NCARB Project-Planning-Design Exam - Topic 1 Question 11 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCARB's Project-Planning-Design exam

Question #: 11
Topic #: 1

[All Project-Planning-Design Questions]

The zoning approval process may involve obtaining which of the following? Check the four that apply.

AVariance

BBuilding permit

CGrading permit

DConditional use

ESpecial exception

FUndue hardship exemption

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A, C, D, E

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Zoning approval can involve:

Variance (A): Permission to deviate from zoning requirements.

Grading permit (C): Approves site grading related to zoning.

Conditional use (D): Allows use under specific conditions.

Special exception (E): Permits uses not normally allowed but granted under certain circumstances.

Building permits (B) are separate from zoning.

Undue hardship exemption (F) is legal but not typically a zoning approval term.

ARE 5.0 PPD -- Codes and Regulations, Zoning

The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition -- Land Use Controls

by Arlen at Mar 02, 2026, 08:58 AM

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Rex

15 days ago

Grading permit? Not always required.

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Beula

20 days ago

Building permit is a must too!

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Audrie

25 days ago

Definitely need a variance and conditional use.

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Mitzie

1 month ago

Grading permit is a must for any construction, right?

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Kimbery

1 month ago

I agree with A, D, E, but not so sure about F.

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Edison

1 month ago

Wait, can you really get a variance for anything?

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Jesus

2 months ago

I think B and C are also important.

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Maurine

2 months ago

Definitely A, D, E, and F!

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Alonzo

2 months ago

I’m pretty confident about the special exception, but I can't recall if building permits are part of the zoning process.

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Sommer

2 months ago

I feel like grading permits are more related to construction than zoning, but I could be wrong.

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Paris

2 months ago

I remember practicing a question that mentioned conditional use permits, so I think that one might be correct too.

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Nenita

2 months ago

I think a variance is definitely one of the options, but I'm not sure about the others.

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