AICP Land Use Law and Regulations

Question 1

The landmark Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of municipal zoning as a valid exercise of police power was:

Accepted Answer

Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co.

Answer

Penn Central Transportation Co. v. New York City

Answer

Nollan v. California Coastal Commission

Answer

Kelo v. City of New London

Question 2

Under the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause, a regulatory taking is most clearly established when a regulation:

Accepted Answer

Denies the owner all economically beneficial use of the land

Answer

Reduces a property's market value by more than 25 percent

Answer

Requires a developer to dedicate land for a public park

Answer

Prevents demolition of a historically designated building

Question 3

A zoning variance is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

An authorization allowing deviation from zoning requirements due to unique hardship

Answer

A legislative amendment to the zoning map

Answer

A written contract between a municipality and developer

Answer

A conditional use permit for sensitive land uses

Question 4

Spot zoning is generally considered illegal because it:

Accepted Answer

Singles out a parcel for inconsistent treatment that benefits only its owner without justification

Answer

Applies different standards to nonconforming uses than to conforming ones

Answer

Permits commercial uses in residential zones without public hearings

Answer

Applies overlay regulations to properties in more than one zoning district

Question 5

A legal nonconforming use is one that:

Accepted Answer

Lawfully existed before current zoning restrictions and is allowed to continue

Answer

Was illegal when established but later permitted by variance

Answer

Is permitted in any district by special exception

Answer

Requires periodic renewal of a conditional use permit

Question 6

Subdivision regulations primarily govern:

Accepted Answer

The division of land into lots and the installation of required public improvements

Answer

The types of uses permitted in each zoning district

Answer

Height, bulk, and setback standards for new construction

Answer

The calculation of floor area ratios in commercial zones

Question 7

In land use law, an exaction refers to:

Accepted Answer

A condition placed on development approval requiring dedication of land or payment of fees for public improvements

Answer

A court order requiring a municipality to rezone property

Answer

A penalty imposed for violating zoning ordinances

Answer

An environmental mitigation measure required under NEPA