Section 2 - Inventory And Analysis (3) Flashcards
Define streetscape
Streetscape is the space between the buildings on either side of a street that defines it. The elements of a streetscape include the following:
- Building Frontage/Facade
- Landscaping (trees, yards, bushes, plantings, etc.)
- Sidewalks
- Street Paving
- Street Furniture (benches, kiosks, trash receptacles, fountains, etc.)
- Signs
- Awnings
- Street Lighting
The aim of these plants is to calm traffic and create greater pedestrian safety. Streetscape should not block the view, should blend in with the surroundings and contribute to or maintain the character of the area.
Define wetlands.
Wetlands are a collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands are found in a flat vegetated areas, in depressions on the landscape, and between water and dry land along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes, and coastlines. The term “wetlands” encompasses a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Swamps, marches, bogs, prairie potholes, flood plains, and fen - these are all names for ecosystems known as wetlands. Wetlands act like giant, shallow bowls. Water collects in these bowls and slows down as it spreads out. When water levels are low, wetlands slowly release water. If dredged or fill material is to be placed in a wetland or in an area that might be a wetland, contact the local Corps District Office for assistance to determine if a permit is required.
Identify the characteristics of a fire hazard area.
Fire risk is defined as the likelihood that a fire will start in a given location. The hazard depends on how much fuel there is and how flammable it is. Two categories of fire hazards are generally identified: high fire hazard zones and wild land fire areas. An area of high hazard is an area where a fire will spread quickly and burn hotly. A wildfire is an unplanned and unwanted fire requiring suppression action; and uncontrolled fire, usually spread through vegetative fuels but often threatening structures. Some of the best tools for ranking risks are found in historic fire reports.
Fuel Hazard classifications include:
-Small, light fuels (grass, weeds, shrubs)
-Medium size fuels (brush, large shrubs, and small trees)
-Heavy, large fuels (woodland, timber, heavy large brush)
Define shoreline
Natural shorelands contain a lush mixture of native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees that help to filter polluted runoff and provide important habitat for animals in the water and on the land. The loss of natural shorelands threatens water quality and creates other troubles.
Examples:
- Erosion: Removing shoreland vegetation destabilizes the shoreline and can lead to loss of land
- Flooding: Land development leads to increased runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, roads, driveways, and parking lots.
- Damage to fisheries: Clearing trees exposes water to more sunlight, raising water temperatures, lowering oxygen levels, and stressing fish and their food supplies
- Loss of habitat: The water’s edge provides for birds and other wildlife
- Loss of privacy: Shoreland vegetation screens homes from public view and helps to reduce noise from boats and jet-skis.
Identify soil conditions that affect how much water the soil can hold.
The depth of the soil and the depth to the water table will also affect how much water the soil can hold. If soil is only a foot or so deep, with bedrock underneath or on top of the water table, the soil will not be able to hold much water before all the pore spaces become filled. Once the pore spaces are filled, the water will just run off the surface. If a site has compacted soils, or shallow soils, it will be important to have enough area available for the soil to treat runoff. One solution for this problem are rain gardens - small depressions landscaped with native wildflowers. The capture runoff, allowing more time for the water to soak into the soil, rather than running off into a lake or river.
Define the following: Best management practices (BMPs), Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Best Management Practices (BMP) - A practice or combination of practices that are determined by a Stress or a designated planning agency to be the most effective and practicable means (including technological, economic, and institutional considerations) of controlling point and nonpoint source pollutants at levels compatible with environmental quality goals.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) - Long-range multi-year plan of capital improvement projects that are used in the development of annual operating and capital budgets, strategic plans, and long range financial plans. Also provides the means for evaluating facility and infrastructure projects; provides expansion services such as street, sewer, and water projects that may affect a design plan; and information on what services are to be upgraded, repaired or constructed.
Identify project parameters generally defines in the agreement between the owner and architect.
Parameters help to design and manage the project to the satisfaction of the owner and include such items as:
- Objective or use of the project
- Description of the owner’s program
- Procurement or delivery method for the project
- Description of size, location, dimensions, or other pertinent information, such as geotechnical reports about the site.
- Manner in which the program will be developed
- Pertinent legal information, including, if appropriate, land surveys and legal descriptions and restrictions of the site
- Financial parameters
- Milestone dates, durations, or fast track scheduling.
- Method for competitive bid, negotiated contract, or construction management.
- Special characteristics or needs of the Project such as energy, environmental or historic preservation requirements.
This exchange of information encourages (indeed, requires) early communication between the parties about significant factors which will impact the completion of the Project.
Identify the characteristics of slope instability.
Slope-stability or mass-movement problems occur where sediment and/or rock and/or snow move down slop in response to gravity. Slope instability occurs due to particular slope characteristics (geology, gradient, sources of water, drainage, man-made constructions) combining to cause the slope to become unstable. Potential slope-stability problems exist wherever development has taken place at the base of steep slopes. Downslope movement is a natural process, but can be accentuated by undercutting of the base of slopes, clearance of stabilizing vegetation, or diversion of natural drainage. Types of downslope movement include landslide, avalanche, rock fall, rock slip, and rotational slumps. The first three are rapid events, and generally the most dangerous to life and property. Variations in water content and rates of movement produce a variety of forms.
Identify areas that are potential hazard for flooding.
All floods are not alike.
Riverine flooding is due to the accumulation of runoff from rainfall or snowmelt that exceeds the capacity of waterway channels and spreads out over the adjacent land.
Coastal flooding is experiences along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts and many larger lakes and is generally characterized by wind-driven waves from storm surges associated with tropical cyclonic weather systems, extratropical systems, and tsunamis.
Flash floods can develop quickly , sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris that can sweep away most things in its path.
Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as a levee or dam breach.
Floods are classified by their magnitude and frequency of occurrence, such as the “100-year” flood.
Identify OSHA standards that apply to Landscaping and Horticulture services.
Landscape and horticultural services encompass a wide range of services. Included in this category are companies engaged in landscape design and architecture; soil preparation and grading; irrigation systems; tree, shrub, and lawn planting; hardscape construction including: retaining walls, pathways and patios; lawn care and landscape maintenance; arborist services including tree trimming and line clearance.
Landscape and horticultural services can be separated into three main segments:
- SIC Code 0781 - Landscape Counseling and Planning
- SIC Code 0782 - Lawn and Garden Services
- SIC Code 0783 - Ornamental shrub and tree services.
Each area must comply with the general industry standards (29 CFR 1910) and Construction industry standards (29 CFR 1926)
Identify basic factors in the selection of landscape plants
Plant selection include both primary and secondary considerations.
Primary Considerations:
-Height and width are figured by the mature size a plant will reach in the both upward and outward directions.
-Form is the shape of the plant and how it will occupy and accent space. Form and shape are considered as columnar, round, vase, weeping, oval, creeping, etc.
-Texture is the fineness or roughness of plants. It can also be categorized in terms of leaf thickness and shade of plants. As a rule, plants with finer textures should be used in greater numbers than plants with coarse textures.
-Seasonal interest and color are determined by the special features a plat has at different times of the year. Foliage, fruit, flowers, winter color, changing colors etc.
Secondary considerations:
- Insect and disease resistance
- Sun or Shade
- Moisture tolerance
- Drought resistance
- Soil Type
Identify the following accessibility terms as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for Buildings and Facilities:
detectable warning, signage, tactile warning, vehicular way, walk
Detectable Warning: A standardized surface texture applied to or built into walking surfaces or other elements to warn visually impaired people of hazards in the path of travel.
Signage: Audio, symbolic, tactile and pictorial information.
Tactile Warning: A standardized surface texture applied to or built into walking surfaces or other elements to warn visually impaired people of hazards in the path of travel.
Walk: An exterior pathway with a prepared surface intended for pedestrian use, including general pedestrian areas such as plazas and courts.
How do local, state, and federal authorities protect affect the use and development of land?
Local, state and federal authorities protect land in several ways. Local ordinances often establish minimum setbacks for structures, septic systems, and wells. Many communities regulate the removal of vegetation. Permits may also be needed for land disturbance activities, such as grading or filling, to ensure that proper soil erosion control plans are implemented. Both the state and the United States Army Corps of Engineers can be involved in any wetland projects. Permits are required before starting any work.
Briefly explain a construction lien law.
All lien laws are state laws, not federal. A lien is the legal right of a person to have property sold or its value applied to the payment of a claim for services to, delivery of products installed on, or improvement to, real property when the owner refuses to or cannot pay amounts due under a contract. It usually cannot attach to public property. A dispute that often results in a lien will deal with an omission. The owner says you do not do all you were supposed to do, and refuses to pay what which is due. Contract documents need to be clear in all aspects of the project, and also have to be clear to the owner.
Explain the purpose of the Facade and Landscapes Rehabilitation Grant
Eligible projects may receive grant awards to rehabilitate facades and landscape.
Factors considered include:
- Architectural integrity and physical condition
- Structural system
- Material damage
- Material quality
- Design quality
-Presence of ornamentation
Criteria for obtaining a neighborhood building and landscape rehabilitation assistance grant include:
- Renovation and restoration
- Encourage good design projects and workmanship.
- Preserve unique historic character
- Promote beautification and use of open space.
