American Planning Association Exam AICP Topic 1 Question 77 Discussion

Actual exam question for American Planning Association's AICP exam

Question #: 77
Topic #: 1

Scenario

You are a planner in a community with a new sign ordinance that prohibits banners from being strung across the road. The ordinance was adopted in response to several unattractive advertising banners that had frequently been strung across local roads and often become entangled with electrical wires. On your way to work one morning, you see that a community group has strung a banner across the main street that advertises an upcoming charity event that will generate thousands of dollars for needy families. You know that the money is greatly needed and that local officials and residents support the event. What might be your first reaction?

ASee the solution below
Whatever your sympathies, you do not have the luxury of ignoring the banner. Ignoring the banner because it is for a cause that you personally support and because you personally argue that it is more important for outcomes to be fair than for processes to be fair.

BSee the solution below
Whatever your sympathies, you do not have the luxury of ignoring the banner. Ignoring the banner because it is for a cause that you personally support and because you personally argue that it is more important for outcomes to be fair than for processes to be fair, is an option because a planner must obey regulations.

CSee the solution below
Whatever your sympathies, you do not have the luxury of ignoring the banner. Ignoring the banner because it is for a cause that you personally support and because you personally argue that it is more important for outcomes to be fair than for processes to be fair, is NOT an option because a planner must obey regulations.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

by Annabelle at May 28, 2024, 08:15 PM

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Colton

5 months ago

Oof, talk about a rock and a hard place. I feel for the planner in this situation - on the one hand, you've got the do-gooders trying to raise money for a good cause, and on the other, you've got the pesky sign ordinance. Personally, I'd just show up to the charity event in a gorilla suit and pass the hat around. That way, everyone's happy!

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Henriette

4 months ago

A) I agree, it's a tough situation to be in. Following the regulations is important, even if it means disappointing some people.

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Veda

4 months ago

C) Ignoring the banner because it is for a cause that you personally support and because you personally argue that it is more important for outcomes to be fair than for processes to be fair, is NOT an option because a planner must obey regulations.

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Justine

5 months ago

B) Ignoring the banner because it is for a cause that you personally support and because you personally argue that it is more important for outcomes to be fair than for processes to be fair, is an option because a planner must obey regulations.

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Nickolas

5 months ago

A) Whatever your sympathies, you do not have the luxury of ignoring the banner. Ignoring the banner because it is for a cause that you personally support and because you personally argue that it is more important for outcomes to be fair than for processes to be fair.

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Nicolette

5 months ago

This is a classic case of 'rules are rules, even if they suck.' I get that the community group is trying to do something awesome, but as a planner, I gotta enforce the sign ordinance. Maybe they could, I don't know, get a really long ladder and hang the banner from a building instead? Just spitballing here.

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Sheridan

5 months ago

Ah, the age-old dilemma of process versus outcomes. As a planner, I'd have to go with option C and not ignore the banner. I mean, sure, the cause is great, but if I start bending the rules for one group, where does it end? Might as well become a professional banner-stringer at that point!

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Miriam

5 months ago

Hmm, this is a tricky situation. I can understand the desire to support the charity event, but as a planner, I have to follow the sign ordinance. I mean, I don't want to be the one responsible for an electrical wire incident, you know? Gotta keep those roads clear and safe.

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Theron

5 months ago

Safety first, we can't risk any accidents with those banners.

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Edmond

5 months ago

We have to follow the sign ordinance, even if it's for a good cause.

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Ashlee

6 months ago

I think we should report it. Rules are rules, even if it's for a good cause.

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Allene

6 months ago

Should we report it or let it slide because it's for charity?

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Ashlee

6 months ago

I know, it's for a good cause but the ordinance prohibits banners across the road.

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Ira

6 months ago

Wow, this is a tough one. As a planner, I have to enforce the regulations, even if it's for a good cause. But I feel for the community group - they're trying to do something great for those in need. Ignoring the banner is definitely not an option, though. Gotta play by the rules, even if it's a bummer.

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