American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the role of the Planning Commission in site reviews?

1. Conducts reviews of residential zoning applications

2. Coordinates environmental assessments

3. Approves all new infrastructure projects

4. Reviews compliance with zoning regulations

The correct answer is: Reviews compliance with zoning regulations

The role of the Planning Commission in site reviews primarily centers around ensuring that proposed developments comply with existing zoning regulations. This includes evaluating how well a project aligns with existing zoning laws related to land use, density, building height, and other conditions established for specific areas. The Planning Commission serves as a crucial advisory body to local governments, assessing site plans and making recommendations that ensure adherence to these regulations. In performing site reviews, the Planning Commission must consider how a project fits within the community's comprehensive plan, which outlines the desired development patterns and land use strategies. This compliance review process is essential for maintaining orderly development, protecting community character, and ensuring that land use aligns with broader planning goals. While the other choices encompass important planning activities, they do not capture the primary focus of the Planning Commission during site reviews. Conducting reviews of zoning applications and coordinating environmental assessments are tasks that may involve the Planning Commission but are not specifically about compliance as defined in this context. Approving all new infrastructure projects is typically outside the Planning Commission's purview, which generally does not have the authority to approve projects but rather reviews them for recommendation to the legislative body.