CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

Soil absorption and drainage are measured by a _________

• land survey

• density test

• plat of subdivision

• percolation test

Answer explanation

The answer is percolation test.

The purpose of a percolation test is to measure soil absorption or drainage capacity. Percolation tests are often used to determine whether the soil being tested will support a septic system.

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

Public land-use controls include all of the following EXCEPT

• comprehensive plans

• deed restrictions

• subdivision regulations

• environmental protection laws

Answer explanation

The answer is deed restrictions.

Deed restrictions are private restrictions created by property owners at the time they convey the ownership.

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

Which of the following would probably NOT be included in a list of deed restrictions?

• Minimum size of buildings to be constructed

• Types of buildings that may be constructed

• Allowable ethnic origins of purchasers

• Activities that are not to be conducted at the site

Answer explanation

The answer is allowable ethnic origins of the purchasers.

Restrictions on the right to sell, mortgage, or convey property based on ethnic origins limit the basic right of free alienation of property and are therefore unenforceable.

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

When a subdivision was developed, a deed restriction covering all the properties in the subdivision set aside the back six feet of each parcel as a combination green belt area and bicycle path. One homeowner plans to convert the back one-half of her yard into an organic garden. What, if anything, can her neighbors do?

• Nothing, because individual homeowners have no authority in this matter.

• Share in the profits from her garden.

• Go to court in an attempt to obtain injunctive relief.

• Force homeowner to sell her property.

Answer explanation

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

To determine whether a location can be put to future use as a retail store, one would examine the _________.

• zoning ordinances

• building codes

• housing codes

• list of permitted nonconforming uses

Answer explanation

The answer is zoning ordinances.

Zoning ordinances divide land use into residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural classifications, with further subclasses under each major classification. The permissible use of a particular location would require a review of the municipal zoning ordinances.

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

An individual is in the business of buying large tracts of land and then reselling them to consumers in small tracts. This person is a ________.

• real estate broker

• subdivider

• engineer

• developer

Answer explanation

The answer is subdivider.

A subdivider is a person who buys undeveloped acreage and divides it into smaller lots for sale to individuals or developers, or keeps the land for the subdivider's own use. A developer (who may also be a subdivider) improves the land by building streets and constructing homes or other buildings on the lots.

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

Where are permitted land uses and set-asides, housing projections, transportation issues, and objectives for implementing future controlled development found?

• Land-control laws

• Zoning ordinances

• Enabling acts

• Comprehensive plans

Answer explanation

The answer is comprehensive plans.

A comprehensive plan sets forth the development goals and objectives for the community. Existing citizens and developers are aware of the permitted land uses, housing projections, transportation issues, and objectives for implementing future controlled development.

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

In a new subdivision, what entity is usually responsible for providing streets, curbs, and sidewalks?

• The municipality

• The developer

• The property owners who benefit from the sidewalks and curbs

• The state

Answer explanation

The answer is the developer.

Generally, the developer is responsible for installing streets within a subdivision (known as onsite improvements), and the municipality is responsible for offsite improvements.

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

Zoning hearing boards are established to hear complaints about

• building codes

• restrictive covenants

• the effects of public ownership

• the effects of a zoning ordinance

Answer explanation

The answer is the effects of a zoning ordinance.

Zoning hearing boards are municipal bodies for the specific purpose of hearing about the effects of zoning ordinances on specific parcels of property.

CH2 - Land-Use Controls and Property Development

The purpose of a building permit is to ________.

• provide evidence of compliance with municipal construction regulations

• show compliance with deed restrictions

• maintain municipal control over the volume of the building

• override a deed restriction

Answer explanation

The answer is to provide evidence of compliance with municipal construction regulations.

Building permits allow municipal officials to verify compliance with building codes and other ordinances that apply to the construction, renovation, or repair of buildings.