American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which of the following examples of "Growth Management" techniques is considered the MOST effective?

1. Requiring imminent development before annexation

2. Denying development until necessary infrastructure is installed

3. Limiting the number of building permits based on desired population growth

4. Encouraging mixed-use development

The correct answer is: Limiting the number of building permits based on desired population growth

The most effective growth management technique among the options provided is limiting the number of building permits based on desired population growth. This approach directly connects the rate of development with the community's strategic vision for growth, ensuring that new construction aligns with the capacity of existing resources and infrastructure. By controlling the quantity of development through building permits, communities can better manage not just the physical expansion but also the impacts on local services, housing markets, and overall quality of life. This technique allows planners to take a proactive stance in shaping growth patterns. It can prevent overdevelopment in areas where services may be strained or where community character could be altered negatively. This approach can help maintain a balance between development and the community's long-term sustainability goals, creating a more orderly and predictable pattern of growth. Other techniques may have some effectiveness, but they may not provide the same level of direct control and alignment with community objectives. For example, requiring imminent development before annexation depends heavily on the readiness of developers and may not effectively curtail unwanted growth. Denying development until infrastructure is installed can introduce delays and may not reflect community desires for growth. Encouraging mixed-use development can create vibrant communities but doesn't necessarily limit overall growth or ensure that it happens in alignment with community planning goals. Thus,