American Planning Association Exam AICP Topic 3 Question 72 Discussion

Actual exam question for American Planning Association's AICP exam

Question #: 72
Topic #: 3

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 Taryn at Apr 14, 2024, 12:53 AM

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Lino

6 months ago

Regardless of the cause, we must uphold the ordinance to maintain order in the community.

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Odelia

6 months ago

But wouldn't it be better to allow this banner since it's for a good cause?

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Casey

6 months ago

I agree, we must follow the regulations even if it's for a charity event.

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Jina

6 months ago

We can't just ignore the banner because of the cause, rules are rules.

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Terrilyn

6 months ago

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

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Arlette

7 months ago

I saw the banner for the charity event on the main street.

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Glen

7 months ago

We need to follow the regulations to ensure fairness and consistency in enforcement.

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Frederic

7 months ago

But what about the families in need? Shouldn't that take priority?

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Fletcher

7 months ago

I think we should take down the banner. The ordinance was put in place for a reason.

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Glen

7 months ago

I understand the importance of the event, but rules are rules.

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Frederic

7 months ago

Yeah, I saw that too. It's for a good cause, but it's against the new sign ordinance.

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Glen

7 months ago

I saw the banner for the charity event on the main street.

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Annabelle

8 months ago

Haha, you know, this reminds me of that time the town council tried to ban bake sales because they were 'unfair competition' for local bakeries. What a mess that was! I hope we can find a better solution here.

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Lorrine

8 months ago

Hmm, that's an interesting idea. As long as it's within the bounds of the ordinance, I think that could work. We don't want to shut down a worthy cause, but we also can't just ignore the rules we're supposed to enforce.

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Barbra

8 months ago

But what if there's a way to compromise? Maybe we could work with the community group to find an alternative that still gets the message out without violating the law. That would be the best of both worlds.

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Sunny

8 months ago

Yeah, I agree. As much as I want to support the charity event, we have to be fair and consistent in applying the rules. It wouldn't be right to give this group a free pass when the ordinance applies to everyone.

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Margo

8 months ago

I hear you, but I think we have to stick to the rules. Even if it's for a good cause, ignoring the ordinance sets a bad precedent. We can't just pick and choose which laws to follow based on our personal opinions.

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Kiley

8 months ago

I think this question is a bit tricky. On one hand, the new sign ordinance is clear and we're supposed to enforce it. But on the other hand, this banner is for a good cause that's going to help a lot of people in need. I'm conflicted.

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Tawna

7 months ago

User 2

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Anisha

7 months ago

User 1

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