An Investor Who Wanted to Build a Duplex Asked the City

question 120

Multiple Choice

An investor who wanted to build a duplex asked the city zoning officer whether Lot A of Plan 16, known as 1 Street, was zoned for a single-family house or a duplex. The zoning officer was distracted by a news report on the radio and accidentally gave the investor a printed copy of the zoning for the wrong lot that said "duplex," although 1 Street was only zoned for single-family houses. After the investor began building a duplex, the city stopped him for building contrary to the zoning by-laws. He lost $50,000. On these facts (assume all can be proven) , which of the following is true?

• A) A person can only be sued for actions that cause physical injury.
• B) The cause of action most likely to be taken by the investor in this case is "deceit."
• C) The zoning officer can be sued even though the investor did not have a contract with him (i.e., he didn't pay for the information).
• D) The employer of the zoning officer could not be sued since the employer did no wrong.
• E) The zoning officer could not be sued successfully since he had no intention of hurting anyone; his error was just an accident.

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Definitions:

Four Inches Long

A measure of length equivalent to approximately 10.16 centimeters.

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Integumentary System

The largest organ system by surface area, comprising skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands and their products (sweat and mucus). It distinguishes, separates, and protects. The name derives from the Latin integumentum, which means “a covering.”

Vomiting

The forceful expulsion of the contents of one's stomach through the mouth, often a symptom of illness or distress.