ARE 4.0 Site Flashcards
The right of an owner to have ingress and egress to and from a property.
access right
a building or structure on the same lot as the main or principal building.
Accessible Building
the study or theory of beauty
Aesthetics
The rights to the use or control of the air space above a property.
air rights
Reflectivity measured as the relative permeability of a surface to radiant energy flowing in either direction.
albedo
Any public way or thoroughfare 10 to 16 feet in width which has been dedicated or deeded to the public for public use.
alley
The angle which the sun makes with the horizon.
altitude
An underground geological formation through which water flows.
aquifer
A horizontal angle measured clockwise from north or south.
azimuth
Earth that is replaced around a foundation or retaining wall after the concrete forms have been removed.
backfill
A partial obstruction against flow, in a duct or pipe.
baffle
Having no environmental barriers, thereby permitting free access and circulation by the handicapped.
barrier-free
In surveying, a direction stated in degree, minutes, and seconds as an angular deviation east or west from due north or south.
bearing
a relatively permanent point of known location and elevation
bench mark
An excavated, level terrace in a slope used to collect running water.
bench
A convex-shaped bank of earth, often piled up against a wall
berm
A road or path reserved for bicycle traffic.
bikeway
A division of urban land, normally private property, which is surrounded by public streets, and which is officially established and recorded.
block
A stone guard to prevent damage to a wall; also a freestanding stone post to divert vehicular traffic.
bollard
the legal recorded property line between two parcels of land
boundrary
an area separating two different elements or functions
buffer zone
The net ground area of a lot which can be covered by a building after required setbacks and other zoning limitations have been accounted for.
buildable area
Utilized by communities principally to achieve planned street patterns. They help insure that buildings will not be erected in the bed of projected streets or of potential street widening.
building line
the enclosure that contains a building’s maximum volumn
building envelope
a drainage device used to collect water, with a deep pit to catch sediment
Catch Basin
The geographic area from which the participants in an activity are drawn, such as the customers of a shopping center or the employees of a manufacturing plant.
catchment
A fictitious temperature assigned to a combination of actual temperature and wind velocity which has the same physiological effect as still air at the chill factor temperature. It is also known as a ‘wind chill index’.
chill factor
the flow or movement of people, goods, vehicles, etc., from place to place
circulation
The prevailing or average weather conditions of a place as determined over a number of years.
climate
A type of residential siting in which a series of housing units are grouped closely together and surrounded by open space.
cluster
a fixed ratio of total rainfall that runs off a surface
coefficient of runoff
a street into which minor streets empty and which leads to a major arterial
collector Street
sewer that carriers both storm water and sanitary or industrial wastes.
Combined Sewer
any combination of temerature and humidity in which the average person feels comfortable
Comfort Zone
the reduction of soil volume by pressure from grading machinery
compaction
taking private property for public use, with compensation to the owner, under the right of eminent domain.
Condemnation
the transfer of heat by direct molecular action
Conduction
pipe or other channel, below or above ground, for conveying pipelines, cables, or other utilities
Conduit
Lawful use of a building or lot that complies with the provisions of the applicable zoning ordinance
conforming use
Describing cone-bearing evergreen trees and shrubs, such as pine, spruce, fir, and cedar.
coniferous
the circumstances or elements which surround a particular development
Context
An imaginary line on the ground surface connecting all points of equal elevation.
contour
The difference of elevation between adjacent contour lines.
contour interval
the transfer of heat by the movement of a liquid or gas, such as air
convection
a land parcel that fronts on two contiguous streets. The short side is generally considered to be the front of the lot
Corner Lot
A space, open and unobstructed to the sky, located at or above grade, and bounded on three or more sides by the walls of a building.
court
A housing pattern in which units face into a common open space.
court pattern
a restriction of the deed which regulates land use, asthetic qualities, etc., of an area
covenant
the central area of a convex surface, such as a road
crown
a short road with an outlet on one end and a turnaround on the other
Cul-De-Sac
A length of pipe, running under a road or other barrier, used to drain or carry water.
culvert
a raised margin running along the edge of a street pavement, usually of concrete
curb
Earth which is removed (cut) and earth which is added (fill) in grading.
cut and fill
A horizontal plane elevation used as a reference for other elevations in surveying and mapping.
datum
Trees which shed leaves annually, as opposed to evergreens.
deciduous
a circulation layout in which cars are unable to circulate in a continuous one-way flow from the entrance to the exit of a parking area
dead-end parking
appropriation of private property for public use together with acceptance for such use by a public agency
dedication
place limitations on the use of the property, typically by original developers, who determined what land would be used for (live, work, play) and can’t be change by future owners.
Deed Restrictions
The amount by which the average outdoor temperature at a particular location is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit for one day. Degree days may also be summed and stated for month or year.
degree day (dd)
a measure of the number of people, families, etc., that occupy a specified area
density
The temperature of air at which the water contained in the air begins to condense and form dew. It is therefore the temperature at which the air is at 100% relative humidity.
dew point
Flow from a culvert, sewer, or other channel.
discharge
a system of trenches with gravel and loose pipes through which septictank effluent may seep into the surrounding soil, AKA Drainage Field or Absorption Field
Disposal Field
any section of a city in which the zoning regulations are uniform
District
Clay pipe, usually with open joints, used to convey water away from a footing or to disperse liquid in a septic tank field.
drain tile
The process of controlling, collecting, transporting, and disposing of excess water.
drainage
an imaginary line on the ground described by the outermost branches of a tree
Drip Line
a vehicular path generally leading from a public street to a structure on private property
Driveway
a area adjacetn to a vehicular drive where pedestrians may safely exit a car
Drop-off
A pit, usually filled with coarse stone, into which water is conducted for leaching out into surrounding soil.
dry well
an independent living area which includes its own private cooking and bathing facilities
Dwelling unit
Removing and/or adding earth in order to bring the ground surface to a specified elevation or profile. Also called ‘grading’.
earthwork
a limited right, whether temporary or permanent, to use the property of another in a certain way. This may include the right of access to water, light and air, right-of-way, etc.
Easement
The study of the total pattern of relations between a community or organisms and its environment.
ecology
A fictitious temperature which would produce the same physiological effect as the combined effects of temperature, humidity, and air movement.
effective temperature
partially treated liquid sewage flowing from any part of a disposal system to a place of final disposition
Effluent
The height above a known point of reference, often taken as the height above sea level.
elevation
power of the state to take private property without owner’s consent, but with fair market value of the land compensation. Must be used for government or public development (highways, railroads, civic center), economic development, or to mandate an easement for access (public utilities, right of way).
eminent domain
The extension of a building into the property of another.
encroachment
The natural and manmade things, conditions, and influences surrounding a person, community, or place.
environment
A statement, often required by a governmental body, which assesses the environmental impact of a proposed development.
environmental impact statement
The gradual wearing away or disintegration of land caused by water, wind, and so on running over its surface. AKA weathering
erosion
Trees having green leaves throughout the year, as opposed to deciduous.
evergreen
The digging or removal of earth.
excavation
clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dried
Expansive Soil
A semicircular open area, with or without a roof, providing a continuous seat.
exedra
the complete floor surface on which building occupants walk
Finish Floor Level
The elevation of the ground surface after completion of all work.
finish grade
The land surrounding a flowing stream over which water spreads when a flood occurs.
flood plain
the ratio of the floor area of a building to the area of the lot
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
the minimum legal distance between the front property line and a structure
Front yard
The length of a lot line along a street or other public way.
frontage
The expected maximum depth of frost penetration in the ground in a given area.
frost line
the natural or proper purpose for which something is designed or exists
Function
A belvedere or viewing place.
gazebo
the science that deals with the physical history of the earth
Geology
The rate of rise or descent of a sloping surface. Also, to remove and/or add earth in order to bring the ground surface to a specified elevation or profile.
grade
The intersection of two roads at different levels so that vehicles may move from one road to the other without crossing the stream of traffic. Also called ‘interchange’.
grade separation
The rate of slope between two points on a surface, determined by dividing their vertical difference in elevation by their horizontal distance apart.
gradient
Removing and/or adding earth in order to bring the ground surface to a specified elevation or profile. Also called ‘earthwork’.
grading
Concrete used for paving which uses crushed granite as the coarse aggregate.
granolith
a belt-like area around a city, reserved by ordinance for parkland, farms, open space, etc.
greenbelt
the direct gain of solar heat, generally through south-facing glass walls and roofs
Greenhouse Effect
The level below which the subsoil is completely saturated with water. Also called the ‘water table’.
groundwater level
a shading technique used to depict ground form
Hachure
individuals with physical impairments that result in functional limitations
handicapped
spaces designated for physcially handicapped persons, consisting of a typical space with adjacent access aisle no less than 5 ft wide. AKA Accessible Parking
handicapped parking
The amount or degree of moisture in an area; a determining element of the weather.
humidity
Land on which buildings have not yet been constructed, but which contains utilities and streets.
improved land
native to a particular region
Indigenous
the process by which water soaks into the ground, AKA Percolation
Infiltration
the amount of solar radiation on a given plane
Insolation
the junction of a freeway with entering or exiting traffic
Interchange
determining an unknown value between known values
Interpolation
the point at which two streets come together or cross
Intersection
the elevation of the bottom (flow line) of a pipe
Invert elevation
The ratio of the area covered by buildings to the total lot area, expressed as a percentage.
land coverage
The design and arrangement of natural elements on a site.
landscaping
The number of degrees north or south of the equator of a point on the earth’s surface.
latitude
designation of boundaries of real estate in accordance with one of the systems prescribed by law
Legeal description
any line beyond which development is prohibited
Limit Line
A pattern of land use which develops along a line, such as a highway or river.
linear pattern
a minor street that comes off a major street, runs for a short distance, and then returns to a major street. A collector/distributor road into a shopping center.
Loop street
The smallest identifiable parcel of land in a city.
lot
The total horizontal area within the boundary lines of a parcel of land.
lot area
the general climate of a region
Macroclimate
Paving using crushed stone.
macadam
A hole through which a person can enter a sewer, pipe, conduit, and so on for inspection, repair, or maintenance.
manhole
a formal description of the boundary lines of a parcel of real property in terms of the length and direction of those lines
Metes and Bounds
The climatic characteristics unique to a very small area, caused by local features
microclimate
a building containing three or more dwelling units
Multiple Dwelling
a community of people living in a general vicinity. The area can generally support an elementary school
Neighborhood
a system of circulation channels which covers a large area
Network
a pattern of vehicle storage in which car stalls are arranged at a right angle to the access lane. AKA Perpendicular Parking
90-Degree Parking
a particular use of land or a structure which is in violation of the applicable zoning code. Generally, if the use was established prior to the code rule which it contravenes, it may continue to exist unless it’s unsafe
Non-Conforming use
Space provided for vehicular parking separate from the dedicated street right-of-way.
off-street parking
a circulation system in which all vehicles move in the same direction
One-Way Traffic
the removal of unwanted water by means of surface devices
Open Drainage
a position with respect to the points of the compass
Orientation
An approximately level building area.
pad
a pattern of vehicle storage in which car stalls are arranged pararellel to the access lane, as in conventional street parking
Parallel Parking
a open space for ths storage of motor vehicles
Parking lot
a space in a parking lot marked off for the storage of a single motor vehicle
parking stall
An ornamental garden arrangement.
parterre
A wall built on the dividing line between two adjoining parcels, in which each owner has an equal shart of ownership
Party Wall
a heating or cooling system that collects and moves solar heat without using mechanical power
Passive Solar System
A flat or level surface.
plane
a topographic configuration created by straight, evenly spaced contours
Plane Surface
A landscaped strip of ground between a pedestrian walk and a street.
planting strip
A plan of a city or subdivision, showing the boundaries of individual properties.
plat
A parcel of land.
plot
The legal power of a government to authroize actions which are in the best interest of the general public
Police Power
water that falls on the land as rain or snow
Precipitation
a building that houses the main use or activity occurring on a lot or parcel of ground
Principal Building
A legal boundary of a parcel of land.
property line
a planned unit development, similar to a cluster development but larger in scale including, in addition to housing, commercial and industrial developments
PUD
the process by which heat or other energy is emitted by a body, transmitted through space, and absorbed by another body
radiation
a method for computing approximate storm water runoff
Rational Method
the minimum legal distance between the rear property line and a structure
Rear Yard
the ratio of the actual amount of moisture in the air to the maximum amount of moisture the air could hold at a given temperature
Relative Humidity
limitations on the use of property defined by covenant in deeds, by private agreement, or by public legislative action
Restrictions
a wall constructed of timber, masonry, or conctete designed to resist the pressure of the earth mass with which it is in contact
Retaining wall
an area used to retain and hold runoff water during a storm. The water is held until it is able to drain naturally
Retention Pond
a narrow convex land configuration represented by contours pointing downhill
Ridge
a strip of land granted by deed or easement for a circulation path
Right-Of-Way
A circumferential or loop roadway around an urban area or development.
ring road
The surface flow of water from an area.
run-off
The percentage of total rainfall which is not absorbed in the ground and, hence, runs off. It must be collected in a system of surface and subsurface drains.
runoff coefficient
An underground pipe or drain used to carry off waster matter.
sanitary sewer
the representation of a structure as it would appear if cut through by an intersecting plane to show its internal configuration, AKA Cross Section
section
a sewage treatment system consisting of a tank and filerting system
Septic System
The minimum distance from the property line into which a structure may not extend.
setback
An underground pipe or drain used to carry off rain water (storm sewer) or wast matter (sanitary sewer).
sewer
a thin layer of water moving across a surface, AKA Sheet Flow
Sheeting
the minimum legal distance between side property lines and a structure
Side Yard
a fine-grained soil whose particles are 0.05 to 0.002 mm in diameter
Silt
Designing the external physical environment in which buildings and structures are placed.
site planning
Inclination or slant, especially of the ground surface.
slope
Accumulated solids that settle out of the sewage, forming a semi-liquid mass on the bottom of a septic tank
Sludge
A natural material, formed of decomposed and disintegrated parent rock, that supports plant life
soil
A log showing the types of soil encountered in a test boring and other relevant information.
soil boring log
a lot that comprises more than one zone
Split Lot
The elevation of a specified point on the ground or on a structure.
spot elevations
zoning that differs from the pattern of the surrounding area. Or a change in the zoning ordinance.
Spot zoning
the vertical portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above
Story
A sewer for carrying away surface rain water, as opposed to sanitary sewage.
storm sewer
The soil layer beneath the topsoil.
subsoil
the sinking of land
Subsidence
the highest point of a land mass, represented by concentric contours
Summit
a map of the sky showing the path of the sun, from sunrise to sunset, on the 21st day of each month
Sun chart
earth which is above the top of a retaining wall level
Surcharge
water that runs along the surface of the ground, as opposed to below ground
Surface Water
A very large area of land in which all through traffic is eliminated, but which may be penetrated by cul-de-sacs or minor loop roads.
superblock
The process of determining location, form, and boundaries of a parcel of land by measurement, computation, and drawing.
survey
A graded flow path used in open drainage systems.
swale
a road that double back on itself with a hairpin curve
Switchback road
the configuration of the earth’s surface
Topography
the upper 6 to 8 inch of soil, which contains humus
Topsoil
The process by which water vapor escapes into the atmosphere from plants.
transpiration
a linear drainage device used to collect and conduct water
Trench drain
a topographic configuration created by evenly spaced contours
uniform slope
A public service, such as telephone, water, gas, or electricity.
utility
a legal right-of-way enabling a utility company to run service lines over private property
Utility Easement
a narrow concave land configuration represented by contours pointing uphill
valley
the special permission granted to the owner of a parcel of land waiving certain specific restriction when the enforcement of these would impose an unusual or unreasonable hardship on the owner
variance
all the plants, shrubs, and trees, of a particular place
vegetation
The general pattern of movement of the water on, under, and above the earth. AKA Hydrologic Cycle
water cycle
The level below which the subsoil is completely saturated with water. Also called the ‘groundwater level’.
water table
A street, alley, or other thoroughfare or easement permanently established for passage of persons or vehicles.
way
the area new the bottom of the leeward side of a hill, where the wind velocity decreases to almost zero
Wind Shadow
A fictitious temperature assigned to a combination of actual temperature and wind velocity which has the same physiological effect as still air at the wind chill index temperature. It is also known as a ‘chill factor’.
wind chill index
Structures or plants which, because of their form and location, reduce wind velocities.
windbreak
An open, unoccupied space, other than a court, unobstructed to the sky, on the lot on which a building is situated. Based on required setbacks
yard
area established by a governing body for specific use, such as residential, commercial, or industrial use
zone
the zone below the ground in which the spaces between soil grains contain both water and air
zone of aeration
the zone below the ground in which all of the spaces between soil grains are filled completely with water
Zone of Saturation
the legal means whereby land use is regulated and controlled for the general welfare. Uniform standard of construction originating in NYC in 1916 to protect the health, welfare, and safety of people. Regulates land, light, air, open space.
Zoning
exercise of police power by a government in regulating and controlling the character and use of property
Zoning Ordinance
Encourages private developers to provide amenities for public use in exchange for opportunity to build larger or taller structures on a site.
Incentive zoning
A building that is permitted in an area that is not zoned for, to benefit the public (e.g. Elementary school in a neighborhood)
Conditional use
A municipal law
Ordinance
Valuation of property for the purpose of taxes
Assessment
Used to find public space improvements with the intention that it will enhance an area’s appeal. All Buisness owners in district who would benefit pay increased taxes.
Buisness improvement districts
Limitations and stipulations used in residential setting. Can be aestivation (allowable color pallets, vegetation types/pruning, fencing materials) pet control (how many and/or living conditions) or storage related ( visibility of parked cars/boats/ campers)
Restrictive covenant
Commits a buyer to performing duties in the future (ex. will make payments for common charges in a condo)
Affirmative covenant
If restrictions is violated or disregarded, the land will revert back to original owners/heirs
Conditional covenant
A significant factor in temperature control is the ability of a material to store heat.
Thermal inertia
Measure of heat transmission. # of BTU per hour that passes 1sqft of wall or roof when the difference between inside and outside air temp is 1 degrees.
U- factor
Any body of water flowing in a channel
Stream
A municipal Law
Ordinance
prevents development that upsets something scenic to the public
Scenic Easement
1 acre =
43,650 sqft
