American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Municipal requirements that licenses and permits be required before conducting certain activities is considered an exercise of?

1. Comprehensive planning.

2. Police power.

3. Eminent domain.

4. Environmental protection.

The correct answer is: Police power.

The requirement for licenses and permits before engaging in specific activities reflects the exercise of police power. Police power refers to the authority of local governments to enact laws and regulations to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the public. This authority allows municipalities to require licenses for activities that could impact public safety or welfare, such as construction, land use, and business operations. By mandating licenses and permits, municipalities ensure that individuals and businesses comply with zoning laws, building codes, public safety standards, and other regulations designed to protect the community. This mechanism serves as a way for local governments to control and manage land use, which is critical in maintaining order and safety in urban environments. The other options relate to different concepts. Comprehensive planning involves the broader process of preparing long-term strategies for land use and community development. Eminent domain refers to the government’s ability to acquire private property for public use, typically with compensation. Environmental protection pertains to laws and regulations designed to safeguard the environment, but it does not inherently encompass the broader regulatory framework of licenses and permits that ensure community compliance and safety.