American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a typical result of the establishment of historic districts?

1. Enhanced property values

2. Increased tourism

3. More stringent building codes

4. Expansion of urban areas

The correct answer is: Expansion of urban areas

The establishment of historic districts typically leads to several well-documented outcomes, such as enhanced property values, increased tourism, and more stringent building codes. However, the expansion of urban areas is not a typical result of creating historic districts. Historically, the purpose of designating a structure or area as a historic district is to preserve its cultural and architectural significance. This preservation often involves implementing regulations that protect the character of the district, which can result in increased property values as the area becomes more desirable and sought after. Such regulations can also attract tourism, as visitors may be drawn to the unique historical aspects of the district. Additionally, more stringent building codes are often put in place to ensure that any renovations or new constructions maintain the historic integrity and aesthetic of the area. In contrast, historic districts usually do not promote the expansion of urban areas. Instead, they tend to encourage the revitalization of existing structures and community preservation, which often leads to a more focused development approach. Consequently, this preservationist approach can actually limit urban sprawl, making the idea of expanding urban areas counterintuitive in the context of historic district establishment.