INTERNATIONAL ZONING CODE
CHAPTER #6 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE ANSWERS
Master Plan - ANSWER-A long-term planning document. It establishes the framework
and key elements of a site reflecting a clear vision created and adopted in an open
process. It synthesizes civic goals and the public's aspirations for a project, gives them
form and organization, and defines a realistic plan for implementation, including
subsequent approvals by public agencies.
Zoning ordinances regulate - ANSWER-Issues related to land use and density,
including minimum lot size, building height/setback, permitted land use
zoning maps - ANSWER-graphically show which parts of a municipality can include
residential uses, which parts can include commercial uses, and which parts can include
industrial uses.
Yard Setbacks - ANSWER-required open space measured between property line and
face of building. Used to preserve light, air, and spaciousness.
maximum height of building - ANSWER-Lower density residential zones may cap the
maximum building height at 25' or 30', while larger scale residential zones may allow a
maximum height of 100' or 120'.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - ANSWER-determines the maximum allowed 'buildable' square
footage on a property . It is expressed as a ratio of the total building floor area to the
area of the zoning lot. Each zoning district has a FAR which, when multiplied by a
property's area, produces the maximum amount of floor area allowable in a building on
the property.
Parking Requirements - ANSWER-These vary with city, but typical are: 1 space/ 100
square feet of restaurant, 1 space/ 200 square feet of retail, 1 space/ 1000 square feet
of industrial, 2 spaces/ residential unit.
"as of right" - ANSWER-complying with zoning resolution
Variance - ANSWER-when the department of buildings will allow an owner to build a
structure on their property that does not comply with the zoning ordinances. These are
special cases that are granted to owners who are experiencing "hardships" with their
property. In these cases, the municipality may grant what is called a variance to the
property owner. A variance is the authorization to improve or develop a property in a
manner not originally authorized by zoning.
, subdivision - ANSWER-the act of dividing land into pieces that are easier to sell or
otherwise develop.
developers rules for subdivision - ANSWER-Developers must first create a written
diagram, sometimes called a subdivision plat that details the land division and proposed
property improvements. Depending on whether the land is in an incorporated or an
unincorporated area, a county commissioner's court, zoning office or other government
entity has to approve the plan. Proposed developments must follow standards
established by the area comprehensive plan, although master plans may be modified to
include approved subdivision plats and allow recording.
subdivision plat - ANSWER-A map of a subdivision indicating the location and
boundaries of individual properties.
building codes - ANSWER-a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of
safety for constructed facilities
IBC - ANSWER-International Building Code
National Board of Fire Underwriters NBFU and building codes - ANSWER-the industry
developed a survey that considered every aspect of a municipality from topography and
local weather to civic affairs and roadways. Using this survey, insurance companies
established guidelines for building codes that addressed doors, shutters and building
materials, as well as fire department equipment and fire house locations.
Construction Type - ANSWER-Five broad categories of construction found in the
International Building Code that are based on the fire-resistive capabilities of the
materials used.
Other building Materials and supplies - ANSWER-Municipal ordinances and building
codes also cover things like paint, types of pipe and electric wiring. At times, a variety of
agencies may have overlapping regulations that directly and indirectly govern building
construction and rehabilitation.
Occupancy type - ANSWER-the building code classification for the intended use or
purpose of a building or building space
IBC recommends 15sq ft of floor space per occupant w/0 concentrated seating. 1000sq
ft :/:15 = 66 patrons
7 sq ft for dance club. 1000sq ft :/: 7 = 142 patrons
wood structures vs steel or concrete - ANSWER-limited to two stories and smaller floor
area than concrete or steel structures, with a few exceptions. You will never see a wood
frame skyscraper. Some building codes don't limit the height or floor area for steel and
concrete frame construction.
CHAPTER #6 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
COMPLETE ANSWERS
Master Plan - ANSWER-A long-term planning document. It establishes the framework
and key elements of a site reflecting a clear vision created and adopted in an open
process. It synthesizes civic goals and the public's aspirations for a project, gives them
form and organization, and defines a realistic plan for implementation, including
subsequent approvals by public agencies.
Zoning ordinances regulate - ANSWER-Issues related to land use and density,
including minimum lot size, building height/setback, permitted land use
zoning maps - ANSWER-graphically show which parts of a municipality can include
residential uses, which parts can include commercial uses, and which parts can include
industrial uses.
Yard Setbacks - ANSWER-required open space measured between property line and
face of building. Used to preserve light, air, and spaciousness.
maximum height of building - ANSWER-Lower density residential zones may cap the
maximum building height at 25' or 30', while larger scale residential zones may allow a
maximum height of 100' or 120'.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - ANSWER-determines the maximum allowed 'buildable' square
footage on a property . It is expressed as a ratio of the total building floor area to the
area of the zoning lot. Each zoning district has a FAR which, when multiplied by a
property's area, produces the maximum amount of floor area allowable in a building on
the property.
Parking Requirements - ANSWER-These vary with city, but typical are: 1 space/ 100
square feet of restaurant, 1 space/ 200 square feet of retail, 1 space/ 1000 square feet
of industrial, 2 spaces/ residential unit.
"as of right" - ANSWER-complying with zoning resolution
Variance - ANSWER-when the department of buildings will allow an owner to build a
structure on their property that does not comply with the zoning ordinances. These are
special cases that are granted to owners who are experiencing "hardships" with their
property. In these cases, the municipality may grant what is called a variance to the
property owner. A variance is the authorization to improve or develop a property in a
manner not originally authorized by zoning.
, subdivision - ANSWER-the act of dividing land into pieces that are easier to sell or
otherwise develop.
developers rules for subdivision - ANSWER-Developers must first create a written
diagram, sometimes called a subdivision plat that details the land division and proposed
property improvements. Depending on whether the land is in an incorporated or an
unincorporated area, a county commissioner's court, zoning office or other government
entity has to approve the plan. Proposed developments must follow standards
established by the area comprehensive plan, although master plans may be modified to
include approved subdivision plats and allow recording.
subdivision plat - ANSWER-A map of a subdivision indicating the location and
boundaries of individual properties.
building codes - ANSWER-a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of
safety for constructed facilities
IBC - ANSWER-International Building Code
National Board of Fire Underwriters NBFU and building codes - ANSWER-the industry
developed a survey that considered every aspect of a municipality from topography and
local weather to civic affairs and roadways. Using this survey, insurance companies
established guidelines for building codes that addressed doors, shutters and building
materials, as well as fire department equipment and fire house locations.
Construction Type - ANSWER-Five broad categories of construction found in the
International Building Code that are based on the fire-resistive capabilities of the
materials used.
Other building Materials and supplies - ANSWER-Municipal ordinances and building
codes also cover things like paint, types of pipe and electric wiring. At times, a variety of
agencies may have overlapping regulations that directly and indirectly govern building
construction and rehabilitation.
Occupancy type - ANSWER-the building code classification for the intended use or
purpose of a building or building space
IBC recommends 15sq ft of floor space per occupant w/0 concentrated seating. 1000sq
ft :/:15 = 66 patrons
7 sq ft for dance club. 1000sq ft :/: 7 = 142 patrons
wood structures vs steel or concrete - ANSWER-limited to two stories and smaller floor
area than concrete or steel structures, with a few exceptions. You will never see a wood
frame skyscraper. Some building codes don't limit the height or floor area for steel and
concrete frame construction.
