Who does the “AICP Code of Ethics” apply to? – Answer This
code applies to all certified planners. Violating the AICP Code
of Ethics can result in the loss of certification. The code also
includes the procedures for filing a complaint. Candidates
should understand how the AICP investigates and resolves
alleged violations. Note that in October 2009, there was an
amendment to the Code of Ethics with the addition of Part D.
Who does the “APA Code of Ethics” apply to? – Answer This
code applies to all planners and public officials involved in
planning.
Under the AICP code of ethics, what is the primary obligation of
a planner? – Answer to serve the public interest
“Under the AICP Code of Ethics, a planner’s primary obligation
is to serve the public interest. A planner’s responsibility to the
public interest includes which of the following?
(A) Having special concern for the long-range consequences of
present actions.
(B) Providing a citizens group with information not in the public
record.
(C) Allowing citizen groups to develop land use alternatives.
(D) Providing high-quality customer service.” – Answer The
answer is “A.” A planner is obligated to have special concern for
the long-range consequences of present actions. None of the
other responses are specifically included in the Code of Ethics.
“Which of the following is NOT considered to be a planner’s
primary obligation to serve the public interest under the AICP
Code of Ethics?
(A) Have special concern for long range consequences.
(B) A planner must exercise independent professional judgment
on behalf of clients and employers.
(C) Providing opportunities for meaningful citizen participation.
(D) Seek social justice by working to expand choice and
opportunity for all.” – Answer The answer is “B.” Exercising
independent judgment is part of the planner’s responsibility to
clients and employers, not to the public. Through memorization
of the code of ethics candidates would be able to quickly
determine the correct answer.
“A city planner reviewed the rezoning of a property for a 1,000-
unit planned unit development. In your staff report you
recommended against the approval of this project. The
developer approaches the planner and tries to recruit her to join
his firm to work on this multi-phase development. The planner
accepts a position with another city instead. However, this
position does not work out as expected and after working 13
months for the consulting firm, the planner decides to accept a
position with the development company working on the buildout
of the planned unit development. How would you describe the
planner’s action?
(A) Acceptable, eleven months is sufficient time.
(B) Acceptable, employment in the consulting firm
automatically absolved the planner from any involvement in the
project.
(C) Unacceptable, a planner must never accept employment with
a firm doing business in his/her own jurisdiction.
(D) Unacceptable, the planner should have waited until three
years after discontinuing employment.” – Answer The answer
is “D.” According to the AICP Code of Ethics a planner must
wait three years before engaging in work involving their
previous employer. The candidate needs to recall the code to
solve this question.
“The Planning Director is approached by a member of his staff
with a complaint of sexual harassment against another employee
in the department. What should the Planning Director do first?
(A) Review the Human Resource Procedures Manual section on
Sexual Harassment and follow the instructions.
(B) File a complaint with the AICP Commission.
(C) Call a staff meeting to discuss the issue.
(D) Talk to the employee to find out what happened.” – Answer
The answer is “A.” The director should begin by consulting the
city’s procedures manual. The AICP Code of Ethics does not
address sexual harrassment.
What are the four sections of the AICP Code of Ethics? –
Answer “Section A contains a statement of aspirational
principles that constitute the ideals to which we are committed.
We shall strive to act in accordance with our stated principles.
However, an allegation that we failed to achieve our aspirational