OBJ 3.1 Flashcards
Evaluate relevant qualitative and quantitative attributes of a site as they relate to a program
Easement
A legally created restriction on the unlimited use of all or part of one’s land.
Right-of-Way
A right-of-way is a type of easement that allows one party to transverse the property of another.
As-of-Right
An as-of-right development is one that complies with all applicable zoning regulations and does not require a variance or special review. Most developments are as-of-right.
Incentive Zoning
Incentive zoning provides a bonus, usually in the form of additional floor area, in exchange for providing a public amenity. Examples include plazas and affordable housing.
Permitted Obstruction
Any obstruction into a setback or height limit that is permitted by zoning codes. May include balconies, roof overhangs, chimneys, condenser units, and gutters.
Comparison Method of Land Value
Method of determining land value that compares similar parcels of land.
Development Method of Land Value
Method of determining land value that uses estimates of the selling price of the lot, the cost and time to develop it, and net sale price. This is used when comparisons of similar parcels are not available.
Residual/Income Method of Land Value
Method of determining land value used in developed areas that estimates the potential income that would result from the improvements to yield the highest return (highest and best use).
Allocation Method of Land Value
Method of determining land value that assumes the value of improved properties by deducting the value of site improvements.
Gravel
Soil type that drains well and can be used to bear loads. Elements of the soil are greater than 2 mm in size.
Sand
Well-draining soil type that is capable of serving as a foundation if properly graded. Elements are 0.5–2.0 mm in size.
Silt
Type of soil that is between .002–.05 mm in size; it swells when frozen and is stable when dry. Generally not suitable for foundations.
Clay
Type of soil that is stiff when dry and plastic when wet; it is not conducive to foundations and must be removed from the site. Elements are smaller in size than .002 mm.
Vehicle Turning Radius
This is the wheel path that determines the width of the pavement and the front overhang, which is the zone beyond the pavement edge that must be clear of obstructions above the curb height.
Traffic Calming
Devices and techniques that are used to help reduce traffic speed and volume. Examples include forced turns, median barriers, half closures or semi diverters, street closures, and cul-de-sacs.
ADAAG requirements for grates located on walking surfaces
ADAAG specifies that grates located on walking surfaces should have spaces no greater than .5 inches wide in one direction. Gratings with elongated openings should be oriented so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.
Principal Arterials
These provide long-distance “truck line“ continuous routes within and between urban areas. They carry high volumes of traffic at high speeds.
Minor Arterials
These are the continuous routes through urban areas designated as touring routes. They account for 10% of street mileage and more than half of all vehicle miles of travel. May be state, county, or city arterials.
Estuary
The aquatic zone between freshwater river systems and open ocean waters. Examples include Puget Sound and Narragansett Bay.
Comps
In real estate, analyzing comps (or comparables) is a way to determine the value of a property by looking at similar properties that have recently been sold.
Shallow Marsh System
This stormwater wetland design has a large surface area with a reliable groundwater supply or base flow to maintain sufficient water elevation to support emergent wetland plants. They take up a lot of space, requiring a sizable watershed.
Pond/Wetland System
This stormwater wetland design utilizes two separate cells for stormwater treatment, a wet pond and a shallow marsh. The multiple functions of the latter are to trap sediments, reduce incoming runoff velocity, and remove pollutants. Pond/wetland systems consume less space than shallow marsh systems because the bulk of the treatment is provided by a deep pool rather than a shallow marsh.
Extended Detention Wetland
This stormwater wetland design uses extra runoff storage created by temporarily detaining runoff above the shallow marsh. The extended detention feature enables the wetland to occupy less space, as temporary vertical storage partially substitutes for shallow marsh storage. A growing zone is created along the gentle side slopes of extended detention wetlands, from normal pool level to maximum extended detention water surface.
Pocket Wetland
This stormwater wetland design is adapted to serve small sites (one to 10 acres). Because the drainage area is small, it usually does not have a reliable base flow, creating a widely fluctuating water level.
Amory Lovins
Co-founder and chief scientist at the Rocky Mountain Institute, a think-and-do tank. He is a widely known expert consultant in energy and building efficiency.
Embodied Energy
All the energy it takes to make a product, including raw material extraction, transportation, and manufacturing. Heavily processed products have a high embodied energy. Locally produced materials that require fewer transportation costs have lower embodied energy.
Tragedy of the Commons
In economic theory, the tragedy of the commons illustrates a scenario where individual users, each acting in their own self-interest, deplete and spoil shared resources through their collective actions.
