Site Inventory and Planning

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What might indicate the presence of chemicals or toxic wastes on a site?

A history of agricultural use

Previous industrial or commercial uses (correct)

Existing residential buildings

Proximity to natural resources

What is an important aspect to assess when considering brownfield sites for redevelopment?

Potential residential interest

The site's land use context (correct)

Nearby public transportation options

The local climate conditions

Which of the following is NOT included in the attributes documented for assessing a site's land use context?

Dwelling units per acre

Average daily vehicle traffic

The number of nearby schools (correct)

Residential building heights

What is one type of documentation that may be included in land ownership records?

Certified survey map of parcel boundaries Signup and view all the answers

What do zoning codes primarily regulate?

Permitted and prohibited uses within districts Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly influences a site's development potential?

Parcel size and shape Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT affected by site elevation?

Soil fertility Signup and view all the answers

What is a common visual representation of elevation data?

Contour lines on topographic maps Signup and view all the answers

How does the shape of a site affect its development?

It impacts design flexibility and development potential. Signup and view all the answers

The classification of slopes on a site is mainly important for determining what?

Suitability for structures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about larger sites is TRUE?

They allow greater flexibility in accessing the site. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of understanding site and contextual attributes in land use?

To assess site development potential. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between site inventory and land management?

A well-conducted site inventory enhances management decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding existing circulation patterns crucial in site planning?

It prevents dangerous pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a likely consequence of failing to anticipate 'desire lines'?

Creation of dangerous pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What role do utility networks play in the site planning process?

They provide important information about the site. Signup and view all the answers

What did Michigan State University do regarding the pathways for new buildings?

Rely on students to create their own paths. Signup and view all the answers

In Kevin Lynch's theory, what is proposed as a way people form mental images of their environment?

Cognitive maps. Signup and view all the answers

What influences the spatial organization of a site plan?

Factors such as adjacent streets and driveways. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant mistake that can happen if circulation patterns are poorly understood?

Poorly designed site access. Signup and view all the answers

What should site planners consider regarding pedestrian access?

Where and how pedestrians will enter the site. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is NOT part of the water cycle?

Consumption Signup and view all the answers

What impact does urban development have on runoff?

Increases the rate of runoff discharges Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following attributes is NOT considered in characterizing hydrologic conditions?

Population density Signup and view all the answers

How does urban development affect streamflow during dry periods?

It reduces streamflow Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental characteristic would NOT typically influence site planning and design?

Total number of local parks Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of hydrologists when assessing aquifers?

Aquifer permeability and thickness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of increased flooding frequency due to urban development?

Erosion of stream banks Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about water circulation in the environment is TRUE?

Overland flow contributes to surface water distribution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a node in urban planning?

Entrances Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of figure-ground mapping?

Portraying building patterns and spaces between them Signup and view all the answers

Which of these building attributes is NOT typically analyzed within a commercial district?

Foundation type Signup and view all the answers

Which element is considered a landmark in urban design?

Unique buildings Signup and view all the answers

Cultural resource assessments often document which of the following?

Prior land uses and historical significance Signup and view all the answers

What do edges in urban planning typically refer to?

The boundary or transition areas such as shorelines and roads Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how historic resources are mapped?

To illustrate the cultural context of a site Signup and view all the answers

Which two elements are primarily mapped in figure-ground mapping?

Building footprints and the spaces between buildings Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Site Inventory

To make informed site planning decisions, understand the site's physical, biological, and cultural attributes.
Different sets of attributes are relevant for different activities and land uses.

Site Inventory: Physical Attributes

The site inventory assesses the site's characteristics and its connection to the surrounding environment.
This process is essential for land development, restoration, and management.

Parcel Size and Shape

Parcel size affects the site's development potential; larger sites accommodate more diverse development than smaller sites.
The site shape can restrict development potential and design flexibility, especially on smaller or narrow sites.

Topography

Topographic maps depict elevation, slope, and aspect, which affect drainage patterns, visibility, and viewsheds.
Elevation data is represented by contour lines on topographic maps.

Slope

Slopes result from geological processes like deposition and erosion acting on geological structures.
Existing slopes affect a site's suitability for roads, walkways, and buildings.
Slope data is often represented using different colors to indicate different slope classes.

Hydrology

Site-disturbing activities increase the risk of flooding, erosion, and other ecological impacts downstream.
Urban development impacts hydrology by increasing runoff volumes and rates, reducing time for runoff to reach surface waters, increasing flooding frequency and severity, and reducing streamflow during dry periods.
Hydrologic conditions are important for site inventory and include surface and subsurface features, topography, vegetation, surface water distribution, land use, climate, and soil-forming processes and deposits.
Hydrologic maps locate groundwater flow paths and discharge locations.

Climate

Climate influences site planning and design decisions, including precipitation, air temperature, solar incidence, wind direction, and wind speed.
These attributes vary annually, seasonally, and daily.

Land Use and Tenure

Understanding the site's prior uses and land ownership is important in site planning.
Knowledge of a site's prior industrial or commercial uses can indicate potential chemical or toxic waste remaining on the site.
Land ownership records include certified survey maps, ownership history, and deed restrictions or covenants.

Land-Use Regulation

Legal context varies widely at local, state, regional, and national levels.
Site inventory documents legal constraints that influence the site’s future uses.

Public Infrastructure

Understanding existing circulation patterns is crucial for site planning.
Circulation patterns can influence site organization and include streets, driveways, drop-off zones, service areas, and parking lots.
Desire lines, or preferred pedestrian paths, should be considered to prevent conflicts.

Building and Neighborhood Character

Cognitive maps, or mental images of the built environment, can help understand a site’s context.
The built environment can be categorized by edges, paths, districts, nodes, and landmarks.
Building attributes, like height, width, setback, openings, rhythms, roof form, materials, color, and signs, help document building types and inform site design.

Figure-Ground Mapping

Figure-ground mapping is a visual technique to analyze the texture or grain of development around a site.
It involves mapping building footprints and the spaces between buildings, revealing the texture and sense of enclosure or openness of the built environment.

Historic Resources

Cultural resource assessments document historic buildings and structures, land uses, and their significance.
Historic resources include bridges, buildings, walls, signs, and other structures.
Historic districts can be mapped to illustrate the site's cultural context.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on the essential aspects of site inventory, including physical attributes like parcel size, shape, topography, and slope. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for informed land use planning and development decisions. Test your knowledge on how these factors influence site planning and management.