American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of Urban Growth Boundaries (UGB)?

1. To define land that is permanently protected from development

2. To identify when and where land is available for development based on projected growth

3. To facilitate agricultural expansion in urban areas

4. To restrict all growth within city limits

The correct answer is: To identify when and where land is available for development based on projected growth

Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) serve a critical role in urban planning by identifying when and where land is available for development, based on projected growth. This concept is rooted in managing urban sprawl—essentially acting as a delineation between urban areas and the surrounding rural or undeveloped regions. By establishing these boundaries, planners can encourage more concentrated and efficient use of land within the defined area, while simultaneously providing a framework for future development decisions that align with population growth forecasts. Implementing UGBs helps promote sustainable growth by directing investment, infrastructure development, and public services to areas within the boundaries, thereby minimizing the environmental impact and preserving open spaces or agricultural lands outside of these limits. It's also a tool for improving urban density, facilitating better public transit options, and enhancing community resources and amenities. Other options may suggest useful concepts but do not fully capture the overarching purpose of UGBs. While the option referring to permanently protected land involves an element of conservation, it does not convey the UGB's focus on growth management. Additionally, facilitating agricultural expansion is not an active purpose of UGBs, even though they indirectly help preserve agricultural lands by containing urban expansion. The suggestion to restrict all growth within city limits misrepresents the objective of U