American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which city was the first to officially adopt a comprehensive plan linking zoning and planning?

1. Cincinnati

2. Columbus

3. Cleveland

4. Akron

The correct answer is: Cincinnati

The correct answer is Cincinnati, as it holds the distinction of being the first city in the United States to officially adopt a comprehensive plan that integrated zoning with planning in 1925. This pioneering move recognized the importance of coordinated efforts between land use regulations and broader planning strategies to effectively manage urban development and address various community needs. Cincinnati's comprehensive plan served as a model for other cities, highlighting the potential benefits of aligning zoning practices with long-range planning principles. By doing so, it aimed to create a more organized and functional urban environment, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to urban management and development at the time. The other cities listed, while they may have made significant contributions to urban planning and zoning in their own rights, did not achieve the same level of historical recognition at the outset in terms of officially linking zoning and planning comprehensively as Cincinnati did. This context underscores the significance of Cincinnati's pioneering efforts in the evolution of urban planning practices in the United States.