Which site characteristic is most likely to reduce site utility by restricting where a typical dwelling can be placed?
Correct Answer
C) A narrow wedge-shaped lot that leaves little buildable width after setbacks
An irregular, narrow shape can leave too little buildable width once setbacks apply, limiting placement and design and possibly raising costs. The market effect still needs evidence. Level rectangular lots, corner lots and lots with street utilities do not inherently restrict building placement.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because a narrow wedge-shaped lot can leave too little buildable width after the required setbacks are applied. That limits where and how a typical dwelling can be placed and designed, and may raise construction costs. Any effect on market value still has to be supported with market evidence.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: A level rectangular lot with adequate drainage and a gentle grade
Option A describes a level rectangular lot with adequate drainage and a gentle grade, which is a favorable configuration. These features generally make building placement easier, not harder.
Option B: A corner lot with frontage on two paved and maintained public streets
Option B describes a corner lot with frontage on two paved and maintained public streets. Corner frontage and good access do not inherently restrict where a dwelling can be placed on the lot.
Option D: An interior lot with public water and sewer connections at the street
Option D describes an interior lot with public water and sewer connections at the street. Available utilities support development and do not by themselves limit the buildable area or building placement.
Setbacks squeeze skinny lots
Picture the setback lines drawn inside a narrow wedge: the space left in the middle is too thin for a house. Shape plus setbacks equals the real buildable area.
How to use: Use this image whenever a question asks which lot feature limits building placement.
Exam Tip
When a question asks about restricted building placement, look for the option where shape or dimensions leave little room after setbacks. Features like utilities, access or level grade usually help utility rather than hurt it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Assuming a corner lot limits building placement simply because it has two street frontages
- -Looking only at total lot area and ignoring how setbacks reduce the buildable envelope
- -Assigning a value loss for an irregular shape without market evidence
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests whether you can recognize a physical site characteristic that limits where a dwelling can go. The key is to look for a feature that shrinks the buildable area once setbacks are applied. A narrow wedge shape does this, while level, rectangular, corner and serviced lots do not inherently restrict placement.
Background Knowledge
Site utility depends on size, shape, topography, drainage, access and the legal restrictions that apply, such as setbacks. Irregular or narrow shapes can reduce the usable building envelope even when total land area seems adequate. The appraiser describes these characteristics and looks to the market to measure any value effect.
Real-World Application
An appraiser inspects a cul-de-sac lot that narrows sharply toward the street, leaving a thin strip of buildable width after side setbacks. She notes the configuration in the site description and searches for sales of similar irregular lots to see whether buyers paid less for them.
More Property Description Questions
A local zoning ordinance allows these maximum densities: R-1, 4 units per acre; R-2, 8 units per acre; R-4, 20 units per acre; PUD (with approval), 12 units per acre. Which category allows the highest density?
What design advantage is commonly associated with post-and-beam construction?
A hypothetical local ordinance permits either a single-family house or duplex on the site. The existing single-family house complies with all current rules. Which statement is supported?
A zoning variance allowing a reduced side setback is granted for a parcel. After the parcel is sold, who generally holds the benefit of the variance, subject to its conditions?
Under ANSI Z765-2021 as applied by Fannie Mae, a staircase runs from the second floor down to the first floor. Its area is counted as part of:
Under ANSI Z765-2021, as Fannie Mae requires for a detached house, where are exterior dimensions taken on a brick-veneer wall?
A building's HVAC system would be classified as which type of building component?
A home on a large tract is valued at $620,000 including the land it needs. The remaining excess land could be sold separately and contributes a net $95,000 after separation costs. What is the total indicated value?
A covered sale concerns a residence built in 1965. Which hazard is the subject of the federal pre 1978 housing disclosure rule, without assuming its actual presence?
Compared with a slab placed on separately poured footings, a thickened-edge slab foundation:
People Also Study
Real Estate Market
13.6% of exam
Land or Site Valuation
4.5% of exam
Sales Comparison Approach
16.4% of exam
Cost Approach
13.6% of exam
Income Approach
8.2% of exam