AICP Fundamental Planning Knowledge 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which urban design concept, introduced by Jane Jacobs, argues that dense mixed-use neighborhoods with short blocks generate vibrant urban life?
- The Radiant City model
- The four generators of diversity (Correct answer)
- The Garden City concept
- New Urbanism's transect
Correct answer: The four generators of diversity
Jane Jacobs identified four conditions that generate urban diversity: mixed primary uses, short blocks, buildings of varying ages, and sufficient population density.
Question 2: A 'variance' in zoning law differs from a 'special use permit' in that a variance:
- Allows uses not listed in the zoning ordinance, while a special use permit modifies dimensional standards
- Provides relief from dimensional or physical standards of a zoning ordinance, while a special use permit allows particular uses conditionally (Correct answer)
- Requires legislative approval, while a special use permit requires only administrative approval
- Permanently changes the zoning district, while a special use permit is temporary
Correct answer: Provides relief from dimensional or physical standards of a zoning ordinance, while a special use permit allows particular uses conditionally
A variance grants relief from specific dimensional standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage) when strict application would cause undue hardship, while a special use permit allows uses conditionally permitted in a zone.
Question 3: In community development, what is a 'Community Development Block Grant' (CDBG) primarily intended to support?
- Construction of interstate highway infrastructure
- Activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons or address slum and blight (Correct answer)
- Economic development incentives for Fortune 500 companies relocating to distressed areas
- Regional planning conducted by metropolitan planning organizations
Correct answer: Activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons or address slum and blight
CDBG funds, administered by HUD, must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or address urgent community development needs.
Question 4: What is the key distinction between 'mitigation' and 'adaptation' in climate change planning?
- Mitigation addresses past climate impacts; adaptation addresses future impacts
- Mitigation reduces greenhouse gas emissions to slow climate change; adaptation adjusts to current and expected climate impacts (Correct answer)
- Mitigation is a federal responsibility; adaptation is a local responsibility
- Mitigation applies only to transportation; adaptation applies to land use planning
Correct answer: Mitigation reduces greenhouse gas emissions to slow climate change; adaptation adjusts to current and expected climate impacts
Climate mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit the magnitude of future climate change, while adaptation involves adjusting systems and communities to cope with climate impacts that are already occurring or inevitable.
Question 5: What principle underlies the planning concept of 'complete streets'?
- Streets should be widened to accommodate maximum vehicle throughput
- Streets should be designed to safely accommodate all users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists (Correct answer)
- Street networks should form complete grid patterns without cul-de-sacs
- All streets should include complete utility infrastructure underground
Correct answer: Streets should be designed to safely accommodate all users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists
Complete streets policies require that roadway projects be planned, designed, and operated to enable safe access for all users regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.
Question 6: When conducting a planning analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a 'buffer analysis' is used to:
- Smooth out inconsistencies between different map data layers
- Identify all features within a specified distance from a selected feature (Correct answer)
- Calculate the total area of a land use category across a study area
- Overlay two or more map layers to identify areas meeting multiple criteria
Correct answer: Identify all features within a specified distance from a selected feature
A buffer analysis in GIS creates a zone of specified distance around a feature (point, line, or polygon) to identify other features or areas within that proximity.
Question 7: The 'regional equity' concept in planning addresses which core concern?
- Ensuring equal tax rates across all municipalities in a metropolitan region
- Reducing disparities in access to opportunities such as housing, jobs, transit, and services across a metropolitan area (Correct answer)
- Providing equal representation for all municipalities on regional planning boards
- Distributing federal transportation funds equally among all counties in a state
Correct answer: Reducing disparities in access to opportunities such as housing, jobs, transit, and services across a metropolitan area
Regional equity planning seeks to reduce spatial inequalities in access to opportunity, ensuring that low-income communities and communities of color have fair access to affordable housing, quality schools, jobs, and public services.
AICP Fundamental Planning Knowledge 5
Which urban design concept, introduced by Jane Jacobs, argues that dense mixed-use neighborhoods with short blocks generate vibrant urban life?