Site Planning General

Question 1

Zoning

Answer 1

Uniform standards of construction originating in NYC in 1916 to protect the health, welfare and safety of people. Regulates the use of land, light, air , and open space while protecting property values and protecting against nuisances (factories in residential areas), undesirable businesses ( porn shops by schools) and dangers (hazardous chemicals).

Question 2

Incentive Zoning

Answer 2

Encourages private developers to provide amenities for public use in exchange for opportunity to build larger or taller structures on a site

Question 3

Nonconforming Use

Answer 3

building is no longer permitted by the zoning ordinance. Typically allowed to stay unless it’s unsafe

Question 4

Conditional Use

Answer 4

a building that is permitted in an area that is not zoned for, but to benefit the public ( e.g. an elementary school in a residential neighborhood)

Question 5

Variance

Answer 5

applied for by an owner on a private site to ask to deviate from an ordinance in order to avoid hardship.

Question 6

Spot Zoning

Answer 6

a change in the zoning ordinance for a particular area

Question 7

Ordinance

Answer 7

A municipal law

Question 8

Setbacks

Answer 8

required open space measured between property line and face of building Used to preserve light, air, and spaciousness

Question 9

Building Line

Answer 9

Utilized by communities principally to achieve planned street patterns. they help insure that buildings will not be erected in the bed of projected streets or of potential street widening

Question 10

Easements

Answer 10

Legal right of government or another land owner to use one’s property for a specific purpose

Question 11

Scenic Easements

Answer 11

Prevents development that upsets something scenic to the public

Question 12

Assessment

Answer 12

valuation of property for the purpose of taxes

Question 13

Business Improvement Districts

Answer 13

used to fund public space improvements ( new streetscapes/graffiti removal) with the intention that it will enhance an area’s appeal. All business owners in district who would benefit pay increased taxes

Question 14

Eminent domain

Answer 14

power of the state to take private property without owner’s consent, but with fair market value of the land compensation. Must be used government or public development ( highways, railroads, civic center), economic development, or to mandate an easement for access ( public utilities, right of way)

Question 15

Deed Restrictions

Answer 15

place limitation on the use of the property, typically by original developers, who determined what land would be used for ( live, work, or play) and cant be changed by future owners

Question 16

Restrictive Covenant

Answer 16

Limitations and stipulations used in residential settings. can be aesthetic ( allowable color pallets, vegetation types/ pruning , fencing materials ) pet control ( how many and/or living conditions), or storage related ( visibility of parked cars/boats/campers).

Question 17

Affirmative Covenant

Answer 17

commits a buyer to performing duties in the future ( e.g. will make payments for common charges in a condo)

Question 18

conditional Covenant

Answer 18

if restriction is violated or disregarded, the land will revert back to original owners/heirs

Question 19

Right-of-Way

Answer 19

right for people to cross land of another (pathways/cattle drivers)

Question 20

Name the 9 space/site planning considerations

Answer 20

• relationship between site/structure
• response to site conditions
• be visible but maintain human scale
• express and serve its purpose economically and thoughtfully
• utilize technologies and materials appropriately
• create a hierarchy of parts that is interested to look at
• create a relationship between the interior and exterior
• express human spirit and encourage human interaction