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.
