Urban Planning and Zoning Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of planning commissions and departments?

Issue building permits

Conduct zoning board hearings

Determine property tax rates

Create and administer a master plan (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code?

Define property ownership laws (correct)

Coordinate land development regulations

Execute environmental studies

Prepare and present a zoning ordinance

Which term refers to a type of zoning that allows for flexibility in property use?

Non-conforming use

Density

Special exception

Variance (correct)

Who has the authority to request the preparation of a zoning ordinance under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code?

Local legislative body Signup and view all the answers

What role does a zoning board of appeals serve?

Deciding appeals on zoning decisions Signup and view all the answers

What happens after a master plan is created by the planning commission?

It must be voted on by the local legislative body Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of creating a master plan?

Guiding future community development Signup and view all the answers

What is a common zoning aspect that the planning departments focus on?

Common zones within a municipality Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily valued in urban planning to enhance community living?

Open space and community facilities Signup and view all the answers

How is sprawl defined in urban planning?

Low-density, monofunctional, car-dependent communities Signup and view all the answers

What is one negative effect of urban sprawl mentioned in the content?

Longer commute times Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit associated with urban planning?

Increased individual car usage Signup and view all the answers

What type of growth does urban planning seek to promote?

Controlled growth with adequate infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What determines the kinds of structures allowed in a certain zone?

The zoning classification of the area Signup and view all the answers

How does upzoning affect residential density?

It typically allows for smaller building lots Signup and view all the answers

What is a negative consequence of inconsistent zoning application?

Discriminatory housing practices Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does zoning primarily control in terms of land usage?

The maximum height of structures in any area Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of downzoning?

Restricts the number of residents per area Signup and view all the answers

What do zoning regulations often require in dense areas?

Designated parking for residents Signup and view all the answers

Which component must a community establish before creating zoning regulations?

A master plan Signup and view all the answers

What might zoning regulations dictate regarding accessory buildings?

What types of additional structures can be built on a lot Signup and view all the answers

How can air rights impact a property owner’s land use?

They can be sold to increase property value Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the process of creating and enforcing zoning regulations?

Approval of the master plan Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible purpose of setbacks in zoning regulations?

To create privacy between buildings Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of lot coverage in zoning refer to?

The maximum square footage that can exist on a lot Signup and view all the answers

Who ultimately creates and interprets zoning regulations?

Local zoning boards and city councils Signup and view all the answers

What does density measure in zoning contexts?

The proportion of residential units per area Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of zoning fairness tests?

To ensure zoning regulations are applied fairly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a master plan?

To balance social, economic, environmental, and aesthetic needs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in a master plan according to the requirements mentioned?

A detailed financial budget for community projects Signup and view all the answers

What step follows the development of goals in the master plan process?

Reviewing the plan Signup and view all the answers

What consideration is made regarding growth patterns in creating a master plan?

Population increase and necessary infrastructure support Signup and view all the answers

Why is coordination between city and county plans crucial?

To prevent discrepancies in planning for the same space Signup and view all the answers

Which action is taken first after the planning commission finalizes a master plan?

Submission for approval to the county planning commission Signup and view all the answers

What is a common purpose of zoning regulations?

To sculpt the physical character of communities Signup and view all the answers

When must a governing body file an accepted master plan with the county?

No less than 30 days after acceptance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an optional element of a master plan?

An energy conservation plan Signup and view all the answers

What must happen at least 45 days after submitting a master plan?

Public hearings conducted for feedback Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is analyzed to identify housing stock in the master planning process?

Demographic and economic characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What should a master plan include regarding historical preservation?

A plan for the protection of natural and historic resources Signup and view all the answers

Which agency is responsible for preparing a comprehensive master plan?

A planning agency or commission Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main components of conducting public hearings?

Collecting feedback to make possible changes to the plan Signup and view all the answers

What overall goal do comprehensive plans aim to achieve according to the MPC?

Balanced community development and growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary condition that allows a nonconforming structure to continue operating under a legacy exception?

It must not cause safety or health hazards. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a nonconforming structure if a majority of it is damaged or burned?

It must be rebuilt according to the new zoning regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the gradual phase-out period specified by new zoning laws for a legacy exception?

Amortization period Signup and view all the answers

How does spot zoning differ from a variance?

Spot zoning changes the zoning classification only for a small parcel of land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a certificate of occupancy (CO)?

It allows the building to be sold or occupied. Signup and view all the answers

What can result from purchasing a building without a valid certificate of occupancy?

Legal complications with lenders Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for enforcing zoning ordinances in municipalities?

Zoning officers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason why illegal spot zoning is difficult to prove?

It often occurs without public knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

In general, what can cause a legal nonconforming use to become illegal?

Changes in local zoning code Signup and view all the answers

What is an important reason for having urban planning?

To make cities livable, healthy, and equitable Signup and view all the answers

Why might zoning officers not be able to interpret the zoning laws?

Their role is strictly to administer ordinances. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if building safety inspectors find a building in violation of codes?

The owner may face fines or legal charges. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the court system in zoning regulations?

To interpret and uphold zoning regulation disputes Signup and view all the answers

What should you never advise a client to do regarding property purchases?

Buy a property without a valid certificate of occupancy. Signup and view all the answers

Which term is preferred over 'grandfathering' due to its historical context?

Legacy exception Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of as-of right zoning?

To allow developments that meet zoning standards without extra approvals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes incentive zoning?

Relaxing certain zoning ordinances to encourage community-friendly developments Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes inclusionary zoning from standard zoning practices?

It encourages affordable housing through density bonuses Signup and view all the answers

Why does zoning need to be tailored to local municipalities?

Local needs can differ greatly from one municipality to another Signup and view all the answers

What is cluster zoning primarily designed to achieve?

Higher density housing concentrated in specific areas with green space Signup and view all the answers

How many different zones are available in Philadelphia according to the zoning schema?

Nineteen zones Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conservation land within zoning classifications?

To establish rules for areas with special environmental significance Signup and view all the answers

How does incentive zoning impact the landscape of urban development?

It incentivizes developers to create more parks and affordable housing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of historical districts in zoning?

They place limits on alterations of existing buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of open space zoning?

It is designated for recreational and natural use, like parks Signup and view all the answers

What may cause controversy surrounding as-of right zoning in large cities?

It allows significant developments without public hearings Signup and view all the answers

What zoning concept is primarily focused on aesthetic considerations?

Aesthetic zoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of inclusionary zoning for municipalities?

It creates mixed-income communities without financial burden to the city Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of cluster zoning?

Promotes more affordable housing by utilizing multi-unit structures Signup and view all the answers

How does cluster zoning impact community design?

It encourages green spaces alongside dense housing Signup and view all the answers

What does the term NIMBY refer to in urban planning?

Opposition to developments in one's local area Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with floating zoning?

Ensures all development is automatically approved Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes aesthetic zoning?

Requires uniform architectural styles within a development Signup and view all the answers

What is a common concern associated with cluster zoning?

Potential noise and traffic issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of buffer zones in zoning?

To separate industrial areas from residential spaces Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best aligns with the goals of cluster zoning?

Creating designated areas for high-density housing Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of being listed on the state or national historic register?

Access to tax credits for restorations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of historic districts?

To preserve buildings of historical and aesthetic significance Signup and view all the answers

How does cluster zoning aid in environmental conservation?

By leaving land uncultivated for wildlife and water reclamation Signup and view all the answers

What defines a floating zone in zoning practice?

A zone that can change based on a proposed project Signup and view all the answers

Which element is typically NOT a focus of communities using cluster zoning?

Exclusive use of single-family homes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential effect of NIMBY attitudes?

Opposition to projects that residents perceive as threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a buffer zone in urban planning?

To enhance the aesthetic appeal and utility of adjoining zones. Signup and view all the answers

Which body is responsible for hearing requests regarding zoning law interpretations?

Zoning Hearing Board Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of request that can be presented to the Zoning Hearing Board?

Application for a public hearing Signup and view all the answers

What must an applicant demonstrate to be granted a variance?

That there are unique physical circumstances affecting the property. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase best encapsulates the criteria for granting a variance?

Unnecessary hardship Signup and view all the answers

Which type of variance applies to physical characteristics of land?

Area variance Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a use variance?

It allows a use outside the designated zoning regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a special exception in zoning terms?

Uses specifically mentioned in the zoning ordinance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nonconforming use?

A property that operated under old zoning laws but is now prohibited. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can a nonconforming use continue?

If it was legally established before the zoning change. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions must be met for a variance to be granted?

It should be the maximum variance needed to address the issue. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical feature of the rules for granting variances according to the MPC?

Evidence of hardship must not be due to the conditions of the zoning ordinance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Zoning Hearing Board in relation to zoning ordinances?

To clarify and rectify issues within existing zoning ordinances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a variance and a special exception?

Special exceptions are explicitly defined within the zoning ordinance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Planning and Zoning in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC): A 1968 law empowering municipalities to manage land use, including creating planning commissions or departments (3-9 members, 4-year terms).

Master Plans

Purpose: Essential for zoning regulations, balancing social/economic needs with environmental/aesthetic concerns.
Development Process: Researching physical surveys, population data (age, demographics), infrastructure needs (roads, schools, utilities, green space), current housing stock, public transit availability, economic trends, growth patterns (population increase/decrease, optimal growth).
Components: Statement of community development objectives, land use plan, housing needs plan, movement/goods plan, community facilities/utilities plan, protection of natural/historic resources plan, water supply plan, interrelationships among plan elements, short/long-range strategies alignment with county/neighboring municipality plans.

Zoning

Purpose: Controls land use, lot size, building height, permitted structures, setback, density, parking, air rights, natural resource usage, public/infrastructure land, historical sites, accessory buildings, lot coverage.
Local Control: Created and enforced by local governments (city councils, zoning/planning commissions).
Zoning Regulations: Laws passed by local governments that regulate land use.
Zoning Hearing Boards (ZHB): Interpret/modify zoning regulations; grant variances.
Zoning Classifications: Residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, institutional, open space, conservation, recreational (vary municipality to municipality).

Zoning Concepts

As-of Right Zoning: Development permitted without special approval if it meets zoning standards.
Incentive Zoning: Relaxing zoning regulations for developments benefiting the community (density bonus for affordable housing).
Inclusionary Zoning: Bonus density for developers including affordable housing.
Cluster Zoning: Overall density determined for an area, allowing a mix of denser residences with significant green space.
Floating Zones: Flexible zones, activated when a development proposal meets specific criteria (e.g., mixed-use commercial/residential).
Aesthetic Zoning: New buildings must conform to a neighborhood's architectural style.
Historic Districts: Zones designated for protecting historically significant structures, with special guidelines for construction.
Buffer Zones: Separating different zoning districts.
Spot Zoning: Illegal rezoning of a small parcel for a use incompatible with the surrounding area; usually for benefit of the property owner.

Zoning Allowances

Variances: Permission to use a property in a way that violates zoning ordinances, granted by the ZHB for unusual circumstances.
Special Exceptions: Allowable uses outlined in zoning ordinances; granted if the request aligns with the criteria.
Nonconforming Use: Pre-existing use permitted to continue but may not expand, if it doesn't create safety/health hazards.

Zoning Enforcement

Building Permits: Required for any new construction; plans must comply with zoning regulations/building codes.
Certificates of Occupancy: Issued following inspections, allowing use/sale of completed buildings; match to actual construction essential.
Building Safety Inspectors: Enforce building, fire, and safety codes.
Zoning Officers: Administer zoning ordinances, do not interpret them or grant variances.
Court System: Final enforcement body.

Urban Planning

Importance: Improves the livability, health, affordability, and equity of cities.
Goals:
More green space
Community facilities
Recreation
Sidewalks
Bike lanes
Walkable communities
Waterfront access
Affordable housing
Public transportation
Sprawl: Low-density, car-dependent communities; inefficient and detrimental to the environment.

Zoning in relation to master plan

A master plan establishes priorities, and then specific zoning regulations are created to implement the plan.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of planning commissions, zoning laws, and urban planning strategies. This quiz covers key concepts such as master plans, zoning ordinances, and the impact of urban sprawl. Perfect for anyone interested in city planning and development.