American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is a variance in land use planning?

1. A ruling that cancels existing zoning laws

2. A process to add a built addition to a structure

3. An emergency measure to change zoning quickly

4. A method of taxation based on property size

The correct answer is: A process to add a built addition to a structure

The concept of a variance in land use planning refers specifically to a legal mechanism that allows property owners to deviate from the set zoning regulations for their land under certain circumstances. This often occurs when a property owner faces unique challenges or hardships related to their property that prevent them from fully complying with the local zoning requirements. In this context, option B accurately captures the essence of a variance by highlighting its role in allowing property owners to add to their existing structures or make modifications that would otherwise not be permitted under standard zoning laws. For example, if a homeowner wants to build an addition but the zoning regulations limit the size or height of structures in that area, they might seek a variance to allow for that addition. While the other options present various aspects of land use regulation, they do not accurately define what a variance is. A variance does not cancel existing zoning laws; instead, it provides a specific exemption to those laws. It isn’t an emergency measure for rapid zoning changes nor is it related to taxation based on property size. Each of these aspects serves different purposes within the realm of land use planning but does not encompass the definition of a variance.