CME CME Land Use Planning & Zoning

Question 1

What is the legal basis that grants local governments authority to enact zoning ordinances in the US?

Accepted Answer

State enabling legislation delegating police power to municipalities

Answer

Federal Zoning Enabling Act

Answer

US Constitution's Commerce Clause

Answer

County charter authority alone

Question 2

What is the 'comprehensive plan' (also called a general plan or master plan) in US municipal planning?

Accepted Answer

A long-range policy document guiding a community's physical, social, and economic development

Answer

The legally binding zoning ordinance text

Answer

An engineering design manual for infrastructure

Answer

The capital improvement program budget

Question 3

What does a 'nonconforming use' mean in zoning law?

Accepted Answer

A land use that lawfully existed before current zoning regulations but does not comply with those regulations

Answer

An illegal structure built without permits

Answer

A use that requires a conditional use permit

Answer

A property with multiple permitted uses

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'variance' in the zoning process?

Accepted Answer

Grant relief from specific dimensional or use requirements when strict application causes undue hardship unique to the property

Answer

Change the zoning classification of a parcel

Answer

Approve a large planned development

Answer

Amend the comprehensive plan

Question 5

What is a 'conditional use permit' (or special use permit) in zoning?

Accepted Answer

Approval allowing a use not permitted by right in a zone if specific conditions mitigating impacts are met

Answer

An outright prohibition of a use in a zone

Answer

A building permit for construction

Answer

A subdivision plat approval

Question 6

Under the US Supreme Court's Euclid v. Ambler Realty decision (1926), what was established about zoning?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive zoning is a constitutional exercise of municipal police power

Answer

Zoning ordinances are unconstitutional takings

Answer

Federal government controls local land use

Answer

Zoning can never restrict industrial uses