Programming & Analysis Key Terms
Master these terms for the PA division.
Building Codes
International Building Code (IBC)
The model building code adopted (with amendments) by most US jurisdictions. Establishes minimum requirements for building safety including structural, fire, accessibility, and means of egress. See our code compliance deep dive for more.
Occupancy Classification
IBC categorization of buildings by use: Assembly (A), Business (B), Educational (E), Factory (F), High Hazard (H), Institutional (I), Mercantile (M), Residential (R), Storage (S), Utility (U). Each classification has specific requirements for construction type, sprinklers, and egress.
Construction Type
IBC classification of building construction based on the fire resistance of structural elements: Type I (noncombustible, highest fire resistance), Type II (noncombustible, lower ratings), Type III (noncombustible exterior, combustible interior), Type IV (heavy timber), Type V (combustible).
Occupant Load Factor
The floor area per occupant used to calculate the number of occupants in a space. Found in IBC Table 1004.5. Varies by use (e.g., business = 150 sf gross, assembly standing = 5 sf net).
Mixed Occupancy
A building containing two or more occupancy classifications. Can be treated as separated (fire barriers between occupancies) or non-separated (entire building meets the most restrictive requirements).
Zoning and Land Use
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
Total gross floor area of a building divided by the total lot area. An FAR of 2.0 on a 10,000 sf lot allows 20,000 sf of total building area, regardless of the number of stories. Learn more about zoning and land use regulations.
Lot Coverage
The building footprint area divided by the total lot area, expressed as a percentage. Different from FAR because it only considers the ground floor footprint, not total building area.
Setback
The minimum required distance between a building and a property line, street, or other building. Front, side, and rear setbacks may differ.
Variance
An authorized departure from the zoning code granted by a zoning board. Requires the applicant to demonstrate unnecessary hardship and that the variance will not adversely affect surrounding properties.
Conditional Use Permit
A permit allowing a land use that is not automatically permitted in a zoning district but may be allowed with specific conditions. Also called a Special Use Permit.
Easement
A legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, such as utility access, drainage, or pedestrian passage. The land owner retains ownership but cannot build on the easement.
Site Analysis
Contour Lines
Lines on a topographic map connecting points of equal elevation. Closely spaced contours indicate steep terrain; widely spaced contours indicate gentle slopes. See our site analysis guide for more on reading topography.
Bearing Capacity
The maximum pressure that soil can support without failure. Measured in pounds per square foot (psf). Rock has the highest bearing capacity; organic soils have the lowest.
Water Table
The underground level below which the ground is saturated with water. Important for foundation design, basement waterproofing, and site drainage.
Solar Azimuth
The horizontal angle of the sun measured clockwise from north. At solar noon in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is due south (azimuth = 180 degrees).
Prevailing Wind
The most common wind direction at a given location. In most of the US, prevailing winds come from the west/northwest in winter and south/southwest in summer. Understanding wind patterns is key to sustainable design and natural ventilation strategies.
Environmental Factors
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
An investigation of a property's environmental condition, including historical use, records review, and site reconnaissance. Does not include soil or water sampling.
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
Follow-up to Phase I that includes soil, groundwater, and/or air sampling to confirm the presence or absence of contamination identified in Phase I.
Stormwater Management
Strategies to control the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff. Includes detention (temporary storage), retention (permanent storage), bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavement.
Practice these terms with PA flashcards and test your knowledge with PA mini exams. See the code compliance cheat sheet for quick reference tables.
Related Resources
- PA Study Guide - comprehensive overview of Programming & Analysis
- Site Analysis Deep Dive
- Code Compliance Deep Dive
- Zoning & Land Use Deep Dive
- Stormwater Management Deep Dive
- Sustainable Design Deep Dive
- Environmental Systems Deep Dive
- Site Analysis Cheat Sheet
- PA Exam Tips
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