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AL Land Surveyor practice questions

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Question 1Boundary Surveying and Retracement

Under the U.S. Public Land Survey System, which term describes the east-west line that serves as the starting reference for a principal meridian and its associated townships?

  1. Guide meridian
  2. Standard parallel
  3. Base line Correct answer.
  4. Correction line

Explanation

The base line is the principal east-west reference line that, together with the principal meridian, anchors the rectangular system in a given survey area. Standard parallels, guide meridians, and correction lines are later lines used to confine errors within the system.

Question 2Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A metes-and-bounds description reads: "thence North 45 degrees East, 300 feet to a point; thence South 45 degrees East, 300 feet to a point." What is the interior angle at the corner between these two courses?

  1. 135 degrees
  2. 180 degrees
  3. 90 degrees Correct answer.
  4. 45 degrees

Explanation

The bearing North 45° East has an azimuth of 45°, and South 45° East has an azimuth of 135°. The angle turned between them is 90°, which is the interior angle at that corner for this configuration.

Question 3Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In boundary retracement, the term "monument" most nearly refers to:

  1. A physical object set or found to mark a boundary corner Correct answer.
  2. A recorded plat map filed with the county
  3. The bearing stated in a property description
  4. A written distance recorded in a deed

Explanation

A monument is a physical object-such as an iron pin, stone, or pipe-placed or found at a corner to evidence the boundary location. Distances, bearings, and plats are documentary evidence, not monuments.

Question 4Boundary Surveying and Retracement

Which principle of boundary evidence generally gives highest priority when resolving a conflict among written calls in a deed?

  1. Area calls over all other calls
  2. Distance calls over bearing calls
  3. Natural monuments over artificial monuments Correct answer.
  4. Bearing calls over distance calls

Explanation

The hierarchy of evidence traditionally ranks natural monuments highest, followed by artificial monuments, then courses and distances, and area last. Natural monuments such as rivers or trees are considered most reliable because they are least likely to be altered.

Question 5Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor finds an original iron pipe at a corner called for in a deed, but the measured distance to it is 2.5 feet longer than the deed distance. Under standard retracement practice, the surveyor should generally:

  1. Hold the pipe as the corner and note the distance discrepancy Correct answer.
  2. Reject the pipe because the distance does not match
  3. Average the pipe location and the deed distance
  4. Set a new corner at the deed distance and ignore the pipe

Explanation

Monument calls generally control over distance calls, so a found original monument is accepted as the corner even when a distance discrepancy exists. The discrepancy is documented rather than used to displace the monument.

Question 6Boundary Surveying and Retracement

The term "adverse possession" in boundary matters refers to:

  1. A method of computing area by coordinates
  2. A type of easement created by deed
  3. The process of recording a subdivision plat
  4. A doctrine by which a boundary may be relocated by long, open, hostile use Correct answer.

Explanation

Adverse possession allows a claimant who uses land openly, notoriously, hostilely, and continuously for the statutory period to acquire title, which can effectively fix a boundary. It is a legal doctrine, not a computational or recording procedure.

Question 7Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A deed calls for "the center of the creek" as a boundary. Which doctrine governs how the boundary line is located?

  1. The line follows the ordinary high-water mark
  2. The line follows the meander line at the water's edge
  3. The line follows the nearest bank
  4. The line follows the thread of the stream Correct answer.

Explanation

When a deed calls to the center or thread of a non-navigable stream, the boundary follows the thread (usually the middle of the channel). Meander lines and water's-edge lines are used for other purposes and do not control a center-of-stream call.

Question 8Boundary Surveying and Retracement

Which of the following is the best example of an "artificial monument"?

  1. A blazed oak tree
  2. A set iron pin Correct answer.
  3. A stone set by the original surveyor
  4. A natural rock outcrop

Explanation

An artificial monument is a man-made object set to mark a corner, such as an iron pin, pipe, or concrete post. Trees and natural rock formations are natural monuments.

Question 9Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A rectangular parcel is described as the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of a section. What is its approximate area in acres?

  1. 80 acres
  2. 10 acres
  3. 20 acres
  4. 40 acres Correct answer.

Explanation

A full section is 640 acres. The SE 1/4 is 160 acres, and the NW 1/4 of that aliquot part is one quarter of 160, or 40 acres.

Question 10Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In a metes-and-bounds description, the phrase "to a point on the north line of said lot" is an example of which type of call?

  1. A course call
  2. A distance call
  3. A call for an adjoining boundary Correct answer.
  4. A monument call

Explanation

A call to the line of an adjoining lot or parcel is a call for an adjoining boundary, which ties the description to existing record lines. It is not a monument, course, or distance call.

Question 11Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor computes the area of a closed traverse using the coordinate method. The double meridian distances are 100, 200, 200, and 100 feet for four courses, with corresponding latitudes of +50, +50, -50, and -50 feet. What is the total area in square feet?

  1. 30,000
  2. 10,000
  3. 20,000 Correct answer.
  4. 40,000

Explanation

Area by DMD equals the sum of each DMD times its latitude, divided by 2. The products are 5,000 + 10,000 + (−10,000) + (−5,000) = 0; using absolute accumulated values the double area totals 40,000, so the area is 20,000 square feet.

Question 12Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A deed describes a parcel as bounded by a fence that has been in place for 30 years, though the deed distance places the line 5 feet away. The adjoining owner has maintained the fence openly. A surveyor should recognize that:

  1. The deed distance always controls and the fence is irrelevant
  2. The fence must be removed to restore the deed line
  3. The fence may establish the boundary through doctrines such as adverse possession or agreed boundary Correct answer.
  4. The boundary cannot be determined without a new deed

Explanation

Long-standing, open occupation along a fence can establish a boundary under doctrines such as adverse possession, practical location, or agreed boundary. The surveyor should investigate and document the occupation evidence rather than mechanically applying deed distances.

Question 13Boundary Surveying and Retracement

Which of the following best describes a "meander line" in the Public Land Survey System?

  1. A line dividing a section into quarter-sections
  2. A correction line run every 24 miles
  3. An approximate line run along a body of water to compute area of upland Correct answer.
  4. A boundary line along the thread of a stream

Explanation

Meander lines are run along the margins of navigable waters and other bodies to determine the area of the upland for disposal purposes. They are not boundary lines; the actual boundary is typically the water's edge or high-water mark.

Question 14Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A bearing of South 30 degrees West corresponds to which azimuth?

  1. 240 degrees
  2. 210 degrees Correct answer.
  3. 330 degrees
  4. 150 degrees

Explanation

Azimuths are measured clockwise from north. South is 180°, and 30° toward the west adds to 180°, giving 210°.

Question 15Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In retracement surveying, the term "record evidence" refers to:

  1. Physical objects found in the field
  2. Oral testimony of neighbors
  3. The surveyor's personal recollection
  4. Written information contained in deeds, plats, and field notes Correct answer.

Explanation

Record evidence is the written documentary information-deeds, plats, field notes, and other recorded documents-used to retrace a boundary. Physical objects are field evidence, and oral testimony is parol evidence.

Question 16Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor finds a discrepancy between a bearing called in a deed and the bearing implied by two found monuments. Under the evidence hierarchy, the surveyor should generally:

  1. Set a new monument at the deed bearing
  2. Discard both and run a new line
  3. Hold the monuments and adjust the bearing Correct answer.
  4. Hold the deed bearing and ignore the monuments

Explanation

Monument evidence generally controls over bearing and distance calls, so found monuments are held and the bearing is adjusted to fit them. This preserves the physical evidence of the original survey.

Question 17Boundary Surveying and Retracement

Which statement best describes the purpose of a "correction line" in the PLSS?

  1. To define the base line
  2. To divide a section into quarters
  3. To mark the principal meridian
  4. To compensate for the convergence of meridians and confine errors Correct answer.

Explanation

As meridians converge toward the poles, township lines would drift out of position; correction lines (standard parallels) are run at intervals to confine and adjust for this error. They do not define the principal meridian or base line.

Question 18Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A parcel boundary follows a non-navigable stream that has gradually shifted over 40 years through accretion. Under the doctrine of accretion, the boundary generally:

  1. Reverts to the meander line
  2. Remains fixed at the original thread location
  3. Moves with the gradual shift of the thread of the stream Correct answer.
  4. Moves only if a new deed is recorded

Explanation

Under accretion, a boundary along a non-navigable stream moves gradually with the shifting thread of the stream, and the riparian owner gains or loses land accordingly. Avulsion (sudden change) is treated differently.

Question 19Boundary Surveying and Retracement

Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of an original section corner in the field?

  1. A monument matching the original field notes description Correct answer.
  2. A fence post near the computed location
  3. A nearby tree with recent blazes
  4. A stake set by a previous surveyor without notes

Explanation

An original monument whose description and position match the original field notes is strong evidence of the corner. Fence posts, recent blazes, and undocumented stakes are weaker or unreliable indicators.

Question 20Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In a metes-and-bounds description, the phrase "containing 10 acres, more or less" is best characterized as:

  1. A course call
  2. An area call Correct answer.
  3. A distance call
  4. A monument call

Explanation

A statement of acreage is an area call, which is generally the lowest form of evidence and yields to monuments, courses, and distances when conflicts arise. It is not a monument, course, or distance.

Question 21Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor must retrace a boundary described in a deed from 1890 that calls for "a white oak, thence to a stone." The white oak no longer exists. What is the most appropriate approach?

  1. Rely solely on the deed distance
  2. Set a new tree at the computed location
  3. Use the stone and other evidence to reconstruct the position of the tree call Correct answer.
  4. Ignore the tree call entirely

Explanation

When a called-for natural monument is destroyed, the surveyor uses remaining evidence-other monuments, distances, bearings, and occupation-to reconstruct its original position. The surviving stone and related evidence help reestablish the line.

Question 22Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A township in the PLSS is nominally 6 miles square. Due to convergence, the north boundary is found to be shorter than 6 miles. How is the deficiency typically handled in the subdivision of the township?

  1. It is ignored because townships are always square
  2. It is distributed equally among all sections
  3. It is absorbed in the northernmost tier of sections Correct answer.
  4. It is added to the southernmost tier

Explanation

In PLSS practice, excess or deficiency due to convergence is confined to the last tier or range subdivided-typically the northernmost tier of sections-rather than spread across the entire township. This keeps interior sections as nearly regular as possible.

Question 23Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A deed conveys land bounded by "the ordinary high-water mark" of a navigable river. Which boundary principle generally applies?

  1. The boundary follows the meander line
  2. The boundary is the ordinary high-water mark, and the state may hold the submerged land Correct answer.
  3. The boundary follows the thread of the stream
  4. The boundary follows the low-water mark

Explanation

For navigable waters, the boundary of upland is generally the ordinary high-water mark, with the bed below held by the state in trust for the public. The thread-of-stream rule applies to non-navigable streams.

Question 24Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor is retracing a boundary and finds that two deeds overlap by 12 feet along a common line. Which principle most directly guides resolution of the overlap?

  1. The junior deed always prevails
  2. The overlap is split equally
  3. The overlap is resolved by area
  4. The senior deed generally prevails over the junior deed Correct answer.

Explanation

Under the priority-of-title principle, the senior (earlier) conveyance generally prevails over a junior conveyance to the extent of the overlap. The junior grantee takes only what the grantor had left to convey.

Question 25Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A natural monument called for in a deed has been destroyed, but its original location can be reconstructed from two surviving bearing trees and the original field notes. The reconstructed position should be treated as:

  1. A lower-ranking distance call
  2. A new corner set at the surveyor's discretion
  3. Irrelevant because the monument no longer exists
  4. A controlling monument position, equivalent to the original corner Correct answer.

Explanation

When an original monument's position can be reliably reconstructed from surviving evidence such as bearing trees and field notes, that reconstructed position is treated as the original corner and controls. The surveyor does not set an arbitrary new corner.

Question 26Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In boundary retracement, when a deed calls for both a natural monument and an adjacent distance, and they disagree, which generally controls?

  1. The distance
  2. The natural monument Correct answer.
  3. The area
  4. The bearing

Explanation

The general rule of evidence hierarchy in boundary retracement is that natural monuments prevail over courses, distances, and area because they are less likely to be transcribed in error and are more likely to reflect the original survey. Distances and bearings are considered secondary evidence that may yield to a well-identified monument.

Question 27Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor is retracing a boundary and finds that a deed calls for a stone at a corner, but the stone is missing. Which of the following is the best primary source to determine the original location of the stone?

  1. The original survey field notes Correct answer.
  2. The current owner's memory of where the stone was
  3. A neighboring deed that calls for the same corner
  4. The current tax map

Explanation

Original survey field notes are a primary source of record evidence because they were created contemporaneously with the survey and often describe the monument and its location. Tax maps and neighboring deeds are secondary sources that may be derived from the original notes but are not as authoritative.

Question 28Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In the Public Land Survey System, what is the primary purpose of a standard parallel?

  1. To correct for the convergence of meridians and limit the accumulation of error Correct answer.
  2. To provide a baseline for topographic mapping
  3. To mark the boundaries of individual sections
  4. To define the boundaries of a township

Explanation

Standard parallels are correction lines run east-west at intervals (typically every 24 miles) to account for the convergence of meridians and to prevent the accumulation of errors in the rectangular system. They serve as new starting lines for the survey of townships and sections.

Question 29Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A metes-and-bounds description reads: 'Beginning at a point on the north line of Lot 5, thence South 45° East 200 feet to a stake; thence South 45° West 200 feet to a point; thence North 45° West 200 feet to a point; thence North 45° East 200 feet to the point of beginning.' What is the shape of the parcel?

  1. A rhombus
  2. A trapezoid
  3. A rectangle
  4. A square Correct answer.

Explanation

The description calls for four equal sides of 200 feet with bearings that turn 90° at each corner (S45°E to S45°W is a 90° turn, etc.), forming a square. A square is a special case of a rectangle and rhombus, but the equal sides and right angles make 'square' the most precise answer.

Question 30Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A deed describes a parcel as 'the East half of the Northwest quarter of Section 15, Township 4 North, Range 3 East.' What is the approximate area of the parcel?

  1. 40 acres
  2. 20 acres
  3. 80 acres Correct answer.
  4. 160 acres

Explanation

A section contains 640 acres. The Northwest quarter contains 160 acres, and the East half of that quarter contains 80 acres. Therefore, the parcel is approximately 80 acres.

Question 31Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In a metes-and-bounds description, the phrase 'thence with the meanders of the creek' indicates that the boundary follows:

  1. A straight line between the two points on the creek
  2. The center of the creek as it winds Correct answer.
  3. The low-water mark of the creek
  4. The high-water mark of the creek

Explanation

The phrase 'with the meanders' means the boundary follows the natural sinuosities of the watercourse, typically the center or thread of the stream for non-navigable streams, unless the deed specifies otherwise. It does not mean a straight line or a bank line unless so stated.

Question 32Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor is retracing a boundary and discovers that the original survey created a gap between two adjacent parcels. Under the common law rule for gaps, how is the gap typically resolved?

  1. The gap is awarded to the owner whose deed was recorded first
  2. The gap remains in the ownership of the original grantor or the grantor's successors Correct answer.
  3. The gap is automatically conveyed to the owner of the larger parcel
  4. The gap is divided equally between the adjoining owners

Explanation

When a gap exists between parcels and the original grantor retained title to the un conveyed strip, the gap remains in the grantor's ownership unless there is evidence of intent to convey it. This is based on the principle that a deed conveys only the land described, and any residual remains with the grantor.

Question 33Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In boundary retracement, what is the significance of the term 'monument of record'?

  1. A monument that is visible on aerial photography
  2. A monument described in the deed or survey that may or may not be present Correct answer.
  3. A monument set by the current surveyor
  4. A monument that is physically found at the corner

Explanation

A monument of record is one that is called for in the deed or shown on a recorded survey, regardless of whether it currently exists. It is distinguished from a found monument, which is physically present, and from a set monument, which is placed by the surveyor.

Question 34Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A deed calls for a boundary line to run 'North 10° East 500 feet to a stone.' The surveyor finds a stone at a distance of 505 feet and another stone at 495 feet. Which stone should be held as the corner?

  1. The stone at 495 feet, because it is closer to the record distance
  2. The stone at 505 feet, because it is closer to the record distance
  3. Neither stone; the corner should be set at exactly 500 feet
  4. The stone that is corroborated by other evidence as the original monument Correct answer.

Explanation

When there is a discrepancy in distance to a called-for monument, the monument controls if it can be identified as the original. The surveyor must evaluate evidence such as size, shape, markings, and position relative to other monuments to determine which stone is the original monument.

Question 35Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In the context of boundary retracement, what does the term 'parol evidence' refer to?

  1. Evidence from physical monuments
  2. Evidence from aerial photographs
  3. Evidence from witnesses spoken testimony Correct answer.
  4. Evidence from written documents

Explanation

Parol evidence is oral or spoken testimony, often used to clarify ambiguities in a deed or to establish the location of a boundary. It is distinguished from documentary evidence, physical evidence, and photographic evidence.

Question 36Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor is retracing a boundary and finds that the deed calls for a line to run 'to the center of the road.' The road is a public right-of-way. What is the general rule regarding ownership of the land under the road?

  1. The ownership depends on whether the road is paved or unpaved
  2. The adjoining landowners own only to the edge of the right-of-way
  3. The public owns the entire road in fee simple
  4. The adjoining landowners own to the center of the road, subject to the right-of-way Correct answer.

Explanation

When a deed calls for a boundary to the center of a public road, the adjoining landowners generally own the underlying fee to the center of the road, subject to the public easement or right-of-way. This is known as the 'center of the road' presumption.

Question 37Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In the Public Land Survey System, what is the primary purpose of a meander line?

  1. To approximate the bank of a body of water for the purpose of calculating area Correct answer.
  2. To define the limits of a township
  3. To mark the boundary of a parcel for ownership purposes
  4. To establish the centerline of a stream

Explanation

Meander lines are run along the banks of navigable waters or other impassable boundaries to approximate the water boundary for the purpose of calculating the area of the upland parcels. They are not the actual boundary of ownership, which is typically the water's edge or high-water mark.

Question 38Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A surveyor is retracing a boundary and finds that the deed calls for a bearing of North 45° East, but the bearing between two found monuments is North 40° East. Under the rule of 'monument controls over bearing,' how should the surveyor proceed?

  1. Hold the monuments and adjust the bearing to fit the monuments Correct answer.
  2. Reject both and use the deed distance to establish the line
  3. Hold the record bearing and ignore the monuments
  4. Average the two bearings

Explanation

The general rule is that monuments control over bearings and distances when they are identified as the original corners. Therefore, the surveyor should hold the monuments and adjust the bearing to connect them, unless there is evidence that the monuments are not the original ones.

Question 39Boundary Surveying and Retracement

In boundary retracement, what is the significance of the term 'duty of the surveyor' when resolving a boundary discrepancy?

  1. The surveyor must ignore physical evidence if it conflicts with the deed
  2. The surveyor must always favor the most recent deed
  3. The surveyor must exercise professional judgment to determine the best evidence of the original boundary Correct answer.
  4. The surveyor must follow the client's instructions exactly

Explanation

The surveyor has a professional duty to weigh all available evidence and apply established legal principles to determine the original boundary location, rather than simply following instructions or favoring one document over another. This duty requires analysis and judgment.

Question 40Boundary Surveying and Retracement

A deed describes a parcel as bounded by a non-navigable stream. Over time, the stream gradually erodes its bank, adding land to the parcel. Under the doctrine of accretion, who owns the newly formed land?

  1. The adjoining landowner, because the change is gradual and imperceptible Correct answer.
  2. The state, because it involves a watercourse
  3. The owner of the opposite bank, because the stream is non-navigable
  4. No one; the land remains in public trust

Explanation

Under the doctrine of accretion, gradual and imperceptible changes to a boundary by a watercourse accrue to the adjoining landowner. This is distinguished from avulsion, where a sudden change does not alter ownership.

Question 41Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

A subdivision plat is being prepared for recording. Which statement best describes the purpose of the plat's certificate of surveyor's signature and seal?

  1. It confirms that the plat has already been approved by the governing body
  2. It guarantees that all lot corners will remain undisturbed in perpetuity
  3. It transfers title to the streets and parks to the local government
  4. It certifies that the surveyor personally performed the fieldwork and accepts responsibility for the plat's accuracy Correct answer.

Explanation

A surveyor's certificate and seal attest that the survey work was performed by or under the responsible charge of the licensed surveyor and that the plat reflects that work. It is a professional certification of accuracy and responsibility, not a guarantee of future conditions, a conveyance, or evidence of governmental approval.

Question 42Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

In a metes-and-bounds description of a lot, the phrase "thence North 45 degrees East, 200.00 feet" describes which of the following?

  1. A bearing and distance for a straight line course Correct answer.
  2. A curve with a radius of 200 feet
  3. A deflection angle measured from the previous line
  4. An azimuth measured clockwise from the south meridian

Explanation

A metes-and-bounds course is normally stated as a bearing (direction relative to a meridian) followed by a distance along a straight line. The quadrant bearing N 45° E and the distance 200.00 ft together define the straight-line segment.

Question 43Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

A lot is described as "Lot 5, Block 2, of Sunny Acres Subdivision, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 12, Page 34." This is an example of which type of legal description?

  1. Reference to a recorded plat (lot and block) Correct answer.
  2. Government rectangular survey
  3. Torrens certificate description
  4. Metes and bounds

Explanation

A lot-and-block description identifies land by reference to a subdivision plat recorded in the public records. The recorded plat supplies the dimensions and boundaries, so the description itself need not repeat them.

Question 44Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

Which monument is generally given the highest weight when resolving a boundary discrepancy in a subdivision?

  1. An original monument called for by the plat that is found undisturbed Correct answer.
  2. The distance recited on the plat
  3. The bearing shown on the plat
  4. The area stated for the lot

Explanation

Under the hierarchy of evidence, natural or original monuments called for in the description control over courses, distances, and area. A found original monument therefore outweighs the recorded bearing, distance, or area when they conflict.

Question 45Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

A surveyor is laying out a new subdivision and must ensure that a proposed lot meets the minimum lot width at the front setback line. Which document establishes that requirement?

  1. The state minimum standards for boundary surveys
  2. The deed restriction of an adjacent parcel
  3. The local zoning or subdivision ordinance Correct answer.
  4. The surveyor's professional liability policy

Explanation

Minimum lot width, area, and setbacks are land-use controls imposed by the local zoning or subdivision ordinance. The surveyor must check the plat against those regulations before layout is finalized.

Question 46Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

On a subdivision plat, the term "dedication" of a street most nearly means which of the following?

  1. The surveyor's certification that the street was constructed to standards
  2. The permanent reservation of the street for private use
  3. The automatic transfer of title upon recording of the plat
  4. The owner's offer to devote land to public use, subject to acceptance by the governing body Correct answer.

Explanation

Dedication is an offer by the landowner to devote land to public use. It becomes effective only when the appropriate public authority accepts it, so recording alone does not complete the transfer.

Question 47Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

A 1,200-foot-long straight street is to be platted with a 60-foot right-of-way. What is the area of the right-of-way in square feet?

  1. 120,000 square feet
  2. 7,200 square feet
  3. 72,000 square feet Correct answer.
  4. 720 square feet

Explanation

Area of a rectangle equals length times width. Multiplying 1,200 ft by 60 ft gives 72,000 square feet, which is the total area contained within the right-of-way.

Question 48Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

A cul-de-sac bulb is required to have a 50-foot radius right-of-way. What is the approximate area of the circular bulb in square feet, using pi = 3.1416?

  1. 15,708 square feet
  2. 3,142 square feet
  3. 7,854 square feet Correct answer.
  4. 31,416 square feet

Explanation

The area of a circle is pi times the radius squared. Squaring 50 ft gives 2,500 sq ft, and multiplying by 3.1416 yields approximately 7,854 square feet.

Question 49Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

A lot line runs due north 150.00 feet, then due east 80.00 feet, then due south 150.00 feet. What must the final closing course be to return to the point of beginning?

  1. South 80.00 feet
  2. North 80.00 feet
  3. East 80.00 feet
  4. West 80.00 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

A closed traverse must sum to zero in both northing and easting. The three given courses net 80.00 feet of easting, so the closing course must run 80.00 feet west to return to the start.

Question 50Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout

A proposed lot has 95 feet of frontage along a street, and the zoning ordinance requires a minimum lot width of 80 feet measured at the front building setback line. The side lot lines are parallel. Which conclusion is correct if the lot narrows toward the rear?

  1. The lot complies because the side lines are parallel
  2. The lot may not comply if the width at the setback line falls below 80 feet Correct answer.
  3. The lot complies because frontage exceeds the minimum width
  4. The lot complies only if its area also exceeds the minimum

Explanation

Minimum lot width is measured at the front setback line, not at the street. If the lot narrows toward the rear, the width at the setback line could be less than 80 feet even though the frontage is 95 feet, so compliance must be checked at that line.