2: Codes And Regulations

Question 1

Gross Building Area

Answer 1

The total area within the perimeter of a building, including all enclosed spaces such as living areas, storage rooms, hallways, and common areas, typically measured from the exterior face of the exterior walls.

Question 2

Frontage Increase

Answer 2

A method to permit a larger building footprint along a property’s frontage, often in exchange for specific design considerations

Question 3

Unlimited Area

Answer 3

A Type 1, or sometimes Type 2, structures that is not subject to certain area limitations imposed by building codes due to their high level of fire resistance and non-combustible construction materials.

Question 4

High Rise

Answer 4

A building exceeding 75 feet above grade

Question 5

Podium

Answer 5

Types of floors that serve as base levels in a building, which can be used to increase allowable building height.

Question 6

Americans with disabilities act ada

Answer 6

A U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities across various domains, ensuring equal access, accommodations, and opportunities for these individuals.

Question 7

ANSI A117.1

Answer 7

The American National Standard offering guidelines and technical specifications for creating accessible buildings and facilities.

Question 8

Lot Coverage

Answer 8

The proportion or percentage of a lot or land area that is occupied by buildings or structures, including the footprint of all structures in relation to the total lot size.

Question 9

Non-conforming Use

Answer 9

A land or property usage that was legally established but no longer complies with current zoning regulations or land use restrictions. Typically they’re allowed to continue even though they don’t align with current zoning ordinances.

Question 10

Conditional Use

Answer 10

A land or property usage permitted within a zoning district under specific conditions outlined by local planning or zoning authorities, often requiring a special permit or approval based on defined criteria.

Question 11

Variance

Answer 11

Aspecial permission granted by local authorities that allows a property owner to deviate from specific zoning regulations or requirements, typically due to unique circumstances or hardships related to the property.

Question 12

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

Answer 12

A comprehensive zoning and land use approach that allows for flexibility in design and land use within a specific area, enabling a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces while offering more control and customization compared to traditional zoning regulations.

Question 13

Tax Increment Funding (TIF)

Answer 13

A public financing method used by municipalities to stimulate economic development in a designated area by earmarking future increases in property tax revenue, generated by improvements or developments within that area, to fund infrastructure, redevelopment, or other community improvement projects.

Question 14

Zoning Ordinance

Answer 14

A local law or regulation that divides a municipality or region into different zones or districts, specifying the permitted land uses, building requirements, and restrictions within each zone to control and regulate development, land use, and urban planning in a given area.

Question 15

Legal Description

Answer 15

A detailed and precise method of identifying a specific parcel of land or property, typically using standardized elements such as metes and bounds, lot numbers, section-township-range coordinates, or other official surveying methods to accurately define the boundaries and location of the property.

Question 16

Township

Answer 16

A geographic area established during the rectangular land survey system used to divide land in the United States. It typically measures six miles by six miles and contains 36 sections, each one square mile.

Question 17

Deed

Answer 17

A legal document that serves as evidence of property ownership or transfer, containing detailed information about the property, its boundaries, and any conditions or restrictions associated with its ownership. It is used to convey or transfer ownership interest from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee).

Question 18

Eminent Domain

Answer 18

A legal concept that grants government entities the authority to acquire private property for public use, with fair compensation to the property owner, provided it serves a public necessity or benefit, such as building roads, schools, or other public infrastructure.

Question 19

Riparian Rights

Answer 19

Legal rights and privileges granted to landowners whose property borders a moving body of water, entitling them to reasonable use and access to the water source, including activities like fishing, swimming, and utilizing water for domestic purposes, while also carrying responsibilities to maintain the quality and quantity of the water.

Question 20

Littoral Rights

Answer 20

Legal privileges granted to landowners whose property is adjacent to a lake, sea, or ocean, allowing them specific access and use of the shore or beach area while respecting regulations related to navigation, fishing, and recreational activities along the waterfront.

Question 21

Specialty Regulations

Answer 21

Specific codes, standards, or regulations that are tailored to certain types of buildings or unique circumstances. These could include regulations for healthcare facilities, historic preservation, high-rise structures, energy efficiency, accessibility, or other specialized areas that require distinct guidelines beyond standard building codes.