American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Discover strategies to excel in the AICP Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Gain confidence and readiness for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


In the context of zoning, what does NIMBY stand for?

  1. Not In My Backyard

  2. Neighborhood Improvement Model

  3. National Infrastructure Management Board

  4. New Initiative for My Block

The correct answer is: Not In My Backyard

NIMBY stands for "Not In My Backyard," which is a term commonly used in urban planning and zoning discussions. It refers to the phenomenon where residents oppose certain developments, projects, or facilities in their immediate neighborhood, despite acknowledging the necessity or benefits these might have for the broader community. This sentiment often arises when proposed developments may impact property values, local landscapes, or community aesthetics, leading residents to advocate for changes or oppose such projects when they could be beneficial to society as a whole, such as affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, or environmental facilities. Understanding this term is essential for planners as it highlights the tension between community needs and individual interests, essential for addressing public opposition effectively in the planning process. The other options relate to concepts or organizations that are not directly applicable to the context of zoning. "Neighborhood Improvement Model" and "National Infrastructure Management Board" might imply initiatives or frameworks but do not capture the essence of community opposition that NIMBY embodies. Similarly, "New Initiative for My Block" suggests a localized effort but does not align with the common usage of NIMBY in planning discourse.