CMM Community Planning & Development 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which planning tool establishes the long-range vision and policy framework that guides all other local land use decisions?
- Zoning ordinance
- Comprehensive general plan (Correct answer)
- Capital improvement program
- Subdivision regulations
Correct answer: Comprehensive general plan
The comprehensive general plan is the foundational policy document that establishes long-range vision and guides all subordinate land use decisions.
Question 2: A developer proposes a mixed-use building that exceeds the height limit in a zoning district by 10 feet. What is the appropriate relief mechanism?
- Rezoning the parcel
- Applying for a variance (Correct answer)
- Seeking a special use permit
- Requesting a conditional use permit
Correct answer: Applying for a variance
A variance is the appropriate mechanism when a property owner seeks relief from specific dimensional standards such as height limits.
Question 3: Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which document provides the most comprehensive analysis of a major federal action's environmental impacts?
- Environmental Assessment (EA)
- Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Correct answer)
- Categorical Exclusion (CE)
Correct answer: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the most thorough NEPA document, required for major federal actions significantly affecting the environment.
Question 4: A city wishes to preserve the historic character of a downtown district. Which regulatory approach best accomplishes this across multiple properties simultaneously?
- Individual landmark designation
- Historic overlay district (Correct answer)
- Façade easement program
- Tax increment financing
Correct answer: Historic overlay district
A historic overlay district applies preservation standards to all properties within a defined area, protecting district-wide character.
Question 5: The concept of 'complete streets' primarily aims to:
- Maximize vehicle throughput on arterial roads
- Design roadways for safe use by all modes including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders (Correct answer)
- Eliminate on-street parking in commercial zones
- Standardize pavement width to reduce maintenance costs
Correct answer: Design roadways for safe use by all modes including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders
Complete streets policies design and operate roadways to enable safe access for all users regardless of age, ability, or travel mode.
Question 6: Which federal program provides flexible grants to local governments for community development activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons?
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) (Correct answer)
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
- Choice Neighborhoods Initiative
Correct answer: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants to localities for a wide range of community development activities benefiting LMI populations.
Question 7: In land use planning, 'nonconforming use' refers to:
- A use that violates a conditional use permit
- A legally established use that no longer conforms to current zoning regulations (Correct answer)
- A use operating without any permit
- A use prohibited in all zoning districts
Correct answer: A legally established use that no longer conforms to current zoning regulations
A nonconforming use was legally established under prior regulations but does not conform to current zoning standards, and is typically allowed to continue with certain restrictions.
CMM Community Planning & Development 2
Which planning tool establishes the long-range vision and policy framework that guides all other local land use decisions?