Site Planning and Design Flashcards

What is the purpose of a zoning setback requirement?

Answer: To establish minimum distances between buildings and property lines

Setbacks mandate minimum distances from property lines to building walls, ensuring light, air, fire access, and visual separation between structures.

Which term describes the ratio of a building's total floor area to the area of its site?

Answer: Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

FAR is calculated by dividing total gross floor area by total site area and is a key zoning tool for controlling development density.

In site grading, what does a 2% minimum slope away from a building foundation accomplish?

Answer: Directs surface water away from the structure to prevent basement infiltration

A positive drainage slope of at least 2% away from foundations ensures surface water drains away rather than pooling against foundation walls.

What is a floodplain, and why is it significant in site design?

Answer: Land subject to periodic flooding; building in it requires elevated floors and FEMA compliance

Floodplains are areas subject to inundation during flood events; FEMA regulations and local codes restrict development and require elevated construction within them.

Which ADA requirement governs the maximum running slope of an accessible parking access aisle?

Answer: 2% maximum slope in any direction

ADA Standards require accessible parking spaces and their access aisles to have slopes no greater than 1:48 (approximately 2%) in any direction.

What is the primary environmental purpose of a bioswale in site design?

Answer: To filter and slow stormwater runoff using vegetation and soil

Bioswales use graded channels with vegetation and engineered soil to filter pollutants and reduce stormwater runoff velocity before it enters the storm system.