CMO Land Use Planning & Zoning 3

Question 1

The concept of 'smart growth' in land use planning emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Compact, transit-oriented, mixed-use development that minimizes sprawl and preserves open space

Answer

Maximizing low-density sprawl to reduce land costs

Answer

Restricting all new development to previously developed urban cores only

Answer

Prioritizing single-family residential development over all other uses

Question 2

Form-based zoning codes differ from conventional use-based zoning codes primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Regulating the physical form and design of buildings and public spaces rather than primarily separating land uses

Answer

Eliminating all design standards to reduce regulatory burden

Answer

Focusing exclusively on industrial and commercial districts

Answer

Replacing the comprehensive plan with parcel-specific agreements

Question 3

A Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district uses which revenue mechanism to fund public improvements?

Accepted Answer

The incremental increase in property tax revenue generated after a base year, diverted to fund redevelopment costs

Answer

New taxes levied only on businesses within the district

Answer

Federal grants distributed through the state to local redevelopment agencies

Answer

Special assessments billed directly to property owners in the district

Question 4

Under the Fair Housing Act, a municipality's zoning decisions may not be based on:

Accepted Answer

Discriminatory intent or disparate impact related to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status

Answer

Stormwater management requirements

Answer

Parking demand ratios

Answer

Traffic level-of-service standards

Question 5

An 'agricultural preservation district' or 'agricultural zoning' is primarily designed to:

Accepted Answer

Protect farmland from incompatible development and keep land in agricultural production

Answer

Increase the tax base by attracting agri-businesses to the municipality

Answer

Mandate that all municipalities maintain a minimum number of working farms

Answer

Allow residential development on land adjacent to active farms

Question 6

Which of the following is a key difference between a rezoning and a variance?

Accepted Answer

A rezoning changes the zoning classification of a parcel; a variance provides relief from specific standards without changing the classification

Answer

A rezoning is granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals; a variance is granted by the city council

Answer

A variance permanently changes the zoning map; a rezoning is only temporary

Answer

Both are identical processes but apply to different geographic areas

Question 7

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a land use strategy that concentrates higher-density, mixed-use development:

Accepted Answer

Within walking distance of transit stations or stops to maximize ridership and reduce auto dependence

Answer

Along major highway interchanges to reduce traffic on local roads

Answer

In the geographic center of a municipality regardless of transit access

Answer

Only on publicly owned land adjacent to bus or rail facilities