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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Practice Test

NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Practice Test

NCARB Site Planning and Design