Practice Exam - Inventory Flashcards
What would be consulted to determine permitted land uses on a site?
Local zoning ordinance.
Local zoning ordinances specify permissible land uses within a jurisdiction.
Which factors are commonly prescribed in a zoning ordinance?
- Land use
- Density
- Off-street parking requirements
- Setbacks
These factors dictate how land can be used and developed.
What factor is most relied upon by courts of law in adjudicating land use regulation cases?
Localities’ adoption of a planning document.
Planning documents are essential for guiding land use decisions.
What typically includes site grading plans for review and approval?
Site plan submittals.
Site plan submittals are required for local planning and zoning agencies to assess proposed developments.
During a visual inspection of a site, which aspects should a landscape architect determine? Choose 3 that apply.
- Safe access points from adjacent roads
- Areas subject to excessive erosion
- The general extent of wetlands
These factors are critical for site safety and environmental assessment.
What device can be used to preserve the rural character of an area?
Scenic easements.
Scenic easements restrict development to maintain the visual character of landscapes.
Which factors influence a site assessment for development? Choose all that apply.
- Geomorphology
- Hydrology
- Topography
- Demography
These factors help determine the suitability of a site for development.
What can a designer use to predict the geologic substrate of a site when master planning?
National Resources Conservation Service (Geologic Survey of Canada) Soil.
Soil surveys provide valuable information about the geological composition of an area.
What is the primary purpose of the site inventory phase?
Collect site data.
Gathering accurate data is essential for informed planning decisions.
Which factors influence the selection of a site for creating a new wetland? Choose all that apply.
- Existing vegetation
- Topography
- Drainage patterns
- Regulatory requirements
These factors ensure that the wetland will function properly and meet legal standards.
What is an example of a site inventory item for natural factors?
Physiology.
Understanding the physiological aspects of a site aids in ecological assessments.
How can preservation controls be integrated into a zoning ordinance? Choose 2 that apply.
- Identifying designated districts
- Imposing special architectural controls
These strategies help maintain historical and environmental integrity.
What options may an owner choose if a project fails to meet setback requirements? Choose all that apply.
- Redesign the project
- Request rezoning
- Apply for a variance
These options provide pathways to address zoning conflicts.
Which zoning device impacts population density in single-family residential areas?
Minimum lot size.
Minimum lot sizes regulate how many houses can be built in an area.
What is the potential land use yield in a residential setting known as?
Dwelling units per acre [hectare].
This metric helps planners estimate housing capacity.
What is the principal means of controlling land uses and preventing incompatible uses?
Zoning ordinance [by-law].
Zoning ordinances are critical for urban planning and development control.
When should a variance be sought for a parcel?
When unique site characteristics make development according to the zoning a hardship.
Variances allow for exceptions to zoning regulations under special circumstances.
When planning to facilitate specific activities, what should a site planner do? Choose all that apply.
- Work out the range of facilities required
- Ensure site management capability for planned activities
- Ensure satisfactory experience for users
These actions ensure that the site meets the intended functional requirements.
What information can an aerial photograph provide?
Percent impervious cover.
This metric is useful for understanding land cover and potential runoff.
Which facility could NOT be accommodated in a 15,000 sq. ft. site designed as a park?
A small soccer or softball field and viewing stands.
Such facilities require more space than available in this site size.
Why are special environments like wetlands analyzed?
To determine suitability of proposed land use.
Evaluating unique environments is essential for sustainable land use planning.
Which recreational facility requires the largest site?
400 meter track.
Tracks typically require extensive space for proper layout and safety.
Transportation studies normally involve all of the following EXCEPT?
Weight of vehicles using the corridor.
Transportation studies generally focus on flow and capacity rather than vehicle weight.
What do ‘levels of service’ for transportation systems refer to?
Degrees of delay and congestion expected during peak periods.
This term is used to analyze roadway performance.
What do sight distance guidelines limit?
Locating vehicular access points.
Adequate sight distance is necessary for safe access to roads.
What is necessary to determine appropriate plant material for a project? Choose all that apply.
- Hardiness zone
- Available sunlight
- Soil conditions
- Average rainfall
These factors help ensure that chosen plants thrive in the given environment.
What is a characteristic of the mountain rainshadow effect?
Increase in precipitation on west facing slopes.
This effect occurs due to orographic lifting of moist air.
What are key factors that contribute to fire danger?
- Fuel
- Topography
- Weather
These factors are critical in assessing wildfire risks.
What should a landscape architect consider when evaluating existing trees on a site? Choose all that apply.
- Age
- Health
- Appearance
- Tree’s adaptability to an altered environment
These considerations help determine the viability of existing trees in the landscape.
What contributions does Quercus provide to wildlife habitats? Choose all that apply.
- Nesting materials
- UV protection
- Source of food
- Wildlife cover (sanctuary)
Quercus species are vital for many wildlife species.
What is the best source for locating stands of evergreen and deciduous trees on a regional scale?
Aerial photograph.
Aerial imagery provides a comprehensive view of vegetation cover.
What is an indicator of soil associations?
Plant communities.
Different plant communities can indicate specific soil types and conditions.
What determines the degree of severity of soil erosion? Choose all that apply.
- Exposure to wind
- Exposure to water influences
- Permeability
- Soil character
These factors influence how susceptible an area is to erosion.
What is the best basis for determining the overall eco-health of a meadow ecosystem?
Biodiversity.
High biodiversity typically indicates a healthy ecosystem.
What must a site analysis for wildlife include?
Mapping of habitats.
Habitat mapping is essential for understanding wildlife needs.
Which attributes can be interpreted from a topography map? Choose all that apply.
- Slope
- Elevation
- Aspect
These attributes are critical for understanding landform and drainage patterns.
What is the most likely source to determine natural regional drainage patterns?
Topographic map.
Topographic maps illustrate the contours that influence drainage.
Where do drainage basin divides occur?
Ridges.
Ridges separate different drainage basins.
How are gradient values of a topographic slope computed?
Dividing the slope’s vertical change in elevation by its horizontal length.
This calculation determines the steepness of a slope.
What do deep red colors in North American soils indicate?
Presence of free iron oxides.
Iron oxides contribute to soil color and fertility.
What is the most likely source for alluvial soils?
Floodplains.
Alluvial soils are typically deposited by river systems.
What must soil do to be considered a shrinking and swelling hazard?
Experience fluctuating changes in moisture content.
Such fluctuations can cause significant structural issues.
What does a blue or gray soil color suggest?
Poor drainage and lack of good aeration.
These conditions can adversely affect plant growth.
What actions may cause a slide or slump on a site with clay and shale layers? Choose 3 that apply.
- Loading the site with structures
- Adding irrigation
- Adding a septic system
These actions can destabilize slopes and increase landslide risk.
What future uses could be considered for a closed, solid-waste landfill site?
Park development.
Repurposing landfill sites for parks can provide green space in urban areas.
How can non-point source pollution of surface water bodies be controlled? Choose all that apply.
- Proper design and placement of septic systems
- Elimination of fertilizer-laden runoff
- On-site retention of stormwater runoff
- Maintaining heavily vegetated buffers
These techniques are essential for protecting water quality.
What is the rational method formula for stormwater runoff calculated using?
Runoff area, a runoff coefficient, and rainfall intensity per hour.
This formula helps predict stormwater runoff volumes.
What factors can cause facilities within a park to deviate from standard size requirements? Choose all that apply.
- Specific site design requirements
- Site characteristics
- Agency policies
These factors can necessitate adjustments to standard facility sizes.
What site characteristic is most compatible with the location of a child care center?
A site that allows access via a secondary street.
Access considerations are crucial for safety and traffic management.
