American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is the function of an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)?

1. To provide flood control measures

2. To control urbanization and designate land for development

3. To promote agricultural extensions outside cities

4. To enhance local business investments

The correct answer is: To control urbanization and designate land for development

The function of an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is primarily to control urbanization and designate land for development. UGBs are established to create a clear demarcation between urban and rural land uses. By limiting the area where urban development can occur, they help to preserve open space, limit sprawl, and encourage more efficient use of land within the designated urban area. This boundary encourages compact, sustainable growth by ensuring that resources and infrastructure are not spread too thinly over a large area. It can also promote the revitalization of existing urban spaces by making them more appealing and accessible. Overall, by establishing this type of boundary, cities can manage growth effectively, maintain a balance between development and the preservation of natural and agricultural areas, and support environmental sustainability. The other choices are related but do not capture the primary purpose of a UGB as effectively as the selected answer. Flood control measures are important for urban planning but are not specifically a function of UGBs. While promoting agricultural extensions outside cities and enhancing local business investments can be positive outcomes of managing growth, they are not the main function of establishing an Urban Growth Boundary.