Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of an ordinance in the context of local government and floodplains?

1. To enforce educational programs

2. To regulate development through laws

3. To provide financial assistance

4. To designate wildlife reserves

The correct answer is: To regulate development through laws

An ordinance in the context of local government and floodplains serves the purpose of regulating development through laws. This option is correct because ordinances in local governments are used to specify regulations and laws that guide land use and development in a particular area. Floodplains are areas that are prone to flooding and are therefore governed by ordinances to ensure that development does not negatively impact the area or increase the risk of flooding. The other options, such as enforcing educational programs, providing financial assistance, and designating wildlife reserves, do not directly relate to the purpose of ordinances in regulating development and land use in floodplains. Enforcing educational programs may help in raising awareness about floodplains and how development should be managed, but it is not the primary purpose of an ordinance. Similarly, providing financial assistance and designating wildlife reserves may be actions taken by local governments, but they are not specific to the function of