American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which component of the General Plan establishes land use goals and policies?

1. Land Use Element

2. Planning Framework

3. Zoning Ordinance

4. Development Code

The correct answer is: Land Use Element

The Land Use Element of the General Plan is the component specifically designed to establish land use goals and policies. This element provides a comprehensive framework for managing future development and land use decisions within a community. It outlines the vision for how land should be utilized, addressing issues such as residential, commercial, industrial, and open space uses. The goals and policies set forth in the Land Use Element serve as a guiding document for zoning decisions, guiding the allocation of land resources to align with the community’s objectives and growth strategies. By integrating the community's values and vision, this element plays a crucial role in shaping land use patterns and ensuring that development aligns with broader objectives such as sustainability, economic growth, and quality of life. In contrast, the Planning Framework typically embodies the overall strategies for how the various elements of the plan work together, while the Zoning Ordinance translates policies from the General Plan into specific zoning districts and regulations. The Development Code provides the regulatory tools for implementing the framework and zoning but does not specifically focus on establishing land use goals. Each of these other components supports the land use decisions but does not directly establish the goals and policies themselves as the Land Use Element does.