AICP Exam Dumps - American Institute of Certified Planners Exam

The landmark caseVillage of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co.(1926) upheld comprehensive zoning as a constitutional exercise of police power to protect public welfare, establishing zoning’s legal foundation in the U.S. Option C (The Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co.) is correct. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” states, “Euclid v. Ambler(1926) validated comprehensive zoning as a constitutional exercise of power.” Option A (Kelo, 2005) dealt with eminent domain. Option B (Mount Laurel, 1975) addressed exclusionary zoning. Option D (Penn Central, 1978) focused on historic preservation. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Euclid v. Ambleris the landmark case affirming zoning’s constitutionality,” supporting option C.

Euclidean zoning, named after the 1926 caseVillage of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co., organizes land uses into distinct districts (e.g., residential, commercial) based on the Land Use Plan, a core element of the Comprehensive Plan that designates future land use patterns. Option D (Land Use Plan) is correct. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Euclidean zoning districts are directly based on the Land Use Plan, which outlines the intended use of land within a jurisdiction.” Option A (Capital Improvements Plan) deals with infrastructure funding. Option B (Major Street Plan) focuses on transportation. Option C (Community Facilities Plan) addresses public services. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Euclidean zoning aligns with the Land Use Plan to regulate land use distribution,” supporting option D.

Building community consensus for neighborhood planning starts with a clear foundation. Option B (determining the purpose and objectives of the process) is the first step, as it sets the goals and scope, ensuring all subsequent steps align with community needs. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” states, “The consensus-building process begins by determining the purpose and objectives to guide community engagement.” Option A (developing options) comes after defining objectives. Options C (preparing agendas) and D (communication strategy) are later steps once the purpose is clear. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “The first step in community consensus for planning is to define the purpose and objectives of the process,” supporting option B.

Effective public hearings balance the need for public input with the practicality of managing time and staying focused. Option C (timeframes for individual speakers to address the subject) ensures fairness, keeps the hearing on topic, and allows more people to speak. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” states, “Effective public hearings establish time limits for speakers to ensure equitable participation and focus on the hearing’s subject.” Option A (unlimited time) leads to inefficiencies and may exclude other speakers. Option B (address all issues) risks derailing the hearing’s purpose. Option D (open discussion timeframe) may lead to chaos and is not a standard practice. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Public hearings should set timeframes for speakers to address the specific subject, ensuring fairness and focus,” supporting option C.

Subdivision regulations govern the division of land into lots, focusing on infrastructure and layout. Option II (protection against flooding and erosion) is a key concern, as regulations require proper site design to mitigate these risks (e.g., stormwater management). Option III (consistency with public facilities) ensures that new subdivisions align with infrastructure like roads and utilities. Option I (design of buildings) is typically regulated by building codes, not subdivision regulations. The APA’s AICP Certification Exam Content Outline (2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Subdivision regulations address site layout, including flood protection and alignment with public facilities, but not building design.” The CPC Study Manual (2024) confirms, “Subdivision regulations focus on flood and erosion control and ensuring infrastructure compatibility, not building design,” supporting option C (II and III only).

The Opportunity Zone program, created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, offers tax incentives to spur investment in distressed areas but can lead to gentrification and displacement of existing residents (option A). The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” notes, “A potential disadvantage of Opportunity Zones is displacement due to gentrification, as new investments increase property values.” Option B (tax stagnation) is not a typical outcome, as the program generates revenue. Option C (increased economic development) is a goal, not a disadvantage. Option D (reduced standards) is not a primary concern. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Opportunity Zones can lead to displacement as investments drive up costs, pushing out low-income residents,” supporting option A.

The Federal Housing Act of 1954 expanded urban renewal efforts, providing funding forcommunity planning studies (I) and blight removal (II), and creating the Urban Renewal Administration (III) to oversee these programs. The Federal Housing Administration (IV) was established earlier, in 1934, under the National Housing Act. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” states, “The 1954 Housing Act included funding for planning studies, blight removal, and created the Urban Renewal Administration, but the FHA predates this act.” Options I, II, and III are correct, making option D the answer. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “The 1954 Act funded planning studies, blight removal, and established the Urban Renewal Administration, but not the FHA,” supporting option D.

Design guidelines for an urban district provide a framework to ensure consistent, high-quality development that aligns with the community’s vision. Option C (establish structure for later project reviews) is the primary purpose, as guidelines set clear criteria for evaluating future projects, ensuring they meet aesthetic, functional, and community goals. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Design guidelines should establish a structured framework for reviewing projects to ensure consistency with urban design objectives.” Option A (private actions only) and B (public actions only) are incorrect, as guidelines typically apply to both. Option D (avoiding performance criteria) is incorrect, as guidelines often include both performance and specific standards to balance flexibility and clarity. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Design guidelines provide a structured basis for project reviews, ensuring alignment with district goals,” supporting option C.