American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Growth management tools influence all aspects of growth EXCEPT?

1. Types of commercial development

2. Timing

3. Density

4. Cost of growth

The correct answer is: Types of commercial development

Growth management tools are designed to regulate and manage the pace, location, and nature of development within a community. They typically focus on controlling the timing of development projects, densities of housing or commercial areas, and the overall costs associated with growth, such as infrastructure investment and service provision. The correct answer highlights that growth management tools do not inherently dictate the types of commercial development. While these tools may influence where certain types of developments are permitted or incentivized, they do not directly determine what specific commercial enterprises will arise in a given area. Instead, the types of commercial development are largely influenced by market demand, the entrepreneurial landscape, consumer preferences, and other socio-economic factors outside the purview of growth management methods. On the other hand, timing is crucial in ensuring that growth aligns with infrastructure capacity. Density refers to how many units may be developed in a given area, guided by zoning and planning regulations. The cost of growth involves how much new development will financially burden existing systems and services, also shaped by growth management strategies. Each of these elements is directly influenced by growth management practices, which aim to create a sustainable and orderly development pattern.