American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Why are public infrastructures typically not extended beyond the urban growth boundary?

1. To limit urban growth

2. To reduce government spending

3. To increase rural development

4. To create more residential zones

The correct answer is: To limit urban growth

Public infrastructures are typically not extended beyond the urban growth boundary primarily to limit urban growth. Urban growth boundaries (UGBs) are established as a land use planning tool aimed at containing urban sprawl and promoting more efficient use of land within designated areas. By restricting the availability of public infrastructure beyond these boundaries, such as water, roads, and sewage systems, planners can discourage the spread of urban development into rural or undeveloped areas. This approach helps to protect farmland, natural resources, and wildlife habitats while encouraging higher density and mixed-use developments within the urban core. It also supports sustainable urban development principals, ensuring that growth is managed in a way that allows communities to maintain services and infrastructure effectively without straining resources. While reducing government spending is a factor as extending infrastructure can be costly, the fundamental intention of not extending beyond the urban growth boundary is primarily about controlling and limiting urban expansion. Similarly, increasing rural development and creating more residential zones would contradict the purpose of UGBs, which aim to focus growth within the boundary rather than extending it outward.