CPL Land Use Planning & Zoning 3

Question 1

A 'conditional use permit' (CUP) in land use planning is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Permission granted when a use is not listed in the zoning ordinance but meets specific criteria after review

Answer

A CUP allows uses that may be compatible with a zone under certain conditions, subject to public review and approval by a planning commission or board.

Question 2

The legal doctrine that prohibits a local government from using zoning to effectively prevent all economically viable use of a property is known as:

Accepted Answer

Regulatory taking

Answer

A regulatory taking occurs when a government regulation goes so far as to deprive a landowner of all economically beneficial use, requiring compensation under the Fifth Amendment.

Question 3

Which federal law requires federal agencies to prepare environmental impact statements for major federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment, including certain land use decisions?

Accepted Answer

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Answer

NEPA mandates environmental review, including EIS preparation, for major federal actions, which can include federal land leasing and permitting decisions affecting oil and gas development.

Question 4

A municipality enacts a zoning ordinance that singles out one specific parcel for a restrictive classification inconsistent with surrounding parcels. This practice is called:

Accepted Answer

Spot zoning

Answer

Spot zoning applies a zoning classification to a single parcel that differs from surrounding land without a rational basis, which courts often find invalid.

Question 5

In a Planned Unit Development (PUD), land use regulations typically:

Accepted Answer

Allow flexible mixing of uses and densities in exchange for public benefits or design standards

Answer

PUDs allow developers and municipalities to negotiate a customized mix of uses, densities, and design standards, offering flexibility not available under conventional zoning.

(CPL) Certified Professional Landman Practice Test

(CPL) Certified Professional Landman Practice Test

CPL Land Use Planning & Zoning 3