American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What type of problems might arise for large commercial areas on a slope of 1-3%?

1. No problems

2. Slight problems

3. Major problems

4. Unacceptable for any development

The correct answer is: Slight problems

In large commercial areas located on a slope of 1-3%, slight problems may arise due to the nature of the slope. At this gradient, stormwater drainage and soil erosion could become concerns, particularly during heavy rainfall events. Development on such sites requires careful planning and design to ensure that water runoff is effectively managed to prevent flooding or erosion, which can impact both the commercial property and neighboring areas. Site grading and stormwater management solutions, such as retention ponds or drainage basins, may be necessary to mitigate these slight issues. Additionally, the slope might affect access and visibility, influencing customer experience and safety. While these challenges are manageable and do not render the site unsuitable for development, they do require attention to detail during the planning and implementation phases to avoid complications in the future. Overall, a slope of 1-3% is generally considered acceptable for development, but it does introduce some minor considerations that must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability and safety of the commercial area.