Site Planning and Design Flashcards

What is a 'view corridor' in urban planning and site design?

Answer: A protected sightline to a landmark or natural feature regulated by local ordinance

View corridors are legally protected sightlines—often toward mountains, waterfronts, or historic landmarks—that restrict building height or placement to preserve the view.

Which site element most directly affects a building's passive solar heating potential?

Answer: Building orientation relative to true south

Orienting the building's long axis and primary glazing toward true south maximizes solar gain in winter and allows effective shading in summer for passive solar design.

Under ADA, what is the maximum cross slope permitted on an accessible route?

Answer: 1:48 (approximately 2%)

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design limit cross slopes on accessible routes to 1:48 to prevent wheelchair users from being pushed sideways by the slope.

What does LEED credit 'SS Credit: Rainwater Management' encourage?

Answer: Reducing stormwater runoff volume and improving water quality through on-site management

This LEED credit rewards projects that manage rainwater on-site to replicate natural hydrology, using strategies like bioswales, permeable paving, and retention features.

A 'heat island effect' in urban areas is primarily caused by what?

Answer: Dark impervious surfaces and lack of vegetation absorbing and retaining solar heat

Dark roofs, asphalt paving, and limited vegetation absorb solar radiation and re-emit it as heat, raising urban temperatures above surrounding rural areas.

What is the function of a grading plan in construction documents?

Answer: To show proposed finished elevations, slopes, and drainage patterns for the site

A grading plan uses spot elevations and contour lines to communicate the intended finished grade, directing stormwater flow and establishing building pad elevations.