category IIa

Question 0

When does CEQA apply to architectural projects?

Answer 0

// CEQA applies to any projects that requires more than ministerial approval (i.e. requires a variance, a conditional-use permit, etc.) from a governmental agency and will cause either:

// a direct physical change in the environment, or

// a reasonably foreseeable indirect change in the environment

Question 1

What are the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act?

Answer 1

// to protect, rehabilitate, and enhance the quaity of the environment now and for the long-term future

// to provide for clean air and water

// to provide for the enjoyment of aesthetic, natural, scenic, and historical environmental qualities, as well as freedom from excessive noise

// to protect fish and wildlife species

// to create conditions in which man and nature can coexist in productive harmony

Question 2

Under what circumstances does CEQA require the filing of an EIR?

Answer 2

// an EIR must be filed for public comment and review unless the lead agency makes a negative declaration or a mitigated negative declaration

Question 3

What is an EIR?

Answer 3

// an environmental impact report is a detailed statement setting forth:

// all significant effect the project will have on the environment

// any significant effect that cannot be avoided if the project is implemented

// any significant effect that would be irreversible if the project is implemented

// mitigation measures, including reduced energy consumption

// alternative to the proprosed project

// the growth inducing impact of the proposed project

Question 4

Who enforces CEQA?

Answer 4

// the lead agency, which is a government body designated to coordinate all CEQA related issues raised by a project

// for smaller projects, the lead agency is usually the local planning agency

// however, for more complex projects the lead agency coould be a specialized body, such as the califonia coastal commission or a redevelopment agency

Question 5

What is the difference between a negative declaration and a mitigated negative declaration under CEQA?

Answer 5

// a negative declaration is a finding that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record, that the project may have a significant effect on the environment

// a negative declaration eliminates the legal requirement to file an EIR for public review

// a mitigated negative declaration is a finding, based on an initial study, that identifies significant environmental effects from a project, but:

// revisions made to the project before release for public review to avoid to mitigate the effects, and

// as modified there is substantial evidence of significant effects

Question 6

Does the Essential Services Building Act have additional inspection and reporting requirements during construction?

Answer 6

// yes. these include:

// continuous inspection by a qualified inspector with verified periodic reports

// the architect must make verified reports from periodic observation of construction

// the contractor must make verified periodic reports

// a soils/geological report is required

Question 7

Name four types of buildings regulated by the Essential Services Building Act.

Answer 7

// fire stations

// police stations

// emergency operations centers

// california highway patrol offices

// sheriff’s offices

// emergency communication dispatch centers

Question 8

Does the Essential Services Building Act affect the design of non-structural elements?

Answer 8

// yes

// the essential services building act sets forth increased requirements for the installation of non-structural elements necessary in the event of a disaster. this equipment may include:

// communications systems

// main transformers

// switching equipment

// emergency back-up equipment

Question 9

What is the purpose of the Essential Services Building Act?

Answer 9

// the essential services buildings act requires those building necessary for providing essential services in the event of a disaster to meet increased safety requirements

// essential services buildings must be designed and constructued to minimize fire hazards and to resist, insofar as practical, the forces generated by earthquakes, wind, and gravity

Question 10

You are asked to design a Califonia Highway Patrol office. Which agency will enforce the Essential Services Building Act?

Answer 10

// the division of the state architect

// the DSA enforces the essential services building act for all state-owned projects

// however, for county or city projects, the local building and safety department enforces the essential services building act

Question 11

What are the basic differences between the California Building Code and the International Building Code?

Answer 11

// more stringent seismic design standards

// more stringent accessibility standards

// more stingent fire and life safety requirements

// enhanced public health and safety requirements for homes

// additional safety requirements for private swimming pools

Question 12

How do the structural provisions of the California Building Code differ from those of the International Building Code?

Answer 12

// the california building code:

// increases lateral resistance standards for public schools and community colleges

// increases lateral resistance standards for hospital facilities

// requires the building superstructure to be anchored to the foundation in a manner such that the lateral forces are transferred from the structure to the ground

// requires the bracing of non-structural building elements

Question 13

What types of non-structural equipment and systems must be anchored and braced to resist lateral forces?

Answer 13

// partitions in slip-tracks must be capable of locking

// casework requires blocking to strengthen joints

// mechanical, electrical, and communication equipment requires hold-downs, straps, vibration isolators, etc

// tile roofing must be secured to the roof substrate

// library stacks to prevent overturning

Question 14

How do the California State Accessibility Standards affect building design?

Answer 14

// their purpose is to provide accessibility to buildings and sites to all persons with physical constraints including:

// the seeing impaired (e.g. audio enhanced elevators)

// the hearing impaired (e.g. visual alarm systems, telephones, audio assisted listening devices

// enhanced barrier free path of travel requirements

Question 15

What is a barrier free path of travel?

Answer 15

// a barrier free path of travel consists of sidewalks, walks, curb ramps, pedestrian ramps, lobbies, corridors, and other improved areas that provide free and unobstructed access to or egress from a particular area or location

Question 16

Where does the CBC require an accessible, barrier free path of travel?

Answer 16

// at least one accessible path of travel is required:

// from site arrival points including accessible parking and passenger loading, public streets and sidewalks, and public transportation stops serving the site

// connecting accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and areas located on the site

// connecting each story of a multistory building or facility

// connecting all acessible areas within a building or facility including mezzanines

// to all tenant entrances and dwelling units within a building, if applicable

// certain specialized areas including performance spaces and recreational facilities such as boat ramps, golf courses, and amusement rides

Question 17

When are smoke detectors required under the California Building Code?

Answer 17

// hard wired smoke detectors are required in all dwelling units intended for human habitation including houses, duplexes, lodging houses, apartment complexes, hotels, motels, condominums, cooperatives, time shares and in multiple unit dwelling complexes such as dormitories

// hard wired carbon monoxide detectors are required in residences with attached garages or outfitted with gas or wood burning appliances

Question 18

Are automatic sprinkler systems required for single family residences?

Answer 18

// the california building code requires all new one and two family homes and townhouses be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems

Question 19

What fire resistance measures are required in Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas or Fire Hazard Severity Zones?

Answer 19

// roofs must be non-combustible or ignition resistant

// exerior wall surfaces must be non-combustible or ignition resistant

// the underside of cantilevered or overhanging appendages and floor projections either must be enclosed to grade with exterior walls or the underside of exposed floors, structural columns, beams, and supporting walls must be fire-proofed

// decking within 10’ of the building enveolope must be non-combustible or ignition resistant

// a defensible space clearance requirement of 100’ from the building perimeter (requires clearing of underbrush, tall grass, planting of succulents, etc)

Question 20

What is the purpose of the California Energy Code?

Answer 20

// the california energy code specifies the minimum standards for energy efficiency and conservation for residential and non-residential buildings

// the standards vary between 16 different climate zones within the state

Question 21

What are the two methods of demonstrating compliance with the California Energy Code?

Answer 21

// once mandatory requirements for certain items such as appliances, HVAC, weater heating, glazing, building insulation, lighting, and roofing are met, the architect can use either the prescriptive method or the performance method

// the prescriptive method is typically used for small residential or commercial projects

// the performance method is typically used for larger or complex projects

Question 22

What are the methods for demonstrating compliance with the California Energy Code using the prescriptive method?

Answer 22

// insulation/building envelope

// radiant barriers/vapor barriers

// fenestration

// shading

// thermal mass

// space heating and space cooling/thermostats

// water heating systems

// lighting

// ducts

Question 23

How do you demonstrate compliance with the California Energy Code using the performance method?

Answer 23

// the building must meet a specified energy budget

// the energy budget is based on occupancy type, climate zone, and the ratio of conditioned area to condition perimeter

// the code requires the use of energy commission approved computer programs to determine compliance with the energy budget

Question 24

Name four ways the California Energy Code can impact the design of a structure.

Answer 24

// building orientation

// extent of glazing

// type of glazing

// building envelope

// skylights

// HVAC systems

Question 25

Does the California Energy Code apply to all construction?

Answer 25

// no

// the california energy code does not apply to occupancy I building and qualified historic structures

Question 26

Name five areas where the California Health and Safety Code affects building design and construction.

Answer 26

// contained within the california health and safety code are the following statutory provisions that affect building design and construction

// the field act

// the california retail food code

// volatile organic compounds restrictions

// emissions affecting air quality (the california air resources board and air quality management districts)

// essential services building act

// hospital facilities seismic safety act

// the california building standards code

Question 27

Describe the types of liens available to architects in California.

Answer 27

// a design professional lien is a property and is filed before the start of construction. once construction starts it is unenforceable

// a mechanics lien is a lien on property and is filed after the start of construction

// a stop notice lien is a lien on construction funds and is filed after the start of construction. it is the only available lien for public works projects

Question 28

What are the procedures for filing and enforcing a design professional’s lien?

Answer 28

// the architect must record a notice of lien within 90 days after having reason to believe the landowner is not going to build the project

// the lien becomes unenforceable if project construction begins or the architect fails to file a foreclosure suit within 90 days of recording the notice of lien

Question 29

What are the purposes of the California Coastal Act?

Answer 29

// to protect, maintain, enchance, and when practicable, restore the overall quality of the coastal zone

// to assure orderly, balanced utilization and conservation of coastal zone resources

// to maximize public access to recreational opportunities

// to assure priority for coastal dependent and coastal related development

Question 30

Who enforces the California Coastal Act?

Answer 30

// developments within the coastal zone require approval by local county officials in accordance with the local coastal plan approved by the coastal commission for that county

// coastal commission approval is required for projects on tidelands, submerged lands, public trust lands, within 100’ of any wetland, estuary, stream, or within 300’ of the top of the seaward face of any coastal bluff

Question 31

What kind of impacts does the California Coastal Act have on site planning and the architectural design of projects?

Answer 31

// the protection of view easements and restrictions

// public access to coast

// erosion control/run off/drainage

// a local coastal plan may also regulate:

// the location, orientation, and lot coverage of the building on the site

// the mass and height of building

// access to the site

// building finish materials and colors

Question 32

Where is the Coastal Zone?

Answer 32

// the coastal zone is defined by statute and maps for each county. generally speaking, the coastal zone extends:

// seaward to the state’s outer limit of jurisdiction (3 miles), including all offshore islands

// inland generally 1,000 yards from the mean high tide line of the sea

// in significant coastal estuarine, habitat, and recreational areas, the coastal zone extends inland to the first major ridge line paralleling the sea or five miles from the mean high tide line of the sea, whichever is less

// in developed urban areas, the coastal zone generally extends inland less than 1,000 yards

Question 33

What are the purposes of the California Historical Building Code?

Answer 33

// to provide regulations for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation, or reconstruction of qualified historical structures

// to provide access for persons with disabilities

// to provide a cost effective approach to preservation

// to provide for the reasonable safety of occupants and users

Question 34

How does the California Historical Building Code affect work on qualified structures?

Answer 34

// the CHBC provides alternative building code provisions for qualified historical structures in the following areas:

// fire protection requirements

// means of egress requirements

// alternative accessibility provisions

// alternative structural provisions

// provisions for use of archaic materials and methods

// alternative MEP provisions

Question 35

Under what circumstances do the alternative accessibility provisions of the California Historical Building Code apply?

Answer 35

// regular accessibility standards apply unless strict compliance with threaten or destroy the historical significance or the character defining feature of the building or property

Question 36

What is the major prerequisite to utilizing the alternative structural provisions of the California Historical Building Code?

Answer 36

// the CHBC requires a structural survey performed by an architect or structural engineer. the survey must document:

// deterioration and signs of distress

// details of the structural framing system and the sustem for resistance of gravity and lateral loads

// details, reinforcement, and anchorage of structural system and veneers

Question 37

Which state agency is responsible for issuing and enforcing water regulations?

Answer 37

// the state water resources control board is responsible for administering:

// the water code, which pertains to water use rights

// regulations pertaining to water quality

// regulations pertaining to underground storage tanks, runoff, and other potential sources of ground or surface water contamination

Question 38

What building components can the California Clean Air Act affect?

Answer 38

// the california clean air act limits emissions of ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, reactive organic gases, and particulate matter

// local air quality management districts can limit emissions from stationary sources including, but not limited to, process heaters, boilers, steam generators, space heaters, internal combustion engines, and natural gas fired water heaters

Question 39

What are the procedures for bidding public projects in the state of California?

Answer 39

// legal notice of the bidding opportunity must be advertised in a newspaper of public record

// bids must be sealed and submitted by the deadline indicated in the legal notice

// contractors must submit bid bonds

// their bids are publicly opened and announced

// the contract for construction must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder

Question 40

What is the Field Act and who enforces it?

Answer 40

// the field act applies to public elementary schools, public secondary schools, and public community colleges

// it requires more stringent structural seismic design standards

// it also requires the bracing and anchoring of furniture and other objects within classrooms to prevent them from falling on children

// the division of the state architect enforces the field act

Question 41

To what kinds of projects does the Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act apply and who enforces it?

Answer 41

// the hospital facilities seismic safety act requires more stringent seismic design standards for:

// hospitals

// skilled nursing facilities

// intermediate care facilities

// correctional treaatment facilities

// these types of projects must be submitted to the office of statewide health planning and development (OSHPD) for approval

Question 42

To what types of projects does the California Green Building Code (CALgreen) apply?

Answer 42

// the green building code applies to all residental and non-residential construction including:

// new construction

// additions to existing structures

// alterations to existing structures

Question 43

What is the purpose of the California Green Building Code?

Answer 43

// the green building code encourages design and construction of sustainable residential and non-residential buildings through:

// increased storm water drainage and retention requirements

// use of water efficient fixtures and fittings

// construction waste management requirements

// control of environmental quality through pollution control measures such as VOC limits and interior moisture control requirements

Question 44

What are the additional California Green Building Code requirements for non-residential construction?

Answer 44

// california green building code additional requirements for non-residential construction:

// bicycle parking

// light pollution reduction

// waste water reduction

// budgeted outdoor water use

// building occupant recycling

// building commissioning

// exterior noise transmission limitation

Question 45

Under the California Green Building Code, what are the environmental control requirements for workplaces?

Answer 45

// for single occupant spaces (e.g. offices, cubicles):

// 90% of occupants must have individual task lighting or daylight controls

// 50% of occupants must have individual thermal comfort controls or operable windows

// for multi-occupant spaces (e.g. classrooms, conference rooms), each space must have lighting and thermal comfort controls

Question 46

What are the requirements for licensure as an architect in California?

Answer 46

// completion of 8 years of educational and/or experience credits

// successful completion of the architect registration examination

// successful completion of the comprehensive intern development program

// successful completion of the california supplemental examination

Question 47

Define the practice of architecture as described by the Architects Practice Act.

Answer 47

// the practice of architecture is the offering or performing or being in responsible control of, professional services which require the skills of an architect in the planning of sites, and the design, in whole or in part, of buildings or groups of buildings

Question 48

Define “responsible control” as properly exercised by architects in the state of California.

Answer 48

// responsible control is defined by the architects practice act as that amount of control over the content of all instruments of service during their preparation that is ordinarily exercised by architects applying the required professional standard of care

Question 49

How does the California Architects Board enforce provisions of the Architects Practice Act?

Answer 49

// the california architects board, on its own initiative or as the result of a complaint, may issue citations to a licensee ordering the abatement of the violation and may also assess an administrative fine

// the licensee has the right to request an administrative hearing and the right to appeal that decision to a court of law

Question 50

What are the consequences of signing and sealing control documents?

Answer 50

// the signing and sealing of construction documents:

// is an affirmation that the documents were created under the responsible control of the architect

// does not impose a legal duty to observe the construction of fixed works

// does not create responsibility for unauthorized changes to signed and sealed documents, so long as the architect did not unreasonably withhold that authorization

Question 51

Must architectural services contracts be written?

Answer 51

// the architects practice act requires a written contract unless:

// the work is unpaid, or

// the basis of compensation and manner of providing services is implied by the fact the services are of the same general kind as previously rendered and for which payment was received, or

// the client knowingly waives the written contract requirements in writing, or

// the services are rendered to a professional engineer or land surveyor

Question 52

What must a written architectural services contract contain?

Answer 52

// the architects practice act requires written contracts to contain:

// a description of services to be provided by the architect to the client

// the basis of compensation and the method of payment

// the name, address, and license # of the architect and the name and address of the client

// a description of procedures to accommodate additional services

// a description of procedures to terminate the contract

Question 53

What are the functions of the California Architects Board?

Answer 53

// the CAB regulates the practice of architecture in the interest and for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare

// it establishes the minimum professional quaifications and performance standards for the admission to and practice of architecture

// it is responsible for establishing a fair and uniform system to deter and prosecute any violations of the architects practice act, rules, or regulations

Question 54

What do the Rules of Professional Conduct have to say about seeking new projects and clients?

Answer 54

// only undertake to perform professional services when, together with consultants, qualified by education, traning and experience in specific technical areas involved

// accurately represent to the client qualifications and the scope of responsibility for projects or services for which one is claiming credit

Question 55

May an architect form a partnership with a non-architect to provide architectural services?

Answer 55

// yes

// however the partnership must be registered with the california architect board, and the drawings must be completed under the responsible control of a licensed architect

Question 56

What is a professional architectural corporation?

Answer 56

// a professional architectural corporation is similar to a regular corporation except:

// all shareholders must be licensed architects

// the corporation must practice architecture as defined by the architect’s practice act

Question 57

What are the different types of business entities that an architect may utilize to deliver architectural services?

Answer 57

// a professional corporation

// a corporation

// a partnership

// a limited partnership

// a limited liability partnership

// a sole proprietorship

Question 58

A newly licensed architect comes to you for advice in obtaining business permits for her new firm. What do you tell her?

Answer 58

// decide whether or not to practice as a sole practitioner. if she does not, then she needs to decide on a company legal structure and register it with the secretary of state. in either case she must also register the firm with the CAB

// decide whether or not to use a fictitious business name. if she does, the name must be registered with the count, then advertised for four weeks. she will have to notify the CAB as well

// apply for a business license from the city or county as applicable

Question 59

What is a fictitious business name and how do you register one?

Answer 59

// if a firm offer services under a name other than that of the sole proprietor or the relevant business entity, then it is using a fictitious business name

// a fictious business name must be registered with the county and advertised in a newspaper of record for 4 weeks

// the firm must also notify the CAB

Question 60

Name at least five causes for disciplinary action by the California Architects Board.

Answer 60

// convictions of crimes substantially related to the duties of an architect

// violations of the architects practice act

// fraud or misrepresention in obtaining a license

// impersonating an architect

// aiding an unlawful practice

// signing and sealing plans if not in responsible control

// fraud in the practice of architecture

// negligence or willful misconduct

// incompetence or recklessness

// disciplinary action taken by another public agency

// a settlement for fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetency, or recklessness in excess of $5k

// a malpractice settlement in excess of $5k

Question 61

Your client asks you to design a small office building West Virginia, but you are only licensed in California. What do you tell him?

Answer 61

// the architect must tell the client that he or she is not licensed in west virginia. as a consequence, either:

// the architect must associate him or herself with an architect licensed in west virginia, or

// the client must wait until the architect becomes licensed in west virginia

Question 62

What information must an architect’s seal contain?

Answer 62

// name

// registration number

// registration renewal date

// the words “licensed architect”

// the words “state of california”

Question 63

What are four types of structures that a non-architect can design?

Answer 63

// an unlicensed person may design the following types of buildings of woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in height:

// single family dwellings

// multiple dwelling containing no more than four dwelling units. however, an unlicensed person may not design multiple dwelling unit clusters to form apartment or condominium complexes where the total exceeds four units on any lawfully divided lot

// garages or other structures appurtenant to buildings described here, and

// agricultural and ranch buildings of woodframe construction, unless the building official having jurisdiction deems that an undue risk to the public health, safety, or welfare is involved