New York Real Estate Salesperson ExaminationLand Use Controls and RegulationsHard
A small town is experiencing rapid population growth, leading to increased traffic congestion and strain on public services. The town's planning board decides to implement a moratorium on new residential construction permits for a temporary period to allow infrastructure to catch up and to update its master plan. This action is an example of which type of land use control?
- AExclusionary Zoning
- BInclusionary Zoning
- CGrowth Moratorium
- DIncentive Zoning
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Growth Moratorium
A growth moratorium is a temporary prohibition on development, typically imposed by local governments to allow time for infrastructure to catch up with growth, for planning boards to update comprehensive plans, or to address specific environmental or public health concerns.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Exclusionary zoning uses zoning regulations (e.g., large lot sizes) to restrict affordable housing and exclude certain populations, which is often illegal.
- B. Inclusionary zoning requires or encourages developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new developments.
- D. Incentive zoning offers developers bonuses (e.g., increased density) in exchange for providing public benefits (e.g., affordable housing, open space).
Growth Moratorium
A temporary ban or suspension on the issuance of building permits or new development approvals, typically enacted by local governments to manage rapid growth or address infrastructure deficits.
- Temporary in nature.
- Allows time for planning, infrastructure upgrades, or problem resolution.
- Must be reasonable in duration and scope to be legal.
Memory trick: A 'Moratorium' puts a 'stop' to growth, while 'Incentive' and 'Inclusionary' zoning guide it.