Section 2 - Question Set 1 Flashcards
Alluvium
Any material deposited by running water; the soil material of floodplains and alluvial fans. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Aquifer
Any subsurface material that holds a relatively large quantity of groundwater and is able to transmit that water readily. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Baseflow
The portion of streamflow contributed by groundwater; it is a steady flow that is slow to change even during the rainless period. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Carrying Capacity
The level of development density or use that an environment is able to support without suffering undesirable or irreversible degradation. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Clustering
A land development concept in which buildings and infrastructure are grouped together, and large contiguous areas of open space remain undeveloped. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Coefficient of Runoff
A number given to a type of ground surface representing the proportion of rainfall converted to overland or surface flow. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Detention
A strategy used in stormwater management in which runoff is detained on-site to be released later at some prescribed rate. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
(designed to hold water temporarily)
Drainage Basin
The area that contributes runoff to a stream, river, or lake. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Easement
A right-of-way granter, but not dedicated, for limited use of private land for a public or quasi-public purpose. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Ecotone
The transition zone between two groups, or zones, of vegetation. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Eutrophication
The increase of biomass of a water body leading to infilling of the basin and the eventual disappearance of open water. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Feasibility Study
A type of planning aimed at identifying the most appropriate use of a site. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Hydric Soil
Soil characterized by wet conditions, or saturation, most of the year - often organic in composition. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Infiltration Capacity
The rate at which a ground material takes in water through the surface; measured in inches or centimeters per minute or hour. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Lacustrine Wetland
A wetland associated with standing water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Microclimate
The climate of small spaces, such as an inner city, a residential area, or a mountain valley. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Mitigation
A measure used to lessen the impact of an action on the natural or human environment. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Mitigation Banking
In wetland mitigation planning, the practice of building surplus acreage of compensation credits through replacement, enhancement, restoration, and/or preservation of wetlands. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Palustrine Wetland
Wetlands associated with inland sites that are not dependent on streams, lakes, or oceanic water. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Peak Discharge
The maximum flow of a stream or a river in response to an event such as a rainstorm, or over a period of time such as a year. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Percolation Rate
The rate at which water moves into soil through the walls of a test pit; used to determine soil suitability for wastewater disposal and treatment. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
An area planned, developed, operated, and maintained as a single entity containing one or more structures and common areas; it may include multiple land uses (for example, commercial or residential). - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Rational Method
A method of computing the discharge from a small drainage basin in response to a given rainstorm; computation is based on the coefficient runoff, rainfall intensity, and basin area. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Rainfall Intensity
The rate of rainfall (measured in inches or centimeters) of water deposited on the surface per hour or minute. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Retention
A strategy used for stormwater management in which runoff is retained on-site in basins, underground, or released into the soil. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
(designed to hold a specific amount of water indefinitely)
Riparian Wetland
Wetlands that form on the edge of a water feature such as a lake or stream. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Siltation
The deposition of sediment in water due to soil erosion and stormwater runoff. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Stream Order
The relative position, or rank, of a stream in a drainage network. Streams without tributaries, usually the small ones, are first order; streams with two or more first order tributaries are second order, and so on. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Steps of the Site Selection Process
- Clarify project objectives and requirements (housing, park, restoration, business, mixed-use)
- Determine site selection criteria (size, cost, transportation, market)
- Identify potential sites
- Evaluate each site’s sustainability (constraints and opportunities)
- Rank the sites and select the best site
- Conduct a feasibility study of the selected site (acquisition, design, permitting, maintenance)
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Site Conditions
Does the site provide adequate conditions/substrate for the project? Physical constraints or essential attributes and legal or regulatory restrictions or benefits (zoning)
Example: Shallow depth to groundwater presents issues with construction of the building and underground utilities.
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Contextual Factors
Is the proposed project compatible with the surroundings? Market or service area (the community, nearby amenities, the compatibility of proposed use with the existing use) and physical conditions (access to utilities, transportation, schools)
Example: United States prisons criteria include located to attract qualified professional staff of racial and ethnic origins compatible with the inmates
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
A successful programmer will …
- Communicate the proposed process to all involved
- Not lock in preconceived solutions
- Reconcile sub-component needs with the overall organizational goal and resources
- Frequently test and review design concepts
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Areas of Focus for Data Collection for Programming
- Site and context
- User needs and preferences
- Design precedents
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
The process of evaluating buildings (or landscapes) after they have been built and occupied for some time. Less common for outdoor spaces. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Functional Relationships/Spatial Relationships
The desired spatial relationships among programmed uses may be determined from client surveys, reviews of literature, or other sources. Programs may include activities or uses that are relatively incompatible. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Factors to Evaluate Value of Trees
- Tree size
- Tree species
- Tree condition or health
- Tree location
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
ASTM Phase One Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Summarizes the site’s ownership and land use history, in addition to current soil and groundwater conditions. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
“Euclidean” Zoning
The traditional zoning method that rigidly separating residential uses from non-residential uses. Contributes to urban sprawl and fosters land consumptive development patterns that make transportation by walking or public transit virtually impractical. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Subdivision Ordinances
Sets the minimum requirements for parcel size, setbacks, number and location of street access points, and other similar requirements. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Aspect
The direction a slope faces. Variation in slope and aspect influence the amount of solar radiation received by the site on a daily and seasonal basis. This is important for passive or active solar heating. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Important Soil Attributes
- Acidity/Alkalinity (pH)
- Permeability
- Erosion potential
- Depth to seasonally high water table
- Depth to bedrock
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Important Atmospheric Conditions
- Temperature (minimum, maximum, and day/night variation)
- Humidity (low, high, and average)
- Wind (maximum, average, and direction)
- Rainfall (monthly totals and maximum for any one day)
- Snowfall (monthly totals and maximum for any one day)
- Solar radiation (monthly average)
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Elements That Define a Wetland
Hydrology, vegetation, and soils - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Three Typical Wetland Categories
- Areas with hydrophytes and hydric soil (marsh, swamp, bog)
- Areas without soils but with hydrophytes (aquatic bed, seaweed covered rocky shore)
- Areas with out soil and without hydrophytes that are periodically flooded (gravel beach, tidal flat)
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Steps of Project Programming
- Initiate the project
- Develop the project mission and objectives
- Determine the project’s operational and physical requirements
- Document and present the program to the client
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Elements of a Site Inventory
- Physical Attributes (topography, parcel shape and size, geology, soils, hydrology, and climate)
- Biological Attributes (ecological communities, exotic species, wetlands, trees, wildlife)
- Cultural Attributes (history, land use, regulations, public infrastructure, and neighborhood character)
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Comprehensive Plan
Community level “vision” statements about how a community intends to grow and develop, typically over a twenty to thirty year period. Usually addresses housing, transportation, utilities, natural and cultural resources, and economic development. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Basic Function of Development Regulations
To protect public health, safety, and welfare. Regulations that exceed this have been challenged in court and generally the government must provide “just compensation” to the affected land owner. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Access Easement
Ensures physical access to or across a site from adjacent properties. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Utility Easement
Provides physical access to install, replace, and maintain a utility system infrastructure (such as power lines) - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Conservation Easement
Restricts development potential and preserves open space. They are often used to protect hiking trails and other recreational areas or to maintain important ecosystem functions (such as groundwater recharge or connectivity) - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Scenic Easement
Protects vistas and viewsheds by preventing development that blocks or degrades those views. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Solar Easement
Protects solar access to adjacent property. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Typology to Explain How People Perceive the Built Environment
- Edges (shorelines, roads, hedges)
- Paths (streets and sidewalks)
- Districts (neighborhoods)
- Nodes (entrances, plazas, street intersections)
- Landmarks (unique buildings, structures, or natural features)
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Neighborhood Character
The context of the existing site. Including: the use, design, and placement of buildings, arrangement of streets and walkways, land use, and the use, design, and placement of outdoor spaces. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Sanborn Map
Detailed city maps that include building height, building footprint, street names, number of stories per building, building construction materials, building use, and other building attributes. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Ten Perceptions of Landscape
- Nature (fundamental)
- Habitat (adaptation)
- Artifact (utilitarian)
- System (dynamic, equilibrium)
- Problem (challenge, flawed)
- Wealth (property
- Ideology (values)
- History (legacy)
- Place (locality, experience)
- Aesthetic (beauty)
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Steps of Suitability Analysis
- Identify suitability criteria for each anticipated land use
- Collect and map the relevant site attribute data
- Identify and map the site locations with attribute values that meet the suitability criteria for the targeted land use
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Attributes that Make Up a Place’s Character
- Location (within the site and the neighborhood)
- Scale
- Mix (uses and their connections)
- Time (places change with the time of day or year and over generations)
- Movement (quality, convenience, and speed)
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Precepts of Context-Sensitive Design
Design with Nature
Design with Culture
Design places for people
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Conceptual Design
This phase of the project considers the program, community goals, and site and contextual conditions. The result is multiple concept plans that explains the intended functional relationships among the site and project components. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Steps of Conceptual Design
- Delineate primary and secondary conservation areas
- In the remain site areas, delineate the locations that are suitable for development
- Within the areas suitable for development, delineate the developable areas
- Locate the primary and secondary circulation systems, considering the size and shape of the developable areas
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Three Major Site Components of a Concept Plan
- Open Space
- Circulation Systems
- Developable Areas (“pods” or envelopes)
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Linear Pattern of Circulation
Walkway systems are commonly used for recreational corridors; may parallel natural features such as streams, rivers, or oceanfront. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Grid Pattern of Circulation
Walkways parallel street networks in urban areas; advantages include ease of orientation and flexibility in route selection. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Loop Pattern of Circulation
Walkway may connect and organize a series of open spaces, a cluster of buildings, or other activity nodes. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Radial Pattern of Circulation
Walkways converge to form intersections that can be designed as plazas, squares, or other important pedestrian nodes. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Spiral Pattern of Circulation
Walkway is appropriate for ceremonial processions that descend or ascend toward a special destination; common in sculpture gardens, memorials, and other contemplative outdoor spaces. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Design Development
The refinement or “articulation” of the concept plan. Communicates the spatial organization of the site, including open space, circulation systems, and buildings. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Five Actions of Sustainable Site Planning
- Protect the environment from unnecessary impact
- Restore environmentally degraded areas
- Reuse already developed sites
- Build compact, distinctive, walkable places
- Conserve resources
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Three Major Principles of Composition
- Unity - repetition, simplicity, rhythm, and proportion
- Balance - visual “weight” and scale
- Emphasis - contrast (to add interest or create focal points) and hierarchy
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Rectilinear Theme
One of three primary geometric themes. Elements are organized by straight lines, right angles, and squares and rectangles. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Angular Theme
One of three primary geometric themes. Elements are organized by points, radiating lines and acute or obtuse angles, and triangles and hexagons. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Curvilinear Theme
One of three primary geometric themes. Elements are organized by generative points, arcs and tangents, and circles and semi-circles. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Three Open Space Types
- Conservation Open Space: woodland, grassland, and waterways
- Developed “Soft” Open Space: lawn, garden, or park
- Developed “Hard” Open Space: plaza, promenade, or courtyard
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Height/Width Ratio for Sense of Enclosure
Depending on the context and function of the open space the ideal ratio ranges from 4:1 to 1:4. 1:2 or 1:3 creates a strong sense of enclosure. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Maximum Distances a Person Will Walk
Premium transit and rail: 1/2 mile, 2,640’
Bus service and other: 1/4 mile, 1320’
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Three Important Functions of Pedestrian Circulation
- Access to the site
- Mobility within the site
- Outdoor spaces for socializing and individual activities
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Key Characteristics of a Successful Outdoor Urban Spaces
Seating Food and/or entertainment Locations with both sunshine and shade Nearby sources of people (ex. office buildings) - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Design Criteria for Functional Pedestrian Circulation
- Separate pedestrians from vehicles and minimize conflicts
- Connectivity between destinations and minimize the interruptions (across a parking lot)
- Capacity, sufficient width to accommodate pedestrians, consider a hierarchy of pathways
- Accessibility, ADA
- Amenities such as lighting, special paving to define areas, site furniture, public art, and vegetation.
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Types of Pollution from Runoff
Thermal pollution - runoff with elevated temperatures
Sedimentation - sand, silt, and clay
Chemical pollution - heavy metals, fertilizers, hydrocarbons, pesticides
Pathogens - bacteria and viruses
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Erosion Control
Disturb the smallest area of land possible for the shortest period of time and stabilize disturbed soil to prevent erosion. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Sediment Control
Captures sediment that is transported in stormwater runoff during construction. The main techniques are detention (gravitational settling) and filtration. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Layout Plan
The horizontal control. This plan located buildings, streets, parking areas, walkways, utilities lines, and other site elements in relation to the site’s boundaries. One of the essential plans for construction drawings. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Grading Plan
The vertical control. This plan located the existing contours, proposed contours, and proposed spot elevations at high points, low points, and pavement corners (top of wall) in relation to a local elevation benchmark. One of the essential plans for construction drawings. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Utilities Plan
The subsurface and surface utilities. The plan locates the sewer system, electrical lines, lighting, water lines, and telecommunications cables. Typically specifies the type and the size or capacity. One of the essential plans for construction drawings. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Planting Plan
Locate new plant material. Includes information about the spacing, quantities, sizes, and root conditions. One of the essential plans for construction drawings. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Demolition Plan
The site preparation information. Identifies the buildings, utility structures, and other site elements that will either be removed, adapted, or protected. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Irrigation Plan
Locates the site irrigation system. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESC)
Includes grading details, identifies and locates control structures, details temporary and permanent stabilization measures, and a description of construction sequences. In some jurisdictions this must be submitted before permits can be issued. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
General Specifications
Covers topics such as bidding requirements, required insurance, required bonding, and incentives for completing the project ahead of schedule or without problems. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Technical Specifications
Written description of the procedures and materials required for implementing the project. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Construction Supervision
This step is the responsibility of the general contractor and subcontractors during a project. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Contract Administration
This is the landscape architect’s responsibility to ensure that the project’s implementation reflects the intent of the approved plans and that work is completed as specified by the construction documents. The objective it to protect the client’s interest. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Four Ways Municipalities Can Control Development
- Public Investment - transportation, parks, utility systems
- Regulations - zoning, building codes, subdivision ordinances
- Incentives and disincentives - preferential taxes, higher taxes on vacant property, zoning bonuses
- Land Use Planning - comprehensive plan, capital improvement plan
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Three Sets of Issues Zoning Addresses
- Permitted use of land and buildings - typically residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use
- Intensity of the use - minimum lot size for homes, dwelling units per acre, number of stories allowed, etc.
- Height, bulk, and other dimensional standards - percentage of the site covered by the building, set backs, lighting, signage, etc.
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Zoning Overlay Districts
These may impose additional development standards or may allow greater flexibility in the interpretation of the existing zoning. Example: Historic districts promote the preservation and restoration of buildings with historical significance. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Subdivision Ordinances
Regulates the site development by defining street width, sidewalk requirements, shapes and size of lots, installation of public utilities, and specifications for lighting, trees, bus stops, and/or other amenities. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Unified Development Codes
These attempt to eliminate the arbitrary distinction between regulations for subdivisions and all other forms of development. These standards apply to all development proposals, whether or not they require subdivision of land parcels. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Site Plan and Development Review
A systematic assessment of the development proposal by the municipality. The proposal must meet the following basic standards: protect sensitive natural environments, prevent environmental harm, minimal impacts on surrounding properties, efficiency and convenience, proper relationship to public services
(ex. fire and police), and adequate consideration to expansion options. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Submission Requirements for Site Plan Review
Application forms and fees, includes a written description of intended use and proof of ownership
Site analysis
Location map, Site plan, Landscape or planting plan, Site engineering/earthwork plan, Building plans
Impact assessments
Schedule for project completion
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Site Plan Elements for Review
Title block, date, north arrow, scale, and legal description of the property
Legend with data on the lot area, floor area, FAR, impervious surface area and ratio, and building heights
Property lines, including right of ways
Existing and proposed structures footprints and heights
Existing and proposed drainage
Location and type of permanently protected green space
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Landscape or Planting Plan Elements for Review
Required buffer plantings Required parking lot plantings Plant species and size Fencing type and heights Berm heights - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Site Engineering/Earthwork Plan Elements for Review
Grading and erosion control
Stormwater management
Site utilities
- Site Analysis, James LaGro
Impact Assessment Elements for Review
Environmental impacts Economic impacts Traffic impacts, including traffic demand management Lighting and noise impacts Sediment and erosion control Stormwater runoff Tree protection - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Brownfield
A site that is contaminated with chemical waste. Previous laws (mainly the Superfund Program) accidentally discouraged the redevelopment of brownfields because they created significant legal and financial risks by assigning the liability of clean up costs to the new property owner, even if they were not responsible for the original pollution. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Greyfield
A previously developed site that has minor and relatively easily mitigated environmental contamination. Example: strip malls. Developing these sites encourages urban infill and redevelopment rather than developing on the urban/suburban fringe. - Site Analysis, James LaGro
Deconstruction
The practice of reusing or recycling materials found in abandoned and vacant properties. Deconstructing buildings saves useful materials for reuse in new construction and rehabilitation projects and creates more jobs and business opportunities than demolition. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Ideal Location for Open Space Relative to the Building
Located on the southern side of the building. Southern exposure is preferred over open space with northern exposure. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Best Combination of Shape and Orientation of a Building
An elongated building on an east-west axis because in winter the south side will receive three times as much solar radiation as on the east or west (for northern latitudes). - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Key Elements of Site Analysis
Location and relationship to the community (roadways, schools, shops, etc), topography, hydrology (including flood plain), vegetation, soil, zoning and regulation, infrastructure (utilities and transportation), and historical value. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Does Proposed Use Effect the Site Analysis?
Yes, the context of the proposed use frames the scope and character of the site analysis. For example: a site with significant changes in elevation is difficult and more expensive for a commercial builder but it could be ideal for a resort of high-end residential developer. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Elements the Initial Slope Analysis Identifies
- Ranges or classes of slopes, and areas too steep to build
- Potential locations for buildings
- Possible routes for circulation
- Drainage patterns
- Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Center for Integration of Natural Disaster Information
A resource for more detailed information on regional and local site hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, ground water conditions, sinkholes and more. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Liquefaction
When solid ground becomes “mushy” when soils are vibrated, associated with earthquakes. In certain cases, soil will lose all bear capacity, causing buildings to slip or sink and buried structures to rise to the surface. Typical, a soil with 15% or greater clay content is adequate protection. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Identifies if there is any environmental contamination. It is used to provide a standard that allows a property buyer or developer to meet the requirements established by the laws and courts to minimize the risk of environmental liability. There are ASTM standards for preforming this. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Traditional Residential Development Density
1 to 4 homes per acre. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
High Density Residential Development
6 to 12 homes or units per arce. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Deep, Narrow Lots
Lots are range from 3,000 to 4,800 sq ft. Allowing for 6 to 8.5 lots per acre. Typically the garages are close to the front of the lot and there is minimal backyard privacy. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Wide, Shallow Lots
Lots are typically 3,500 sq ft. Allowing for 6 to 7 lots per acre. These lots are not as desirable as deep, narrow lots because they have an increased cost and lack useful yard space. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Alley Houses/Lots
Lots range from 3,300 to 4,500 sq ft. Allowing for 4 to 8 lots per acre. There are no driveways or garage doors . Parking is located in the back of the property, connected to a communal alley. This provides ideal utility corridors. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Z-Lots
Zero lot line layout; houses are placed on or very near to one property line. Lots lines may job around the building. Houses are designed to increase light and maximize privacy to strategically locating windows and entrances. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Steps of C.P.T.E.D.
- Map the positive elements (schools, churches, long-standing bussinesses, etc.)
- Map the areas of concern (abandoned buildings, high-crime areas, vacant lots, traffic patterns, etc.)
- Use these two maps to work with the community or identifying and prioritizing the steps towards a safer community.
- Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Three Aspects of Defensible Space
- Territory: drawing distinctions between spaces through methods such as changes in texture or elevation and barriers.
- Access: controlling access by narrowing intersections, traffic calming, signs, etc.
- Surveillance: seeing and being seen; windows and doors that face the street, porches, and points of congregation.
- Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Ways to Protect a Facility from Attack
Federal recommendations of some facilities call for a setback of 100’ and a minimum of 15 acres. However, the same security can be achieved through incorporating changes in elevation and low barriers such as ponds, grading changes, berms, or strategically located site furniture. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Durability Grades of Pavers or Bricks
NX: only interior, where wetting and freezing is not an issue
MX: exterior, but without freezing
SX: exterior, where freezing will occur
- Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Abrasion Resistance Grades of Pavers or Bricks
Type I: heavy traffic, such as driveways or commercial entrances
Type II: medium traffic, such as outside a restaurant entrance
Type III: residential or light duty patios
- Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Average Walking Speed of Pedestrian
4’ per second - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Cross Slope of Sidewalk
Minimum cross slope of 1% to allow for drainage, maximum of 3% - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Longitudinal Slope of Sidewalk
Minimum longitudinal slope of 1% to allow for drainage, up to 3% is desirable, and slopes greater than 5% should be avoided where there is freezing. Also, any slope that exceeds 5% requires handrails to comply with ADA. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Equation for Steps
2R+T = 26” to 27”
R is riser height
T is tread width
- Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Minimum and Maximum Tread Height
Minimum height of 4.5” and a maximum height of 7” - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
How Far a Person Will Look to View a Sign
A person is less likely to look up more than 10 degrees to view a sign. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Elements for Analyzing the Needs of a Particular Community
- Users age group or the age distribution within the population
- Projected number of users
- Source of funding, maintenance, and management
- Availability and accessibility of existing facilities
- Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Types of Bicycle Routes
- Dedicated bicycle path system, separate from streets
- Designated lane system
- Road sharing system
- Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Traffic Calming
The use of design elements to increase driver awareness and slow vehicle speed. The two main complaints are driver exasperation with interference with driving and unintended impacts; such as speed bumps damaging snow plows. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Traffic Calming Devices
Some devices include the speed bump, choker, narrower streets, closing streets, and using roundabouts. - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ
Turning Radius
Small Car = 19.5' Standard Car = 22.5' Large Car = 23' School Bus = 43.5' Ambulance = 30' Fire Truck = 48' Trash Truck = 32' - Site Planning and Design, Thomas Russ