3 - Current Planning

Question 1

The U.S. Geological Survey uses the 1:24,000 scale.
1:24,000 means that 1 inch represents ________ linear feet

Answer 1

2,000 linear feet

Question 2

1:62,500 means that 1 inch represents _____ miles.

Answer 2

0.98

Question 3

1 mile = ________ feet

Answer 3

5280’

Question 4

____% slope = no drainage, not suited for development;
____% slope = no problems, ideal for all types of development;
____% slope = slight problems for large commercial areas; acceptable for residential;
____% slope = major problems for commercial/industrial/large scale residential;
____% slope = suitable only for specially designed development.

Answer 4

0-0.5% = no drainage, not suited for development;
0.5-1% = no problems, ideal for all types of development;
1-3% = slight problems for large commercial areas; acceptable for residential;
3-5% = major problems for commercial/industrial/large scale residential;
5-10% = suitable only for specially designed development.

Question 5

The three basic types of map projection are __________

Answer 5

conic, cylindrical, and planar

Question 6

The subdivision of land, or platting, first appeared in the United States in _____.

Answer 6

1660.

Question 7

A plat is a map of a tract or parcel of land.

A ______ allows for lots to be subdivided further or added back together.

An ______ corrects errors or adds additional information to a plat.

A _______ allows for a plat to be terminated prior to the selling of any lots.

Answer 7

• replat
• amending plat
• vacating plat

Question 8

A _____________ is a to-scale mechanical drawing with precise topography and prescribed intervals showing the calculated location of all lots, streets, drainage patterns, facilities, and proposed dedications.

Answer 8

Preliminary Plat

Question 9

Final plat

Answer 9

A final plat is the approved preliminary plat with all bearing, monuments, curves, and notations, together with all dedications, easement, and approvals.

Question 10

Performance Bonds

Answer 10

• A performance bond is an agreement between the property owner and the community to ensure that the final plat is built as shown on the drawings within a certain time period.
• If the developer fails to meet the requirements, the government may use the bond to cover the cost of constructing the improvements.
• The bond is released once the improvements are in place and have been inspected by the local government.

Question 11

____________ are gifts of land for public purposes, such as roads, parks, and utilities.

Answer 11

Dedications

Question 12

Impact fees

Answer 12

Impact fees are typically charged for off-site infrastructure needed to provide service to a development, such as a water or a sewer main.

Question 13

Subdivision Bonus

Answer 13

A subdivision bonus is the extension of development benefits beyond those normally offered in exchange for enhancements such as affordable housing, cluster housing, and open space preservation. The developer may receive assistance with infrastructure, impact fees may be waived, or the ability to construct at a higher density may be granted.

Question 14

Zoning, in its simplest form, is the ___________________. Zoning is implemented through locally enacted legislation that regulates and controls the use of private property.

Answer 14

Separation of land uses or functions into separate districts (or “zones”)

Question 15

To plat a property, the following (5) steps must be taken:

Answer 15

• Applicant submits a preliminary plat;
• Preliminary plat is reviewed by staff for compliance with subdivision regulations;
• Plat is then reviewed by the planning commission;
• Once the preliminary plat is approved by the planning commission, the property owner prepares the final plat;
• Final plat then repeats the process above until it is approved by the planning commission.

Question 16

Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).

Answer 16

The ETJ is a distance outside of the city limits where the subdivision regulations apply. The distance is specified under state law and usually increases with population size.