American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

In Tahoe-Sierra Preservation Council, Inc. et al. v. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, what action was being challenged by property owners?

1. Approval of new development plans

2. Denial of existing property rights

3. Implementation of moratoria on development

4. Increased property tax assessments

The correct answer is: Implementation of moratoria on development

In the case of Tahoe-Sierra Preservation Council, Inc. et al. v. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the property owners were challenging the implementation of moratoria on development. The central issue revolved around temporary restrictions placed on development in the Tahoe Region to protect its environment and manage growth. Moratoria are often enacted by planning agencies to halt development for a certain period while further assessments and regulations are considered. In this case, the property owners argued that these moratoria effectively deprived them of their right to develop their land, leading to claims about the loss of property rights and economic harm. This decision was significant in understanding how government actions concerning land use planning can intersect with private property rights. The ruling underscored the delicate balance between environmental protections and private property interests. By focusing specifically on the moratoria, the case highlighted the legal complexities involved when government agencies impose temporary restrictions that affect property owners' abilities to utilize their land as they see fit.