeholders—to create a design and implementation plan for a specific project. It differs from a traditional community consultation process in that it is design based. In addition, and as opposed to traditional planning exercises that can take a long time to be finalized, charrettes are usually compressed into a short period of time. The correct answer is: D) Charrette What is the annual rate of interest paid on a bond that a borrower pays to the bondholder? Select one: a. Bond rate b. General obligation rate c. Certificate of obligation rate d. Coupon rate - ANSWER-The coupon rate is the rate of interest for bonds, notes, and other securities. The correct answer is: D) Coupon rate Your city is faced with an increased problem of rat infestations. You have access to 311 call records that give the location of rat sightings. In order to optimally target the limited resources for remediation, which of the following types of GIS methods would be appropriate? Select one: a. Heat map b. Buffer analysis c. Overlay analysis d. All of the above - ANSWER-The rat sightings would be represented as points on a map. A heat map (or kernel density map) shows areas of elevated concentrations. Those would be the highest priority targets for remediation. The correct answer is: A) Heat map Historically there was a shift in thinking about the role of the federal government in supporting citizens through large-scale aid programs. When did large-scale aid programs begin? Select one: a. 1960s b. 1930s c. 1910s d. 1950s - ANSWER-In the 1930s large-scale federal aid programs were instituted to spur recovery from the Great Depression. The correct answer is: B) 1930s As the Economic Development Planner for your region, you are interested in attracting e-commerce firms. These high-tech jobs are valuable to your region. After researching what e-commerce firms need, you realize you have everything you need to attract companies and you just need to create an effective marketing package. Which of the following should you promote in the marketing package? I. A large university in the region with a well-known design programII. Significant utility competitionIII. A vibrant downtown with an active nightlifeIV. Technology ready suburban office parks Select one: a. I and IV b. I, III, and IV c. I, II, and III d. I, II, III, and IV - ANSWER-E-commerce companies need a well-educated workforce with web design skills. They prefer a region with utility competition which results in lower costs for internet service. They prefer downtown offices and their workforce wants vibrant urban scenes and active nightlife. The correct answer is: C) I, II, and III The local economy is made up of which of the following? I. Major employers II. Business conditions III. Employment growth IV. School enrollment Select one: a. I only b. I and II only c. I, II, and III only d. I, II, III, and IV - ANSWER-School enrollment is not part of the local economy. The correct answer is: C) I, II, and III only You are undertaking a comprehensive plan update. In the first phase of public participation you are reviewing the vision, goals and policies. Which of the following would best support the review of the existing plan's vision, goals and policies? Select one: a. A web page that shares information about the project and encourages comments. b. Hard copy survey distributed to neighborhood association presidents with encouragement for the association presidents to distribute to residents. c. An online survey distributed to residents and other stakeholders. d. Hold a series of neighborhood meetings hosted by neighborhood association presidents. - ANSWER-When possible two-way communication with residents would allow for a deeper understanding of how the existing vision, goals, and policies resonate with the public. A survey is an alternative way to seek engagement and a combination of a hard copy and online survey would reach a broader set of residents. A web page is important to have for the project but is unlikely to generate significant engagement through comments. The correct answer is: D) Hold a series of neighborhood meetings hosted by neighborhood association presidents. Communicative planning theory calls for which of the following? Select one: a. Using a scientific process to plan b. Consensus building c. Working one on one with citizens to develop a plan d. Viewing planning as a series of incremental steps - ANSWER-Consensus building. Using a scientific process to plan is associated with rational planning. Viewing planning as a series of incremental steps is associated with incremental planning. Working one-on-one with citizens to develop a plan is associated with transactive planning. The correct answer is: Consensus building Your city has recently seen an influx of applications for digital signs. At the first planning commission hearing on a digital sign case, the Commissioners raised a concern about the amount of time that an individual message appears on the sign. Based on your research, the Federal Highway Administration recommends a ______ of four to 10 seconds. Select one: a. Spacing Interval b. Message Flipping c. Change Interval d. Time Lapse - ANSWER-The Change Interval is a term used to describe the amount of time between messages appearing on a digital sign. The correct answer is: C) Change Interval Your AICP certification was revoked five years ago and you wish to seek reinstatement. How would you pursue reinstatement? Select one: a. Apply to take the AICP Examination b. Submit a petition to the AICP Ethics Committee c. Pay your past AICP dues d. Submit a petition to the AICP Ethics Officer - ANSWER-The AICP Code of Ethics states "Any Certified Planner whose membership or certification is revoked may petition the Ethics Committee for reinstatement no sooner than five years from the time of revocation." The correct answer is: B) Submit a petition to the AICP Ethics Committee The mayor is concerned about the affordability of housing in the city. She has asked you to undertake a study of housing in the city. As part of the report, which would be the best way to represent an affordability index? Select one: a. A series of indicators, such as days on market, median sales price, and number of people applying for housing support b. The ratio of median housing price to median income c. The ratio of housing mortgages to mortgage defaults d. The ratio of median home sales price to median salary for jobs in the city - ANSWER-The ratio of median housing price to median income shows how affordable or unaffordable a community may be. A ratio of greater than 2.5 would indicate that the housing may be unaffordable. The correct answer is: B) The ratio of median housing price to median income Which of the following road types has a design speed of 25-35 miles per hour? Select one: a. Collector b. Local c. Highway d. Arterial - ANSWER-Local roads have a design speed of 25-35 miles per hour. The correct answer is: B) Local You are a planner in a coastal community in the south. The public works department is concerned about saltwater intrusion and the potential impact on the infrastructure system and has asked the planning department to assist with a climate change plan. You agree to assist and explain that you have the following strategic points of intervention related to climate change: I. Long-Range Goal SettingII. Plan MakingIII. Standards, Policies, and IncentivesIV. Public Investment Select one: a. I only b. I and II only c. I, II, and III only d. I, II, III, and IV - ANSWER-According to the APA Policy Guide on Climate Change planners have responsibility for five strategic points of intervention including all of those listed plus development work. The correct answer is: D) I, II, III, and IV Which of the following is NOT true in regards to the duties of a planner to ensure enforcement of the AICP Code of Ethics? Select one: a. A planner should report violations to the media. b. A planner should contact the area AICP advisor to determine if there may be a violation of the AICP Code of Ethics. c. A planner who desires to file a charge of misconduct has an obligation to do so pursuant to the procedures under the AICP Code of Ethics. d. The AICP Director reviews all charges of misconduct. - ANSWER-The planner does not need to report ethical violations to the media. The correct answer is: A)A planner should report violations to the media. You have been working on a major transnational highway project that will connect Mexico to Canada and will run through your region. One critical issue has been identifying funding for this major national transportation project. In your review of potential funding sources, you recognize that CORBOR may be the ideal mechanism to fund this. CORBOR refers to: Select one: a. National Corridor Planning and Development Program and the Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program b. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act and the Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program c. National Corridor Planning and Development Program and Transportation Enhancement Program d. Scenic Byway Program and National Corridor Planning and Development Program Clear my choice - ANSWER-The National Corridor Planning and Development Program and the Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program provided funding between 1999 and 2005 but was discontinued under The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act and the Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program The correct answer is: National Corridor Planning and Development Program and the Coordinated Border Infrastructure Program The newspaper attributed the death of a teenager in the community to a digital billboard that had distracted the driver's attention. This has led to the mayor making a call to your office asking you to review the current off-premises sign ordinance and to determine what can be done to make it safer. In reviewing the ordinance you consider:I. The timing of the message changeII. LuminanceIII. The messages that can be displayedIV. Distance the signs are from the roadway Select one: a. I, II, III, and IV b. I, II and IV c. I and IV d. I, II, and III - ANSWER-Messages on signs cannot be regulated as this would be a violation of freedom of speech. The correct answer is: B) I, II and IV Your staff is feeling overwhelmed and have come to you saying that they are often staying late and are beginning to feel burnt out. What should you do? Select one: a. Undertake an assessment of capacity b. Democratize data c. Build an ethical culture d. Monitor the permit approval process - ANSWER-Undertake an assessment of capacity that will allow you as the manager to adjust performance expectations. The correct answer is: A) Undertake an assessment of capacity What is downzoning? Select one: a. Reducing the number of zoning districts b. Reducing the intensity of zoning on a site c. Instituting an overlay zone d. None of the above - ANSWER-Downzoning reduces the intensity of zoning on a site. The correct answer is: Reducing the intensity of zoning on a site Which of the following are the sources of land use law in the United States? I. Zoning and subdivision regulation II. Common law, the constitution, and statutes III. The legislature and the courts Select one: a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I and II only - ANSWER-These three are the commonly recognized sources of land use law in the United States. Zoning and subdivision regulations are enabled by state statutes. The correct answer is: B) II only The city council has directed you as the planning director to recommend a set of techniques that will help fund new capital facilities necessitated by new growth without causing a significant strain on the city budget in a manner consistent with the comprehensive plan. The council appears interested in exploring ways of shifting the costs of providing public facilities to developers. There is some confusion among the council members about the differences between the techniques, their feasibility, and their legal permissibility. You are to present the options to the Council. Which of the following statements are correct? Select one: a. Both land dedication requirements and fees-in-lieu-of-dedication requirements are types of exactions that permit on-site and off-site improvements. b. An impact fee is constitutionally valid if the city can show that the fees charged are no more than the development's proportionate shar - ANSWER-Development fees, such as impact fees, cannot be used to pay for the cost of upgrading an existing system or raise the level of service in the community. They are two separate legal requirements. 1) Under Nolan: You have to demonstrate a nexus between the public improvement and the development impact - for example, the development would result in X number of vehicle trips per day on the arterial roadway. 2) Under Dolan: The amount that is charged must be proportionate to the impact. That is that I should be assessing only the portion of the infrastructure cost that is related to the impact of the development. Here is a summary describing the cases The correct answer is: The level of service that a governmental unit determines is adequate for public facilities funded by impact fees is important because developers may not be charged the costs of upgrading an existing system to better serve existing users and customers. As a planner for the regional planning agency, you are working on a food systems plan. You want to emphasize the importance of agricultural land to support the region's food needs. You report that on a per household basis, it takes ________ acres of land to feed the US population. Select one: a. 10 acres b. 34 acres c. 25 acres d. 2 acres - ANSWER-Two acres is sufficient to feed a household of four using the bio-intensive method of agriculture. The correct answer is: D) 2 acres As a planner with a development company, you are considering the development of a 1/4 acre property for mixed use in an intown neighborhood. The City permits a maximum floor area ratio of 2 with a height limit of 50 feet. Which of the following are potential development options to consider? Select one: a. Four stories b. Six stories c. Two stories d. Three stories - ANSWER-A FAR of 2 allows the developer to have 2 stories on the whole lot, 4 stories on 1/2 of the lot, and 8 stories on 1/4 of the lot. If we assume 12 ft. per story (that's often a rule of thumb), the developer could do the 4 story building (= 48 ft.) but not the 8 story building. Note that a 2 story or a 3 story building would also be allowed, but the assumption here is that the developer will want to build the maximum building height in order to maximize ground floor area. (the question states that you are a "planner with a development company"). Which means 4 stories is the best answer. The correct answer is: Four stories The City Engineer has recently completed the capital improvement program. In an effort to synchronize development with capital improvements, which of the following regulatory techniques should be implemented? Select one: a. concurrency requirement b. large-lot zoning c. building permit caps d. moratorium - ANSWER-A concurrency requirement means that development cannot occur until capital improvements are in place. The correct answer is: concurrency requirement As a planner, you have been working hard to try to resolve a conflict over development along a local river. The environmentalists want to stop all development, while the property owners want to be able to build whatever they would like. Local officials are concerned about water quality and the tax base. Which of the following would be most appropriate to use? Select one: a. Focus Groups b. Consensus Building c. Coalition Building d. Town Hall Meeting - ANSWER-Consensus building would bring together the stakeholders to work together to come to a solution. Coalition building brings parties who agree together to promote an idea. A town hall meeting is good to identify issues, but in this case, the issue is already known. Focus groups might be useful in understanding the issue further but is not the best answer. The correct answer is: B) Consensus Building The town of Plannersville does not have enough money to hire a consultant to prepare a comprehensive plan. A local developer who owns land in the town has offered to donate the money necessary to complete the plan. The developer knows that without the plan the town will not move forward with infrastructure improvements near his property and wants to know what type of development the community would support. Is it ethical for the planning department to accept this donation? Select one: a. No, because the developer might influence who gets selected as the consultant b. No, it creates the appearance of a conflict of interest c. Yes, without the funds the plan won't be possible d. Yes, but make sure the developer does not participate in the process - ANSWER-The developer who will benefit from the plan creates the appearance of a conflict of interest regardless of whether the developer ultimately will benefit from the plan. The correct answer is: B) No, it creates the appearance of a conflict of interest Columbia, Maryland has which of the following features? I. A master planned development II. Prior land assembly III. Neighborhood clusters Select one: a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I, II, and III - ANSWER-In 1963, the Rouse Company began the development of Columbia, Maryland. The 14,000 acre master planned development was developed to provide jobs, recreation, shopping, health care, and a mix of housing at different price points. The development was designed to create a jobs housing balance. The correct answer is: D) I, II, and III The City of Plannersville has recently completed the city comprehensive plan. What is the typical planning time period the comprehensive plan is likely to cover? Select one: a. twenty years b. one year c. five years d. fifty years - ANSWER-Twenty years is a typical time period for a comprehensive plan to cover. The plan is to be long range in nature (covering more than five years), however not so long that immense change is likely to occur. The correct answer is: A)twenty years The fire department is part of the core team reviewing the unified development ordinance. The community is considering performance standards that would provide minimum levels of service that must be in place in order for new development to be permitted. The fire department wants to make sure that all new development will be appropriately served in order to provide the best fire insurance rating for the community. Which of the following should you consider: I. The distance between development and a fire department II. The level of water pressure servicing the development III. The number of firefighters in the nearest fire station IV. The location of fire hydrants in the development Select one: a. I, II, III and IV b. I, II, and IV c. I and II d. I and III - ANSWER-Fire ratings are based on the distance to the nearest fire station and the availability of water to service a fire. The correct answer is: C) I and II In order to carry out a distributed housing unit method to project a city's population, which of the following types of information are needed? Select one: a. The population of the state and the city's share in the state population b. Housing units, occupancy rate, and household size c. Births, deaths, and net migration rates d. The distribution of the housing units - ANSWER-The distributed housing unit method is an allocation method that uses housing units, occupancy rate, and household size to estimate the size of a population. The correct answer is: B) Housing units, occupancy rate, and household size Which of the following is an advantage of a mail survey? Select one: a. Low cost b. High response rate c. Extensive staff time required d. High training costs - ANSWER-Low cost is an advantage. The correct answer is: A) Low cost The New York State Tenement House Law was passed in 1901. This law called for: Select one: a.Outlawing dumbbell tenements b.Increased plumbing in apartment buildings c.Increased number of windows d.All of these choices are correct. - ANSWER-The passage of the 1901 Tenement Act resulted from deteriorating conditions in the increasingly overcrowded tenement districts of New York. The result was an increase in the number of windows, plumbing on each floor, and outlawing Dumbbell Tenements. The correct answer is: All of these choices are correct. The metal fabrication industry has a location quotient of 0.50. This industry: Select one: a. Results in a shift of employment share b. Is an export industry c. Is an import industry d. Neither import or export industry - ANSWER-The metal fabrication industry is an import industry. A score lower than one means importing employment and greater than one means exporting employment The correct answer is: Is an import industry A new grocery store has been built on an arterial. You have been working with a neighborhood that is concerned about cut through traffic to and from the grocery store, which has resulted in both an increase in traffic volume and an increase in traffic speed. After exploring various options for a neighborhood street you recommend which of the following? Select one: a. Roundabout b. Speed hump c. Chicane d. Diagonal parking - ANSWER-A chicane is a short, shallow S-shaped turn that requires drivers to turn slightly left and then right again to stay on the road which results in slowing speeds down. Chicanes are most effective when there are volumes of traffic that are similar from both approaches. While Diagonal parking can reduce traffic speeds, this is best applied in non-residential areas. Roundabouts are intended to slow traffic while increasing traffic efficiency - in this case, there is not a desire to increase the efficiency of traffic movement - we don't want to encourage more traffic movements. While a speed hump could be used to assist with slowing traffic they have to be placed continuously along a road to be effective in keeping speeds low. The best choice is a chicane in this case. The correct answer is: Chicane You are the planning director for a large southern city. The City Council is considering a proposal to annex 100-acres of land into the city. At the city council meeting, a citizen asks if the tax revenue generated by the existing rural residents will pay for the cost of providing police, fire, trash, and other services which the city will have to provide. Following the meeting, you have been asked to answer this question. Which of the following methods would you use to study the fiscal impacts of the proposed annexation? Select one: a. Cost-Benefit Analysis b. Annexation Study c. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis d. Fiscal Impact Analysis - ANSWER-Fiscal impact analysis is best used for a single development project to determine the revenues and expenses of the project. A fiscal impact analysis is a tool that compares the local government costs against local government revenues associated with development policies and projects. The correct answer is: D) Fiscal Impact Analysis You are the planning director for a suburban planning department. You heard on the radio of news that an office developer is considering purchasing land for a new office tower. The property in question is in part owned by your brother. The following weekend you talk to your brother and ask him about the development. He asks you to advise him about the planning process and how to negotiate with the developer. He would also be interested in having you represent him before the City Council if a rezoning is needed. You are concerned about your involvement with your brother on the sale of his property. Since you are the planning director you want everything to be above board. What should you do? Select one: a. Advise your brother about the planning process and offer your expertise to him. However, decline to represent him in any official way to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. b. Agree to assist your brothe - ANSWER-You can advise your brother about the planning process the same way that you would for any customer that would visit your office. The AICP Code of Ethics states "We shall deal fairly with all participants in the planning process. Those of us who are public officials or employees shall also deal evenhandedly with all planning process participants." The correct answer is: Advise your brother about the planning process and offer your expertise to him. However, decline to represent him in any official way to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. Agins v. City of Tiburon established that a regulation is a taking if : I. The regulation deprives a property of all its economically viable uses. II. The regulation fails to advance a legitimate governmental interest. III. The regulation temporarily deprives a property of an economically viable use. IV. The regulation is not connected to the use of the land. Select one: a. I only b. I and II only c. I and III only d. I, II, III, and IV - ANSWER-A regulation is a taking if it deprives the property of all economic value and does not advance a governmental interest. A temporary deprivation does not cause a taking. The correct answer is: B) I and II only Which of the following bodies is responsible for the review of historic preservation applications at the federal level? Select one: a. Department of Commerce b. Department of Housing and Urban Development c. Department of Health and Human Services d. Department of the Interior - ANSWER-Department of the Interior is responsible for the National Park Service, which is responsible for overseeing the National Register of Historic Places. The correct answer is: D) Department of the Interior A recent APA task force was charged with identifying key trends that will impact the work of public planning agencies over the next 5 to 10 years. Which of the following were identified as appropriate planning agency responses to key trends like demographic shifts and technology effects? I. The need to monitor demographic change II. The need to promote equitable access to the use of technology in the planning process III. The need to assert the economic value of planning by setting targets and measuring outcomes Select one: a. I only b. I and II only c. I, II, and III d. None of these are related to the topic - ANSWER-To address demographic, technological and social trends, suggested responses are that planning agencies need to monitor demographic change, promote equitable access to and transparency in the use of technology in the planning process, and assert the economic value of planning by setting targets and measuring outcomes. The correct answer is: D) I, II, and III The City of Plannersville has recently passed a law prohibiting any new billboards within the city limits. However, this has not solved the problem of existing billboards. The Planning Director is considering amortizing billboards over a three-year period. After consulting the state law, the director discovers that nonconforming uses that are not in use for a period of two or more years may be regulated. Would the proposed billboard regulations be legal? Choose one answer. Select one: a. The state law would require that billboard advertising be discontinued for two years before the sign could be removed and the ordinance as proposed would be illegal. b. The ordinance is legal, and the new requirements would cause the current billboards to stop being used. c. The state law does not specifically apply to billboards and the ordinance would be legal. d. The ordinance would trigger numerous variance applications and cau - ANSWER-The correct answer is that the state law limits the ability of municipalities to amortize non-conforming uses. The correct answer is: A) The state law would require that billboard advertising be discontinued for two years before the sign could be removed and the ordinance as proposed would be illegal. You are preparing a town hall meeting to discuss hazard mitigation. Which of the following would be the best way to encourage participation? Select one: a. Meeting announcement in the local newspaper b. Appearing on the local morning news show to discuss the meeting c. Posting flyers at the library and other meeting location d. Postcards mailed to residents - ANSWER-All of these are methods that could be used to elicit participation. The mailer is the method that allows for the broadest contact with residents. It is likely that you would pursue a mix of methods to ensure broad awareness of the meeting. The correct answer is: D) Postcards mailed to residents You are faced with an ethical dilemma and struggling to decide what you should do. What is the best course of action? Select one: a. File a complaint of misconduct b. Talk to a fellow AICP member and seek their advice c. Talk to your human resources director d. Seek informal advice from the APA Ethics Officer - ANSWER-According to the AICP Code of Ethic