CHAPTER 6: HUMAN & CULTURAL SYSTEMS Flashcards
(50 cards)
What are the techniques to acquire data for site inventory and analysis in human and cultural systems?
- Interviews
- Focus groups
- Charrettes/workshops
- Surveys
- Literature and document research
- Participant observations
Qualitative data must be collected using techniques borrowed from the social sciences.
What is a Comprehensive Plan?
A planning document that establishes a government’s policy for long-term future development of land, usually over a 20-30 year period.
Comprehensive plans bring together major determinants of growth and development including housing, transportation, and economic development.
Define Zoning.
Municipal or local laws and regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas.
What is a Zoning Code?
A legal document used by public agencies to regulate land use, including a statement of purpose, definitions, and development standards.
What does a Zoning Map illustrate?
The locations and extents of each zone type/district as well as the location of overlay districts.
What is a Variance in zoning terms?
A request to modify zoning requirements so that a property can be used differently than the zoning ordinance allows.
What is Conditional Use zoning?
Allows property owners to use their land in ways not permitted by standard zoning by negotiating with the local government.
What is Floor Area Ratio (FAR)?
A measurement comparing the size of a building to the size of the lot it’s built on, used by local governments to regulate building density.
What is Cluster Development?
Development that groups units into clusters of greater density without increasing overall density, preserving open space.
List the benefits of Cluster Development.
- Preservation of open space
- Protection of natural and cultural resources
- Reduction of impervious surfaces
- Lowered construction costs
- Reduction in site disturbance
- Reduced visual impact
Cluster development can enhance community character.
What are the challenges of Mixed Use Development?
- Zoning ordinances discourage mixed uses
- Require complex financing
- Increased project complexity
- Extensive interdisciplinary coordination
- Longer development approval process
Define Planned Unit Developments (PUD).
A variation of traditional zoning practices allowing for greater flexibility in meeting density and land use requirements.
What is Transit Oriented Development (TOD)?
Development that encourages mixed use, high density, and proximity to multi-modal transportation hubs.
What factors should be considered regarding Parcel size and shape?
The shape of a site impacts development potential and design flexibility.
What is a Building Code?
A document used by municipal governments to regulate construction, addressing structural integrity and health/safety issues.
What does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provide?
Design guidance for accessibility, including ramp specifications and slope requirements.
What is a Capital Improvement Program (CIP)?
A plan for a community’s public capital spending over several years, linking government resources to strategic plans.
What is Eminent Domain?
The right of government to take private property for public use with compensation.
What does ‘grandfathered’ mean in zoning terms?
Features of a site that no longer meet zoning or building code requirements but are not required to meet newer codes.
What is a Task Force?
An ad hoc citizens committee formed to address a specific problem or subject.
Define Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
A residential unit providing independent living facilities located on the same lot as a primary residence.
List the legal variables to consider with site inventory and analysis.
- Jurisdiction
- Property title/ownership
- Property value
- Easements
- Covenants
What is Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)?
A land use planning tool allowing landowners to separate and sell development rights, enabling higher density in receiving areas.
What is Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)?
land conservation tool where a government or land trust pays a landowner to give up the right to develop their land, while the landowner keeps ownership and can still use it for things like farming or recreation.
