Fundamental Planning Knowledge Flashcards
7 cards from real AICP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fundamental Planning Knowledge flashcards as text
Which type of plan focuses specifically on preparing a community for natural disasters and hazard events?
Answer: Hazard mitigation plan
A hazard mitigation plan, required under the Stafford Act to qualify for FEMA pre-disaster mitigation grants, identifies risks and strategies to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters.
What does the term 'placemaking' primarily refer to in contemporary planning practice?
Answer: A collaborative process to strengthen the connection between people and the places they share
Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to planning and design that capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential to create public spaces that promote health, happiness, and wellbeing.
In housing policy, what does 'inclusionary zoning' require?
Answer: Residential developers must include a percentage of affordable units in market-rate projects
Inclusionary zoning mandates or incentivizes private developers to set aside a percentage of units in new residential projects at below-market rates for low- or moderate-income households.
What is the primary function of a 'specific plan' under California planning law (and similar instruments in other states)?
Answer: To provide detailed development regulations and infrastructure plans for a defined geographic area
A specific plan provides detailed development regulations, design guidelines, and infrastructure plans for a particular area, bridging the gap between the general plan and individual project approvals.
The 'pedestrian shed' concept used in New Urbanism and TOD planning typically defines an area within:
Answer: A quarter-mile to half-mile walking distance, or roughly a 5-10 minute walk
The pedestrian shed (also called the walkshed) defines the area within a comfortable walking distance—typically a quarter to half mile—from a transit stop or neighborhood center.
Which technique do planners use to estimate the fiscal impact of a proposed development on local government revenues and expenditures?
Answer: Fiscal impact analysis
A fiscal impact analysis estimates the net effect of a proposed development on local government revenues (taxes, fees) versus the cost of public services required to serve the development.
What is the 'adequate public facilities' (APF) ordinance approach to managing growth?
Answer: Conditioning development approvals on the availability of sufficient infrastructure capacity to serve the project
APF ordinances (also called concurrency requirements) withhold development approvals until planners can demonstrate that roads, schools, water, and sewer systems have enough capacity to serve the proposed development.