American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which growth management technique would likely be used to reduce development density?

1. Building permit caps

2. Subdivision phasing

3. Large lot zoning

4. Building permit moratorium

The correct answer is: Large lot zoning

Large lot zoning is a growth management technique that effectively reduces development density by requiring larger minimum lot sizes for new developments. This approach limits the number of housing units or structures that can be built in a given area, thereby controlling the overall density of development. When larger lots are mandated, it naturally leads to a more dispersed pattern of development, which can help preserve open space, maintain rural character, and reduce the strain on infrastructure and public services. In contrast, building permit caps are typically aimed at controlling the total number of new constructions over a specific period, which does not inherently change the density of existing developments but limits growth in a different manner. Subdivision phasing involves timing and sequencing the development of land, which can manage growth but does not directly address lot size and density. A building permit moratorium temporarily halts all forms of new construction, serving as a short-term measure that does not encourage reduced density over the long term. Overall, large lot zoning stands out as the technique that directly and effectively reduces the density of development by establishing larger minimum parcel sizes.