Land Use & ZoningIntermediateCalifornia Exam

What is a 'planned development permit' (PDP) in California?

AA permit for any construction project, as typically applied by local planning authorities, under standard California zoning and land use law, consistent with municipal planning practice

BA discretionary approval process allowing flexible development standards for a project in exchange for providing public benefits or design excellenceCorrect

CA permit required for any building over 3 stories, consistent with standard land use regulation, under standard California zoning and land use law, consistent with municipal planning practice

DA permit for temporary construction activities, per standard municipal zoning practice, under standard California zoning and land use law, consistent with municipal planning practice

Why A discretionary approval process allowing flexible development standards for a project in exchange for providing public benefits or design excellence Is Correct

Answer B: A discretionary approval process allowing flexible development standards for a project in exchange for providing public benefits or design excellence

A planned development permit (or planned unit development approval) allows flexibility in zoning standards (setbacks, heights, densities) in exchange for high-quality design and public benefits. It provides the local government with discretionary review and the developer with design flexibility.

Key Land Use & Zoning Terms in This Question

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

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Key Terms to Know

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

Eminent Domain

The power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.

1031 Exchange

A tax-deferred exchange allowing investors to sell one investment property and reinvest proceeds in a like-kind property while deferring capital gains taxes.

Variance

Official permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.

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