NCARB Site Planning and Design

Question 1

What is the purpose of a zoning setback requirement?

Accepted Answer

To establish minimum distances between buildings and property lines

Answer

To limit building height

Answer

To define permitted land uses

Answer

To control parking ratios

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Answer

Site Coverage

Answer

Building Footprint

Answer

Lot Coverage Ratio

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Directs surface water away from the structure to prevent basement infiltration

Answer

Creates accessible ramps per ADA

Answer

Defines the limit of disturbance boundary

Answer

Establishes the finished floor elevation

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

A decorative water feature on a site

Answer

The low point of a site's drainage system

Answer

An area reserved for stormwater retention

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

2% maximum slope in any direction

Answer

5% running slope with 2% cross slope

Answer

8.33% maximum slope

Answer

No slope requirement for aisles

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

To filter and slow stormwater runoff using vegetation and soil

Answer

To provide irrigation water storage

Answer

To mark property boundaries with landscaping

Answer

To create wildlife habitat only