American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What major zoning legislation was issued in the United States in 1924?

1. Standard State Zoning Enabling Act

2. Zoning and Planning Act

3. Comprehensive Zoning Framework

4. National Zoning Legislation

The correct answer is: Standard State Zoning Enabling Act

The correct answer is the Standard State Zoning Enabling Act, which was a pivotal piece of legislation in the context of urban planning and zoning in the United States. Enacted in 1924, this act served as a model for states to develop their own zoning laws by providing a framework for local governments to regulate land use. This legislation recognized the growing need for managing urban growth and development, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape of the early 20th century. It empowered municipalities to create zoning ordinances that could help control land use, protect property rights, and foster orderly development within communities. The Standard State Zoning Enabling Act established fundamental zoning principles, including the principles of land use regulation, which have influenced zoning practices to this day. Its adoption by many states solidified the legal foundation for zoning in the U.S., making it a cornerstone of land use planning. The other options do not accurately represent key zoning legislation from that period. The Zoning and Planning Act, Comprehensive Zoning Framework, and National Zoning Legislation do not correspond to significant legislative acts from 1924 and are not recognized frameworks in the same historical context as the Standard State Zoning Enabling Act.