CA Real Estate Land Use Controls and Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which government power allows a local municipality to regulate land use through zoning ordinances?
- Eminent domain
- Police power (Correct answer)
- Taxation
- Escheat
Correct answer: Police power
Police power gives government the authority to enact zoning laws and regulations to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Question 2: What is a variance in the context of zoning law?
- A change to the zoning classification of a property
- An exception to a zoning requirement granted to a specific property (Correct answer)
- A court order overturning a zoning law
- A penalty for violating a zoning ordinance
Correct answer: An exception to a zoning requirement granted to a specific property
A variance is an official exception granted to a property owner to deviate from specific zoning requirements.
Question 3: What term describes a use of land that was legally established but does not conform to current zoning requirements?
- Conditional use
- Variance
- Nonconforming use (Correct answer)
- Spot zoning
Correct answer: Nonconforming use
A nonconforming use is a legally existing land use that predates and does not comply with current zoning regulations.
Question 4: Which document is typically used to legally subdivide land in California?
- Grant deed
- Subdivision map (Correct answer)
- Quitclaim deed
- Deed of trust
Correct answer: Subdivision map
A subdivision map (tract or parcel map) is recorded with the county to legally divide land into separate parcels.
Question 5: A conditional use permit (CUP) allows:
- Any use regardless of zoning
- Specific uses that require review due to their potential impact (Correct answer)
- Permanent exemptions from all zoning rules
- Commercial use in residential zones without conditions
Correct answer: Specific uses that require review due to their potential impact
A CUP allows uses that may be compatible with a zone but need case-by-case review to manage potential impacts.
Question 6: Which California environmental law requires an environmental impact report (EIR) for significant government-approved projects?
- RESPA
- CEQA (Correct answer)
- FIRREA
- TILA
Correct answer: CEQA
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires assessment of environmental impacts before approving significant projects.
CA Real Estate Land Use Controls and Regulations 1
Which government power allows a local municipality to regulate land use through zoning ordinances?