Architecture and Design Site Planning and Urban Design

Question 1

What does 'FAR' (Floor Area Ratio) measure in zoning regulations?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of total building floor area to the area of the site

Answer

The ratio of building height to street width

Answer

The percentage of a site covered by impervious surfaces

Answer

The front yard setback as a ratio of lot depth

Question 2

What is a 'setback' in site planning?

Accepted Answer

The required minimum distance between a building and a property line

Answer

The allowable building height above grade

Answer

The grade change across a site

Answer

The distance a parking lot must be from the street

Question 3

The 'urban heat island effect' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas due to paved surfaces and buildings

Answer

Increased solar radiation in urban areas due to air pollution

Answer

The thermal mass effect of masonry buildings

Answer

Increased wind speeds between tall buildings

Question 4

In site grading, a '2% minimum slope away from the building' is required primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Direct surface water away from the foundation

Answer

Provide accessible routes for pedestrians

Answer

Meet zoning requirements for lot coverage

Answer

Accommodate underground utility placement

Question 5

What does 'lot coverage' mean in zoning?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of the lot area that can be covered by buildings and structures

Answer

The maximum FAR allowed on a site

Answer

The ratio of parking spaces to building floor area

Answer

The maximum impervious surface area including all paving

Question 6

The 'five-minute walk' (roughly 1/4 mile) is used in urban design as a standard for:

Accepted Answer

Comfortable pedestrian catchment area for transit stops and neighborhood amenities

Answer

Maximum parking lot travel distance

Answer

Block length in grid street systems

Answer

Bicycle infrastructure spacing