American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which regulatory agency typically conducts a site plan review for a public high school?

1. Planning Commission

2. Zoning Board of Appeals

3. State Planning Office

4. School District

The correct answer is: State Planning Office

In the context of site plan reviews for public high schools, the state planning office is generally responsible for ensuring that school facilities comply with state laws and regulations. This includes evaluating the proposed site plan to ensure it meets safety standards, land use regulations, and educational objectives outlined by the state. The state planning office's involvement is crucial, especially in matters that may pertain to larger regional planning initiatives, funding allocations, and educational standards that align with state policy. When considering the other options, the planning commission typically handles site plans as part of its general role in community development and zoning regulations. However, they often coordinate with state planning offices for larger projects like public schools, making their primary focus more localized than that of a state agency. The zoning board of appeals usually deals with specific variations or exceptions to zoning laws rather than the full review of site plans, which limits its role in this context. The school district itself may have an interest in the site plan and may even prepare it, but the regulatory review conducted by the state planning office ensures that all broader state regulations are adhered to. This differentiation highlights the essential role of the state planning office in the overall process of school site approval.