Section 2 - Inventory And Analysis (3) Flashcards Preview

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1
Q

Define streetscape

A

Streetscape is the space between the buildings on either side of a street that defines it. The elements of a streetscape include the following:

  • Building Frontage/Facade
  • Landscaping (trees, yards, bushes, plantings, etc.)
  • Sidewalks
  • Street Paving
  • Street Furniture (benches, kiosks, trash receptacles, fountains, etc.)
  • Signs
  • Awnings
  • Street Lighting

The aim of these plants is to calm traffic and create greater pedestrian safety. Streetscape should not block the view, should blend in with the surroundings and contribute to or maintain the character of the area.

2
Q

Define wetlands.

A

Wetlands are a collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands are found in a flat vegetated areas, in depressions on the landscape, and between water and dry land along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes, and coastlines. The term “wetlands” encompasses a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Swamps, marches, bogs, prairie potholes, flood plains, and fen - these are all names for ecosystems known as wetlands. Wetlands act like giant, shallow bowls. Water collects in these bowls and slows down as it spreads out. When water levels are low, wetlands slowly release water. If dredged or fill material is to be placed in a wetland or in an area that might be a wetland, contact the local Corps District Office for assistance to determine if a permit is required.

3
Q

Identify the characteristics of a fire hazard area.

A

Fire risk is defined as the likelihood that a fire will start in a given location. The hazard depends on how much fuel there is and how flammable it is. Two categories of fire hazards are generally identified: high fire hazard zones and wild land fire areas. An area of high hazard is an area where a fire will spread quickly and burn hotly. A wildfire is an unplanned and unwanted fire requiring suppression action; and uncontrolled fire, usually spread through vegetative fuels but often threatening structures. Some of the best tools for ranking risks are found in historic fire reports.
Fuel Hazard classifications include:
-Small, light fuels (grass, weeds, shrubs)
-Medium size fuels (brush, large shrubs, and small trees)
-Heavy, large fuels (woodland, timber, heavy large brush)

4
Q

Define shoreline

A

Natural shorelands contain a lush mixture of native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees that help to filter polluted runoff and provide important habitat for animals in the water and on the land. The loss of natural shorelands threatens water quality and creates other troubles.

Examples:

  • Erosion: Removing shoreland vegetation destabilizes the shoreline and can lead to loss of land
  • Flooding: Land development leads to increased runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, roads, driveways, and parking lots.
  • Damage to fisheries: Clearing trees exposes water to more sunlight, raising water temperatures, lowering oxygen levels, and stressing fish and their food supplies
  • Loss of habitat: The water’s edge provides for birds and other wildlife
  • Loss of privacy: Shoreland vegetation screens homes from public view and helps to reduce noise from boats and jet-skis.
5
Q

Identify soil conditions that affect how much water the soil can hold.

A

The depth of the soil and the depth to the water table will also affect how much water the soil can hold. If soil is only a foot or so deep, with bedrock underneath or on top of the water table, the soil will not be able to hold much water before all the pore spaces become filled. Once the pore spaces are filled, the water will just run off the surface. If a site has compacted soils, or shallow soils, it will be important to have enough area available for the soil to treat runoff. One solution for this problem are rain gardens - small depressions landscaped with native wildflowers. The capture runoff, allowing more time for the water to soak into the soil, rather than running off into a lake or river.

6
Q

Define the following: Best management practices (BMPs), Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

A

Best Management Practices (BMP) - A practice or combination of practices that are determined by a Stress or a designated planning agency to be the most effective and practicable means (including technological, economic, and institutional considerations) of controlling point and nonpoint source pollutants at levels compatible with environmental quality goals.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) - Long-range multi-year plan of capital improvement projects that are used in the development of annual operating and capital budgets, strategic plans, and long range financial plans. Also provides the means for evaluating facility and infrastructure projects; provides expansion services such as street, sewer, and water projects that may affect a design plan; and information on what services are to be upgraded, repaired or constructed.

7
Q

Identify project parameters generally defines in the agreement between the owner and architect.

A

Parameters help to design and manage the project to the satisfaction of the owner and include such items as:

  • Objective or use of the project
  • Description of the owner’s program
  • Procurement or delivery method for the project
  • Description of size, location, dimensions, or other pertinent information, such as geotechnical reports about the site.
  • Manner in which the program will be developed
  • Pertinent legal information, including, if appropriate, land surveys and legal descriptions and restrictions of the site
  • Financial parameters
  • Milestone dates, durations, or fast track scheduling.
  • Method for competitive bid, negotiated contract, or construction management.
  • Special characteristics or needs of the Project such as energy, environmental or historic preservation requirements.

This exchange of information encourages (indeed, requires) early communication between the parties about significant factors which will impact the completion of the Project.

8
Q

Identify the characteristics of slope instability.

A

Slope-stability or mass-movement problems occur where sediment and/or rock and/or snow move down slop in response to gravity. Slope instability occurs due to particular slope characteristics (geology, gradient, sources of water, drainage, man-made constructions) combining to cause the slope to become unstable. Potential slope-stability problems exist wherever development has taken place at the base of steep slopes. Downslope movement is a natural process, but can be accentuated by undercutting of the base of slopes, clearance of stabilizing vegetation, or diversion of natural drainage. Types of downslope movement include landslide, avalanche, rock fall, rock slip, and rotational slumps. The first three are rapid events, and generally the most dangerous to life and property. Variations in water content and rates of movement produce a variety of forms.

9
Q

Identify areas that are potential hazard for flooding.

A

All floods are not alike.
Riverine flooding is due to the accumulation of runoff from rainfall or snowmelt that exceeds the capacity of waterway channels and spreads out over the adjacent land.
Coastal flooding is experiences along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts and many larger lakes and is generally characterized by wind-driven waves from storm surges associated with tropical cyclonic weather systems, extratropical systems, and tsunamis.
Flash floods can develop quickly , sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris that can sweep away most things in its path.
Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as a levee or dam breach.
Floods are classified by their magnitude and frequency of occurrence, such as the “100-year” flood.

10
Q

Identify OSHA standards that apply to Landscaping and Horticulture services.

A

Landscape and horticultural services encompass a wide range of services. Included in this category are companies engaged in landscape design and architecture; soil preparation and grading; irrigation systems; tree, shrub, and lawn planting; hardscape construction including: retaining walls, pathways and patios; lawn care and landscape maintenance; arborist services including tree trimming and line clearance.

Landscape and horticultural services can be separated into three main segments:

  • SIC Code 0781 - Landscape Counseling and Planning
  • SIC Code 0782 - Lawn and Garden Services
  • SIC Code 0783 - Ornamental shrub and tree services.

Each area must comply with the general industry standards (29 CFR 1910) and Construction industry standards (29 CFR 1926)

11
Q

Identify basic factors in the selection of landscape plants

A

Plant selection include both primary and secondary considerations.
Primary Considerations:
-Height and width are figured by the mature size a plant will reach in the both upward and outward directions.
-Form is the shape of the plant and how it will occupy and accent space. Form and shape are considered as columnar, round, vase, weeping, oval, creeping, etc.
-Texture is the fineness or roughness of plants. It can also be categorized in terms of leaf thickness and shade of plants. As a rule, plants with finer textures should be used in greater numbers than plants with coarse textures.
-Seasonal interest and color are determined by the special features a plat has at different times of the year. Foliage, fruit, flowers, winter color, changing colors etc.

Secondary considerations:

  • Insect and disease resistance
  • Sun or Shade
  • Moisture tolerance
  • Drought resistance
  • Soil Type
12
Q

Identify the following accessibility terms as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for Buildings and Facilities:

detectable warning, signage, tactile warning, vehicular way, walk

A

Detectable Warning: A standardized surface texture applied to or built into walking surfaces or other elements to warn visually impaired people of hazards in the path of travel.

Signage: Audio, symbolic, tactile and pictorial information.

Tactile Warning: A standardized surface texture applied to or built into walking surfaces or other elements to warn visually impaired people of hazards in the path of travel.

Walk: An exterior pathway with a prepared surface intended for pedestrian use, including general pedestrian areas such as plazas and courts.

13
Q

How do local, state, and federal authorities protect affect the use and development of land?

A

Local, state and federal authorities protect land in several ways. Local ordinances often establish minimum setbacks for structures, septic systems, and wells. Many communities regulate the removal of vegetation. Permits may also be needed for land disturbance activities, such as grading or filling, to ensure that proper soil erosion control plans are implemented. Both the state and the United States Army Corps of Engineers can be involved in any wetland projects. Permits are required before starting any work.

14
Q

Briefly explain a construction lien law.

A

All lien laws are state laws, not federal. A lien is the legal right of a person to have property sold or its value applied to the payment of a claim for services to, delivery of products installed on, or improvement to, real property when the owner refuses to or cannot pay amounts due under a contract. It usually cannot attach to public property. A dispute that often results in a lien will deal with an omission. The owner says you do not do all you were supposed to do, and refuses to pay what which is due. Contract documents need to be clear in all aspects of the project, and also have to be clear to the owner.

15
Q

Explain the purpose of the Facade and Landscapes Rehabilitation Grant

A

Eligible projects may receive grant awards to rehabilitate facades and landscape.
Factors considered include:
- Architectural integrity and physical condition
- Structural system
- Material damage
- Material quality
- Design quality
-Presence of ornamentation
Criteria for obtaining a neighborhood building and landscape rehabilitation assistance grant include:
- Renovation and restoration
- Encourage good design projects and workmanship.
- Preserve unique historic character
- Promote beautification and use of open space.

16
Q

Identify federal acts that affect the use and development of land.

A

Federal Water Pollution Act of 1972 (FWPCA) (Clean Water Act) - Primary federal law in the United States governing water pollution. Encourages the use of best available technology for pollution control.

Clean Water Act - Emphasizes the control of toxic pollutants. Established a program to transfer the responsibility of Federal clean water programs to the individual states.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - Permitting system of the Clean Water Act that controls water pollution by regulating point, and non point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.

Endangered Species Act - Governs how animals and plant species whose populations are dangerously in decline or close to extinction will be protected and recovered.

17
Q

Explain how plants may be used for erosion control.

A

Plants with shallow, lateral root systems bind the soil to resist erosion. Creeping species of ground cover generally have good powers of rejuvenation and are suitable for heavily used areas. Ground covers with wide leaves rather than fine leaves are more durable. Broad-leaved deciduous trees help control erosion by extending the runoff time and promoting percolation of water back into the ground. Tree roots stabilize soil on hillisides and insulate loose soil from precipitation and wind. Trees and shrubs used as windbreaks mitigate the erosion caused by wind.

18
Q

What is LEED’S

A

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tolls they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:
-Sustainable site development
-Water savings/Energy efficiency
-Materials selection
-Indoor environmental quality
Specific LEED programs include:
-New Commercial Construction and Major Renovation projects
-Existing Building Operations and Maintenance
-Commercial Interiors projects
-Core and Shell Development Projects
-Home/Neighborhood Development projects
-Guidelines for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building Projects
-LEED for schools/retail
Green building yields environmental benefits, such as savings in energy, building materials, and water consumption or reduced waste.

19
Q

What is an arbitration clause?

A

Construction contracts often contain arbitration clauses. Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It is a way to settle disputes outside, or instead of, a civil lawsuit. Federal law supports and encourages arbitration as an alternative to civil lawsuits. Arbitration can be an effective, efficient way to resolve differences when parties to a contract have major disputes that they just cannot resolve on their own. It is important to understand the terms of all the parts of a contract, and it is particularly important to fully understand and agree with the terms if an arbitration clause is a contract. It spells out how the parties will resolve their differences in the event things don’t work out.

20
Q

What is the purpose of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)?

A

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent regulatory agency charged with reducing unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products. The Commission has four statutory mission:

  • To protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products.
  • To assist consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of consumer products.
  • To develop uniform safety standards for consumer products and minimize conflicting state and local regulations.
  • To promote research and investigation into the causes and prevention of product-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.

It has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 consumer products used in the home, school, and in public places.

21
Q

Identify the types of contracts used in construction.

A

The term Contract used in the Construction management can be defined as: “An agreement entered into by two parties under the terms of which one party agrees to perform a specific job for which the other party agrees to pay. Contract documents attached to and/or stated in the agreement form integral parts of the contract.”

Types of contracts commonly used in construction:

  • Lump sum contract
  • Item rate or unit price contract
  • Percentage rate contract
  • Cost plus percentage rate contract
  • Cost plus fixed fee contract
  • Cost plus fluctuating fee contract
  • Target cost contract.
22
Q

Identify federal acts that affect the use and development of land.

A

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - Enacted to ensure the integration of natural and social sciences and environmental design in planning and decision-making for federal projects or projects on federal lands.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) - Regulates the treatment of water for human consumption. Requires testing for and elimination of contaminates for the protection of human health.

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (PL 83-566) - Authorizes states and local agencies to carry out works of improvement for soil conservation and for other purposes including flood prevention; conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water; and conservation and proper utilization of land.

Wellhead Protection Program - Amendment to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986. Minimizes the potential for contamination of public ground water supplies.

23
Q

What are the components of a valid contract?

A

Components of a valid contract include:

  • The parties to the contract must be competent, and legally capable of playing their intended part. The law can not enforce the agreement on someone who has not the legal capacity to enter into an agreement.
  • The subject matter of the contract mus be lawful and define in respect of requirements and duties of each party. For example a contract violating municipal regulation is not binding and is void in courts.
  • Proposal and acceptance: There must be a proper proposal by one part and its absolute and unqualified acceptance by the other party. The proposal is not binding without a clear acceptance and is not binding beyond its date of validity.
  • Free consent of parties to the contract: Consent is said to be free when it is not caused by force, or undue influence or fraud or misrepresentation.
24
Q

Mulch helps maintain soil moisture, reduces weed competition, improves soil fertility, and reduces mowing and weed trimmer damage. Explain the use of mulching in plant care.

A

Organic mulches such as wood chips, bark trimmings, pine needles, tree leaves, etc. are the best.
Apply only 2-3” deep.
Avoid piling at base of trees.
Establish five to six foot minimum mulch rings around trees.
Consider mulching to the dripline and expanding as the tree grows.
Area under tree canopy can be planted to groundcovers and other plants.
Mulch shrubs and other plantings in larger beds
Incorporate nearby trees if possible.
Mulching should be an ongoing effort - 2-3” every 2-3 years.
Planting large, open areas in landscape beds with groundcovers will reduce the amount of remulching needed.
Grass clippings are good - especially around herbaceous plants.
No more than 1-2” deep.
Don’t use rock or ground rubber and mulch.

25
Q

Identify the characteristics of a sensory garden.

A

Plants and ground covers provide greater sensory stimulation than synthetic, manufactured objects. Plants respond to weather variations and season cycles, and provide a varied textures, colors, forms, fragrances, and sounds.

To create a sensory garden, include:

  • Distinctive plantings and specimen plants to provide visual identity and create a sense of place.
  • Plant types that display seasonal change to provide sensory stimulation.
  • Plants along paths to create sequence of views, textures, smells, light, shade, and color.
  • Plant material with varied form, textures, and colors to provide diversity in outdoor areas.
  • A variety of leaf textures include: evergreen with deciduous; shiny with rough; serrated with smooth; and thin with thick.
  • Plants noted for seasonal change include: evergreen vs. deciduous; color through the seasons; early leaves; late flowers; and flowers and fruit.