Plan and Policy Development 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 Plan and Policy Development flashcards as text
Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which document is required for federal actions that may significantly affect the environment?
Answer: Environmental impact statement (EIS)
A full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required when a proposed federal action is determined to significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
The 'adequate public facilities' (APF) ordinance concept is designed to:
Answer: Ensure infrastructure capacity exists before approving new development
APF ordinances (also called concurrency requirements) condition development approval on demonstration that roads, schools, water, and sewer can serve the new demand.
Which planning framework organizes policy goals into a hierarchy of vision, goals, objectives, and actions?
Answer: VGOA framework
The Vision-Goals-Objectives-Actions (VGOA) framework organizes plans from broad aspirational vision statements down to specific measurable actions.
A 'transit-oriented development' (TOD) policy primarily aims to:
Answer: Concentrate higher-density mixed-use development near transit stations to reduce auto dependence
TOD policies promote higher-density, mixed-use development within walking distance of transit stops to increase ridership and reduce automobile dependence.
When evaluating alternative land use scenarios in a general plan update, planners most commonly use which tool to model traffic impacts?
Answer: Travel demand model
Travel demand models simulate how changes in land use patterns affect trip generation, distribution, and assignment on the roadway network.
The 'precautionary principle' in planning policy suggests that when facing uncertainty about potential harms, decision-makers should:
Answer: Take protective action even in the absence of complete scientific proof
The precautionary principle holds that lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to postpone protective measures when serious harm is plausible.
Which type of regional plan specifically addresses the allocation of housing units among jurisdictions to meet projected population growth?
Answer: Regional housing needs assessment (RHNA)
The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process allocates each jurisdiction's 'fair share' of regional housing growth across all income levels.