QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | HIGH-YIELD EXAM PREP | PRACTICE TEST &
STUDY GUIDE | CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS | UPDATED VERSION
1. Why is it important for a property owner to prove that their property has been
used in a certain way prior to the adoption of a zoning ordinance?
It indicates that the property is more valuable than other properties in
the area.
This proof establishes a legal basis for the nonconforming use,
allowing the owner to continue the use despite zoning restrictions.
It shows that the zoning laws are outdated and need to be revised.
It allows the owner to bypass all zoning regulations entirely.
2. Describe how a restrictive covenant can impact property development.
A restrictive covenant can impose limitations on how a property can
be developed or used, affecting the owner's ability to make
changes.
A restrictive covenant has no impact on property development.
A restrictive covenant is only applicable to commercial properties.
A restrictive covenant allows for complete freedom in property
development.
3. What is the purpose of zoning regulations?
To increase property values
To prevent construction in certain areas
To regulate parking requirements
To establish the permitted uses of real estate
,4. If a local government decides to acquire a piece of land for a new public
park, which legal process would they likely initiate?
Deed restriction enforcement
Variance application
Condemnation
Zoning approval
5. What is the primary factor that determines which restriction applies when
both a deed restriction and a zoning provision are in place?
It must be litigated in court.
Zoning always prevails.
The more limiting restriction will prevail.
Local law comes second to state law.
6. If a new owner acquires property with deed restrictions, the restrictions...
are binding on the new owner
are not binding on the new owner
can be changed only by a neighborhood association
can be terminated by mutual agreement
7. Describe the purpose of special assessments in the context of community
improvements.
Special assessments are general taxes for state funding.
Special assessments are penalties for zoning violations.
Special assessments are fees for property maintenance.
, Special assessments are taxes levied to fund specific local
improvements that benefit the properties in the area.
8. If a neighborhood experiences a sudden increase in demand for rental units,
how might this affect the enforcement of zoning laws regarding
nonconforming uses?
Local authorities may become more lenient in granting permits for
nonconforming uses to address the housing shortage.
Zoning laws will be strictly enforced to prevent any changes in land
use.
All nonconforming uses will be automatically legalized without any
permits.
The neighborhood will be required to revert to previous zoning
regulations.
9. The developer of an exclusive subdivision placed a restriction in the deeds
requiring 250 feet of road frontage for each building lot. The town building
code requires only 100 feet. One property owner obtains permits to construct
two houses on his 250 foot lot. His neighbor can:
Act only before he has obtained certificates of occupancy
Do nothing because he complied with all town regulations
Ask the court to order one house torn down
Enforce their rights by calling the police
10. What legal principle does the doctrine of laches embody?
The doctrine of laches allows for the immediate enforcement of all
legal claims.
, The doctrine of laches is a method for zoning boards to expedite
land-use decisions.
The doctrine of laches refers to the principle that a legal right or
claim may be barred if a party delays in asserting it.
The doctrine of laches pertains to the rights of property owners in
eminent domain cases.
11. What is a specific type of private land-use control mentioned in the context
of New York regulations?
Building codes
Eminent domain
Zoning laws
Deed restrictions
12. Describe the significance of assessed value in the context of property
taxation.
Assessed value reflects the market price of the property during a
sale.
Assessed value is the value of the property after renovations.
Assessed value determines the amount of property tax a property
owner must pay based on the value assigned by the local
government.
Assessed value is the price a buyer is willing to pay for the property.
13. Eminent domain is a process whereby a local government can
evict a tenant from an apartment for unpaid rent