American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which growth management technique would likely protect water supplies while land within the watershed is being acquired for watershed protection?

1. Building permit caps

2. Subdivision phasing

3. Large lot zoning

4. Building permit moratorium

The correct answer is: Building permit moratorium

The building permit moratorium is a technique that pauses new construction activities for a defined period. This approach is particularly effective for protecting water supplies because it allows time for the acquisition of land within the watershed, which is critical for safeguarding these resources. By halting new development, the moratorium reduces immediate pressures on water systems, minimizes potential pollutants from construction, and provides planners with the opportunity to strategize land acquisition efforts without the threat of ongoing development. This technique is essential when addressing urgent environmental concerns, as it ensures that water supplies are not compromised while solutions are implemented. During a moratorium, planners can focus on identifying vital areas of land that need protection and securing funding or easements necessary for conservation. In contrast, the other techniques, such as building permit caps, subdivision phasing, and large lot zoning, may not provide the level of immediate protection needed for water supply sanctity. Permit caps can limit development but may still allow some development to continue, potentially leading to adverse impacts. Subdivision phasing slows development over time but does not outright prevent it, and large lot zoning encourages low-density development that may still affect water resources. Thus, while each of these has its merits, a building permit moratorium is uniquely suited for prioritizing the preservation