Areas of Practice Flashcards
SmartCode
Type of model Form-Based Code designed to create walkable neighborhoods across a spectrum of settlement patterns (urban - rural) using transect character types.
Design Charrettes are an essential part of the SmartCode process.
Economic Forecasting
Used to determine the growth in jobs in the community, which translates to demand for commercial business land uses.
Scoping Report (as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment)
Most effective methodology for conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Requires descriptions of the proposed activity, any feasible and reasonable alternatives, the property and the environment that might be affected, and the manner in which the biological, social, economic, and cultural aspects of the environment may be impacted by the proposed activity. Also includes the public participation process used.
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)
When a conservation easement is paid for and traded in an open market between a willing buyer a seller.
Guarantees that agricultural land will be preserved in perpetuity.
Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
The majority (90%) of affordable housing in the United States was funded by LIHTCs.
The maximum rent that can be charged in a unit funded by LIHTCs is a percentage of an area’s median income.
Unit affordability must be maintained for at least a 15-year compliance period.
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 Century
MAP-21
Obama-era legislation that provided funding for surface transportation programs.
Land Value Capture
Method for financing public improvements by capturing some of the value that typically accrues to property located near such improvements.
Boston is using Land Value Capture to fund infrastructure projects that counter the impacts of climate change.
1901 New York State Tenement Housing Law
Reform movement led by Lawrence Veiller.
Outlawed dumbbell tenements.
Improved living conditions for New York’s poor.
Most commonly regulated form of renewable energy by local governments
Wind energy.
Typically includes setback regulations as well as zoning districts that either allow or prohibit wind turbines.
Describe a city’s sewage treatment system
Sewage flows from a drain into a pipe and connects to a larger pipe in the ROW, which then carries the sewage to a sewage treatment plant. The sewage is strained to capture large items then sent through a primary, secondary, and tertiary process before treated water is released.
Revenue Bond
Municipal bons that can be used to finance income-producing projects. The bons are secured by a specific revenue source. The bonds can be issued by any government agency that has a revenue source.
How do you solve for Future Value or Present Value?
FV = (1 + r)^y PV or PV = FV / (1 + r)^y
FV = Future Value; r = interest; y = number of years; PV = present value
Wicked Problem
A problem with multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests and now easy, single solution.
EX.: climate change, street design, homelessness
APA’s Infrastructure Principles
- Serve multiple modes of transportation
- Driven by local leadership and strong regional planning
- Address long-term funding sustainability
- Harness public sector support to advance public services
- Consider key factors of location and leverage
- Promote access
- Advance opportunity for all
- Embrace and support innovation
- Make communities safer and more resilient
Telecommunication Act of 1996
Goal: Ensure universal telecommunications (cell tower) service.
FCC and States responsible for implementing the law.
Law preempted local regulations against cell towers (cities can require colocation and apply zoning standards, but can’t say no outright).
Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO)
Ensures new development does not negatively impact a community by overburdening public services. An APFO allows local governments to deny or delay a development if existing government services (water, sewer, fire, police, roads, school) cannot support it.
Daylighting
The process of converting a closed system to a more open, natural system.
The process of providing windows, glass, or reflective materials so that natural light provides internal illumination during the day.
The process of removing parking near intersections to improve visibility.
Blue and Green Infrastructure
Blue infrastructure = water-based infrastructure (constructed wetlands, swales, retention ponds, waterways).
Green infrastructure = using the natural environment to convert gray infrastructure to more sustainable practices and reduce the amount of water being treated by municipalities.
How to measure solar energy
Energy = kilowatt-hours per square kilometer (kWh/m^2)
Heat = British thermal units per square foot (Btu/ft^2)
Passive Solar Design
Orient streets and front-lot lines along the east-west axis.
In cold climates, south-facing windows capture sunlight for daytime heating.
Insulation Ratings
The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation (and thermal resistance). Minimum R-value of 20 recommended for residential uses.
Well-insulated buildings use less energy.
Sources of electricity in the US
Fossil fuels = 60%
Nuclear = 18%
Renewables = 22% (mostly wind and hydro)
Distributed wind energy systems (residential wind turbines) can produce 100kW
Micromobility as a Service (MaaS)
Integrating various transportation options (public, ride hailing, e-scooters, car sharing, etc.) into a single app. Meant to reduce use of single-occupancy vehicles. Levels of integration include:
0 - no integration
1 - integration of information (google maps)
2 - integration of booking and paying (uber)
3 - integration of service offer (bundled services)
4 - integration of policy
Coupon Rate
Annual rate of interest paid on a bond, note, or other securities.
