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

Municipal zoning authority derives from state enabling legislation that delegates the state's police power to local governments to regulate land use for public health, safety, and welfare.

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

A comprehensive plan is a non-binding policy document expressing a community's long-term vision and goals for land use, transportation, housing, and other elements.

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

Nonconforming uses are legally established uses that predate current zoning restrictions and may continue under amortization or vested rights doctrines.

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

A variance provides a site-specific exception to zoning standards when unique physical conditions of the property create an undue hardship not shared by neighboring properties.

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

A conditional use permit allows certain uses that may be compatible with a zone only under specified conditions designed to mitigate potential negative impacts on surrounding properties.

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

(CME) Certified Municipal Engineer Practice Test

CME CME Land Use Planning & Zoning