CME Land Use Planning & Zoning Flashcards
6 cards from real CME practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CME Land Use Planning & Zoning flashcards as text
What is 'smart growth' as a land use planning principle?
Answer: A set of principles promoting compact, transit-oriented, walkable, and mixed-use development to reduce sprawl
Smart growth encourages infill, mixed uses, transit access, walkability, and preservation of open space as an alternative to low-density automobile-dependent sprawl.
What is the purpose of a development impact fee in municipal finance and planning?
Answer: Charge new development a proportionate share of capital facility costs generated by growth (roads, parks, utilities)
Impact fees require new development to pay its proportionate share of the capital improvements needed to serve it, so existing taxpayers don't subsidize growth-related infrastructure.
Which federal law prohibits municipalities from enacting zoning regulations that completely exclude or unreasonably restrict telecommunications facilities?
Answer: Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Section 704)
Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 limits local zoning authority over wireless facility siting, prohibiting effective prohibition and requiring decisions based on substantial evidence.
What is a 'planned unit development' (PUD) in zoning?
Answer: A flexible zoning approach allowing a mix of uses and design standards negotiated through a development agreement for a specific project
A PUD allows developers to negotiate site-specific zoning standards and use mixes in exchange for superior design, amenities, or public benefits not achievable under conventional zoning.
What is the purpose of a 'build-out analysis' in municipal planning?
Answer: Estimate the maximum development possible under current zoning to project future population, traffic, and service needs
Build-out analysis projects the full development potential under existing land use regulations, helping planners anticipate long-term infrastructure and service demands.
What does the Fair Housing Act require of municipalities in their zoning and land use decisions?
Answer: Prohibit discriminatory zoning practices that exclude protected classes from housing opportunities
The Fair Housing Act prohibits municipalities from using zoning or land use policies to discriminate against or exclude protected classes (race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status).