MArch Master of Architecture Building Codes & Regulations 3

Question 1

What do zoning regulations primarily govern?

Accepted Answer

Land use, development density, and building placement

Answer

Structural system specifications for buildings

Answer

Interior space minimum dimensions

Answer

Building material fire ratings

Question 2

In zoning regulations, what does the term 'setback' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The minimum required distance between a building and a property line or street

Answer

The required separation distance between two buildings on adjacent lots

Answer

The maximum allowable building height expressed as a ratio

Answer

The percentage of a lot that must remain as open green space

Question 3

Which energy standard is most widely referenced for commercial buildings in the United States?

Accepted Answer

ASHRAE 90.1

Answer

IECC Residential Provisions

Answer

ASHRAE 189.1

Answer

NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)

Question 4

What is a zoning 'variance'?

Accepted Answer

An authorization to deviate from specific zoning requirements due to hardship

Answer

A formal amendment to the official zoning map

Answer

A type of overlay district for historic preservation

Answer

A blanket rezoning applied to an entire neighborhood

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of 'special inspections' as required by the IBC?

Accepted Answer

To verify that critical structural work is performed in compliance with approved construction documents

Answer

To evaluate the aesthetic quality of completed architectural finishes

Answer

To replace standard building department inspections for large projects

Answer

To test raw materials before they are delivered to the construction site

Question 6

What does Floor Area Ratio (FAR) measure in zoning?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of a building's total floor area to the area of its lot

Answer

The ratio of window area to total exterior wall area

Answer

The maximum building height expressed as a multiple of street width

Answer

The percentage of the lot covered by the building footprint

Question 7

Under LEED v4 certification, which credit category typically offers the most available points?

Accepted Answer

Energy and Atmosphere (EA)

Answer

Water Efficiency (WE)

Answer

Materials and Resources (MR)

Answer

Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)