BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Site Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which slope range (percent) is typically considered ideal for passive recreational lawns in site planning?
- 1–5% (Correct answer)
- 8–15%
- 16–25%
- Over 25%
Correct answer: 1–5%
Slopes of 1–5% provide good drainage while remaining comfortable and safe for passive recreation and lawn maintenance.
Question 2: A 'cut-and-fill' operation in grading design means:
- Removing all vegetation before grading
- Balancing excavated soil with soil needed for fill on the same site (Correct answer)
- Importing topsoil from off-site sources
- Compacting subgrade with heavy machinery
Correct answer: Balancing excavated soil with soil needed for fill on the same site
Cut-and-fill balances earthwork by using excavated material as fill elsewhere on site, minimizing import or export of soil.
Question 3: Which document establishes setback requirements, maximum lot coverage, and height limits for a given parcel?
- Topographic survey
- Zoning ordinance (Correct answer)
- NEPA environmental impact statement
- Subdivision plat
Correct answer: Zoning ordinance
Zoning ordinances regulate land use by specifying setbacks, coverage, height, and use categories for each zoning district.
Question 4: In site hydrology, 'time of concentration' refers to:
- The time water spends in detention storage
- The time for runoff to travel from the most remote point to the outlet (Correct answer)
- The peak discharge interval after a storm event
- The delay between rainfall and groundwater recharge
Correct answer: The time for runoff to travel from the most remote point to the outlet
Time of concentration is the travel time of stormwater from the hydraulically most remote point in a watershed to the design outlet.
Question 5: A solar envelope in site planning defines:
- The maximum building height that avoids shading neighboring properties during critical hours (Correct answer)
- The angle of solar panels required for optimal energy collection
- The setback required from southern property lines
- The heat island boundary around an urban site
Correct answer: The maximum building height that avoids shading neighboring properties during critical hours
A solar envelope is a three-dimensional boundary defining the largest structure that will not cast shadows on adjacent properties during specified hours.
Question 6: Which ADA requirement applies to accessible parking spaces adjacent to a building entrance?
- Maximum 5% cross slope and 2% running slope
- 8-foot width with 5-foot access aisle for van spaces
- Maximum 2% slope in all directions (Correct answer)
- 1 accessible space per every 25 total spaces minimum
Correct answer: Maximum 2% slope in all directions
ADA standards require accessible parking spaces and their access aisles to have a maximum slope of 1:48 (approximately 2%) in any direction.
Question 7: A 'riparian buffer' in site planning primarily functions to:
- Provide pedestrian access along waterways
- Filter pollutants and stabilize streambanks between developed land and a water body (Correct answer)
- Define the 100-year floodplain boundary
- Store stormwater runoff during peak rainfall events
Correct answer: Filter pollutants and stabilize streambanks between developed land and a water body
Riparian buffers are vegetated strips along waterways that intercept runoff, filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and protect aquatic habitat.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Site Planning 2
Which slope range (percent) is typically considered ideal for passive recreational lawns in site planning?