Architecture and Design Site Planning and Urban Design

Question 1

What does 'FAR' (Floor Area Ratio) measure in zoning regulations?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of total building floor area to the area of the site

Answer

FAR is calculated by dividing the total gross floor area of all building floors by the total area of the site.

Question 2

What is a 'setback' in site planning?

Accepted Answer

The required minimum distance between a building and a property line

Answer

Setbacks are zoning-mandated minimum distances from property lines within which buildings may not be placed.

Question 3

The 'urban heat island effect' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas due to paved surfaces and buildings

Answer

The urban heat island effect occurs because paved surfaces and buildings absorb and re-radiate heat, making cities warmer than surrounding rural areas.

Question 4

In site grading, a '2% minimum slope away from the building' is required primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Direct surface water away from the foundation

Answer

Grading at least 2% away from the building ensures surface water drains away from the foundation, preventing water infiltration and moisture problems.

Question 5

What does 'lot coverage' mean in zoning?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of the lot area that can be covered by buildings and structures

Answer

Lot coverage is the percentage of the total lot area that may be covered by building footprints and sometimes other impervious surfaces.

Architecture and Design Practice Test

Architecture and Design Practice Test

Architecture and Design Site Planning and Urban Design