American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the year when the nation's first comprehensive zoning resolution was adopted by New York City?

1. 1914

2. 1915

3. 1916

4. 1917

The correct answer is: 1916

The year when New York City adopted the nation's first comprehensive zoning resolution was 1916. This groundbreaking legislation established a formal framework for land use regulation, aiming to control the growth and organization of the city through designated zones for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The introduction of this zoning resolution was a response to rapid urbanization and the accompanying challenges of density, health, and social order in the early 20th century. New York City's zoning resolution set a precedent for similar laws across the United States, influencing urban planning practices nationwide and contributing to the evolution of land use planning as a professional discipline. It reflected concerns about the negative impacts of unregulated growth, such as overcrowding and misuse of urban space, promoting a vision for orderly development and enhancing the quality of urban life. Understanding the significance of this year is vital for grasping the history and evolution of zoning laws and urban planning as a whole.