AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners AICP Code of Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

An AICP certified planner is employed by a county and owns a significant amount of stock in a real estate development corporation. The corporation submits a major subdivision application to the county. According to the AICP Code of Ethics, what is the planner's most critical responsibility in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Provide a full written disclosure of the conflict to their employer and recuse themselves from working on the project.

Answer

Rule of Conduct #5 states that a planner must not accept an assignment where they have a financial interest unless they make a full written disclosure to their employer and receive written permission to proceed. The safest and most ethical course of action is disclosure and recusal to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Question 2

According to the Aspirational Principles in Section A of the AICP Code of Ethics, a planner's primary obligation is to serve the:

Accepted Answer

public interest.

Answer

Section A of the AICP Code of Ethics explicitly states, 'Our primary obligation is to serve the public interest and we, therefore, owe our allegiance to a conscientiously attained concept of the public interest that is formulated through continuous and open debate.' While planners have responsibilities to clients, employers, and the profession, the duty to the public interest is paramount.

Question 3

A planner working for a private consulting firm is hired by a community group to oppose a proposed landfill. Three years prior, the same planner was employed by a different firm and worked on a technical report for a client that supported the landfill's siting. Which action must the planner take before accepting the new assignment?

Accepted Answer

The planner must determine in good faith that the new position will not harm the previous client and obtain written permission from the new client after full disclosure.

Answer

Rule of Conduct #4 addresses advocating a position on an issue that is adverse to a previous client's position within the last three years. The planner must (1) determine in good faith that the change of position will not cause detriment to the previous client, and (2) make a full written disclosure to the current client and get their written permission to proceed.

Question 4

Which of the following actions is explicitly identified as a violation of the AICP Rules of Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Using the threat of filing an ethics charge to gain an advantage in dealings with another planner.

Answer

Rule of Conduct #23 explicitly states, 'We shall not use the threat of filing an ethics charge in order to gain, or attempt to gain, an advantage in dealings with another planner.' The other options are either not violations (failing to meet an aspirational principle is not subject to disciplinary action) or are encouraged behaviors (pro bono work and sharing knowledge).

Question 5

A city planner is part of a team negotiating the purchase of a property for a new public library. During a closed session, the city's maximum offer price is discussed. Later, a real estate agent friend asks the planner for information about the city's plans for that property. According to the AICP Code of Ethics, how should the planner respond?

Accepted Answer

Provide a general overview without revealing the specific maximum offer.

Answer

Rule of Conduct #7 states, 'We shall not use to our own personal advantage, nor that of a subsequent client or employer, information gained in a professional relationship that the client or employer has requested be held inviolate or that we should recognize as confidential because its disclosure could result in embarrassment or other detriment to the client or employer.' The city's negotiation strategy is confidential, and disclosing it would be a violation.

AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners Practice Test

AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners Practice Test

AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners AICP Code of Ethics Questions and Answers