Reviewing for PA right now. Question 1 definitely would not be on the exam. I understand the intent is to get you to understand that accessory structures MIGHT be treated differently, but so is the definition of "accessory structure" depending on your specific zoning codes. Also answer D is full of non-definitive words like "typically" and "could be" - the exams do not test on hypotheticals. I really appreciate the help that these reviews provide, but this question and answer will lead people down the wrong path if they don't understand some other concepts and context.
In Fairfax county of Virginia, according to the zoning regulations: An accessory structure may NOT be located (a) in any minimum front setback on any lot or (b) in any front yard on any lot containing 36,000 square feet or less. An accessory structure that is 8 ½ feet or less in height may be located anywhere in a side or rear yard. ( a garage is usually taller than 8’) An accessory structure that is between 8 ½ feet and 12 feet in height must be located at least five feet from the side and rear lot lines. An accessory structure that exceeds 12 feet in height cannot be located closer to the rear lot line than a distance equal to its height and cannot be located closer to the side lot line than a distance equal to the minimum side setback for the lot.
Question 1 in this video isnt true where I live. We indeed can NOT build any structures in our setbacks. I would have answered B and gotten this wrong.
Thank you for the feedback! What is important to note here is that accessory structures are typically not held to the same standards of primary structures. Accessory structure requirements tend to be less stringent than those set forth for the main building. While many times there are no setback requirements for accessory structures, it is important to check the local Zoning Ordinance before making the assumption there are none.
Agreed with David. A free standing open carport would be considered an accessory. An enclosed tool or storage shed is an accessory. An enclosed structure with power and storage of a motor vehicle is not an accessory. At least not here. Maybe this is true in the northeast and parts of the midwest which is then not indicative of a good exam question. I too would have gotten this wrong. I would of answered (A) because a variance to the zoning ordinance would be something that can be universally applied in the U.S. There is typically a variance process to zoning throughout the U.S. and then would allow for those of us where a garage is not an accessory building to have an answer.
Accessory structures are held to a different standard, but different municipalities have different exceptions without having to get a variance. This question is not written appropriately.
I know this is four years old now but I'm watching this video to review for PA now and I agree with you 100%. An enclosed garage (S occupancy) would not be an accessory use (unless it's under 100sf), but regardless of that I've never heard of a structure being built within a setback. Feels like that would defeat the whole purpose of the setback
Question 2: Is there a guide from NCARB for feasibility studies that states what steps happen first? While I can agree that a market study of the surrounding area would need to be conducted, it is far from the first thing done. The technical requirements like "can I build this use in this location" are answered long before the market study is conducted.
If anything, these would be done simultaneously. But I would go on the side of buildability before market study. Regardless of how the market study comes out, if you can't build the building there, the market study is useless.
Q5: I thought “fast-track” was NOT a project delivery method, like Design Build, DBB, etc…? I feel like this term as well as supplemental vs additional services get used interchangeably a lot, but they are in fact, different things.
Reviewing for PA right now. Question 1 definitely would not be on the exam. I understand the intent is to get you to understand that accessory structures MIGHT be treated differently, but so is the definition of "accessory structure" depending on your specific zoning codes. Also answer D is full of non-definitive words like "typically" and "could be" - the exams do not test on hypotheticals.
I really appreciate the help that these reviews provide, but this question and answer will lead people down the wrong path if they don't understand some other concepts and context.
In Fairfax county of Virginia, according to the zoning regulations:
An accessory structure may NOT be located (a) in any minimum front setback on any lot or (b) in any front yard on any lot containing 36,000 square feet or less.
An accessory structure that is 8 ½ feet or less in height may be located anywhere in a side or rear yard. ( a garage is usually taller than 8’)
An accessory structure that is between 8 ½ feet and 12 feet in height must be located at least five feet from the side and rear lot lines.
An accessory structure that exceeds 12 feet in height cannot be located closer to the rear lot line than a distance equal to its height and cannot be located closer to the side lot line than a distance equal to the minimum side setback for the lot.
Question 1 in this video isnt true where I live. We indeed can NOT build any structures in our setbacks. I would have answered B and gotten this wrong.
Thank you for the feedback! What is important to note here is that accessory structures are typically not held to the same standards of primary structures. Accessory structure requirements tend to be less stringent than those set forth for the main building. While many times there are no setback requirements for accessory structures, it is important to check the local Zoning Ordinance before making the assumption there are none.
Agreed with David. A free standing open carport would be considered an accessory. An enclosed tool or storage shed is an accessory. An enclosed structure with power and storage of a motor vehicle is not an accessory. At least not here. Maybe this is true in the northeast and parts of the midwest which is then not indicative of a good exam question.
I too would have gotten this wrong.
I would of answered (A) because a variance to the zoning ordinance would be something that can be universally applied in the U.S. There is typically a variance process to zoning throughout the U.S. and then would allow for those of us where a garage is not an accessory building to have an answer.
Accessory structures are held to a different standard, but different municipalities have different exceptions without having to get a variance. This question is not written appropriately.
I know this is four years old now but I'm watching this video to review for PA now and I agree with you 100%. An enclosed garage (S occupancy) would not be an accessory use (unless it's under 100sf), but regardless of that I've never heard of a structure being built within a setback. Feels like that would defeat the whole purpose of the setback
Question 2: Is there a guide from NCARB for feasibility studies that states what steps happen first? While I can agree that a market study of the surrounding area would need to be conducted, it is far from the first thing done. The technical requirements like "can I build this use in this location" are answered long before the market study is conducted.
If anything, these would be done simultaneously. But I would go on the side of buildability before market study. Regardless of how the market study comes out, if you can't build the building there, the market study is useless.
Q5: I thought “fast-track” was NOT a project delivery method, like Design Build, DBB, etc…?
I feel like this term as well as supplemental vs additional services get used interchangeably a lot, but they are in fact, different things.
mike you say etcetera funny :) sound's like ecsetera. Good questions!
Architects should have nothing to do with catchment opinions. VERY POORLY PRESENTED