Land Use, Controls, and Regulations - QUIZ
What is the purpose of a private deed restriction? A) To control the use of a property for a maximum of 25 years B) To control the zoning of the property in the future C) To control ownership of property in the future D) To control permitted uses of the property
Correct Answer: D Private deed restrictions, such as type of fences, roofs, etc., do control permitted uses of the property.
Which of the following would be the BEST example of a buffer zone? A) An agricultural property between multi-family dwellings and a commercial property B) A single-family property between two commercial properties C) A single-family property between a multi-family dwelling and a commercial property D) A park between a high-rise apartment building and an industrial area
Correct Answer: D A buffer zone is primarily to separate residential property from commercial property; therefore, a park between an apartment and industrial use is the best answer.
If all factors regarding zoning, supply, demand, etc., were the same, for what type of property would a parking lot be the most valuable? A) A property zoned for a 2-story apartment building B) A property zoned for a house C) A property zoned for a 3-story warehouse D) A property zoned for a 6-story office building
Correct Answer: D A parking lot would be most valuable for a 6-story office building because of the density of people that would use the building, thus requiring parking.
What is the purpose of zoning regulations? A) To allow for taxation on real estate B) To allow the government to take private property for public good C) To determine the type of construction materials that can be used in a certain area D) To implement the master land plan
Correct Answer: D The master land plan is a plan for a city's future growth. The master land plan lays out areas for residential, commercial, etc., which is why there are zoning regulations to make sure this comes to reality.
Where would one look to find out what type of structure is allowed to be built on a certain piece of ground? A) Title policy B) Plat map C) Abstract D) Zoning ordinances
Correct Answer: D Zoning ordinances stipulate what type of properties may be built on each piece of land.
A person dies with no valid will and no heirs. The state government could claim ownership of this property through what government right? A) Eminent domain B) Taxation C) Escheat D) Police power
Correct Answer: C Escheat is when the government takes ownership of property when a person dies with no will and no heirs (abandonment).
What kind of value does the government use in raising money for operations? A) Appreciated value B) Depreciated value C) Assessed value D) Original purchase price
Correct Answer: C An assessed value is used in applying a tax rate and raising money for the government.
Private land uses are normally dictated by: A) Title insurance B) Appraisers C) Private deed covenants D) Judges
Correct Answer: C Deed restrictions or covenants are placed by private parties (normally developers) dictating uses of the property, e.g., certain types of roofs and fences.
The right of the government to keep things in order and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the general public is called: A) taxation B) escheat C) police power D) eminent domain
Correct Answer: C Police power allows the government to keep things in order, e.g., zoning ordinances and building codes.
The authority the government has to require that all buildings for human living have restrooms is called: A) eminent domain B) taxation C) police power D) escheat
Correct Answer: C Police power is where the government keeps things in order; e.g., zoning ordinances and building codes - restrooms would fall under this.
Mr. X bought a house in an area that restricted fences. He then bought a dog and began constructing a fence. What remedies do the neighbors have? A) Eminent domain B) Police power C) File a private suit in court D) Building code enforcement
Correct Answer: C The neighbors can sue based on a violation of the deed restrictions.
The purpose of laws allowing for the state to take property through escheat is to: A) allow the property to be purchased cheaply by the state B) provide for more public land C) prevent land from becoming ownerless D) allow for the assessment of taxes
Correct Answer: C When one dies with no will and no heirs (in essence, abandons the property), the land will have no one claiming ownership and become wasted. Therefore, the state will take ownership and then sell to a new owner, thus ensuring continued use of the land.
A developer would like to restrict the usage of the land in a particular development. He would do this through a: A) Covenant in the deed B) City restriction C) Deed of trust D) Mortgage
Correct Answer: A A deed covenant or deed restriction is used by private parties to restrict certain land uses, such as certain types of fences.
Which would be the best example of a buffer zone? A) Garden apartments between a residential area and shopping center B) A warehouse between two office parks C) An office park between two residential properties D) A residential property between two office parks
Correct Answer: A A buffer zone separates two incompatible areas - an apartment complex between residential and commercial does just that.
A city wanted to take land as the space was needed to install a cloverleaf, allowing easier access to an interstate highway. The owner of the property refused to sell to the city. As a result of this, the city started the process of acquiring the property against the owner's wishes. This process is referred to as: A) condemnation B) eminent domain C) escheat D) police power
Correct Answer: A Condemnation is the PROCESS used to take private property for the public good.
The government telling people how to use their property in order to protect the public would be an example of: A) police power B) taxation C) escheat D) eminent domain
Correct Answer: A Police power deals with keeping things in order, such as zoning laws.
A deed restriction would apply to the: A) Current owner only B) Present and future owners C) Original developer D) Homes association
Correct Answer: B A deed restriction is recorded on the public record and is binding on all current and future owners.
Improvements that benefit certain properties where only those improved property owners pay for the improvements are normally paid through a: A) general assessment tax B) special assessment tax C) one time charge to the owners D) bond issue
Correct Answer: B A special assessment tax pays for improvements (sewers, sidewalks) that benefit certain properties.
A person builds a building without a building permit. What is the worst thing that could happen in this situation? A) The city would give the person an after the fact building permit B) The city would make the person tear the building down C) The city would make the person bring the building up to city code D) The person could apply for a variance
Correct Answer: B As the person built without a permit, the worst thing that could happen would be for the city to make the them tear the building down.
What is the purpose of a master plan? A) To ensure safety in construction B) To guide in the future development of cities C) To give developers a way to make subdivisions uniform D) To allow cities a way to acquire private property in the future if needed
Correct Answer: B A master plan is a plan for the cities future growth.
A six-unit apartment complex in an area that is zoned R-1 for single family residential property only would be an example of a: A) variance B) non-conforming use C) building code D) master land plan
Correct Answer: B A non-conforming use is where a property is used for something before a zoning change and is allowed to continue. Here, the six-unit apartment complex must have been there before the zoning for R-1 was put into place.
Which of the following would be true regarding special assessment taxes? A) These are also called ad valorem taxes B) If not paid, the property could be sold at a foreclosure sale C) They are paid one time at closing D) They are generally for the good of the entire community in raising money for police and fire protection
Correct Answer: B A special assessment tax is a real estate tax and if not paid, the property could be auctioned off.
Six miles of curbs and gutters were installed to improve the properties in a certain area. The properties that were improved would most likely pay for the improvements through a: A) benevolent city fund B) special assessment tax C) general assessment tax D) improvements tax
Correct Answer: B A special assessment tax is assessed on properties to pay for things such as sewers, sidewalks and gutters.
A person owns a property in an improvement district. An assessment roll has been confirmed for that area. The owner is in the process of selling the property. A buyer should be informed that: A) there will be future rezoning of the property B) this property will be subject to a special assessment tax C) building codes on this property will be stricter in the future D) the general assessment taxes will be higher in the future
Correct Answer: B A special assessment tax is for improvements that affect certain properties. Here, in an improvement district, the assessment roll means that a special assessment tax will be levied against the property.