PCATP Town Planner cheat sheet

Land-use zoning separates permitted uses (as of right) from conditional uses requiring discretionary approval; nonconforming uses predate the regulation and are typically allowed to continue but not expand.

FAR (floor area ratio) = total gross floor area ÷ plot area; coverage = footprint area ÷ plot area. FAR governs building bulk, coverage governs ground-level open space.

Standard density measure is dwelling units per hectare (du/ha); gross density includes roads and open space, net density excludes them, so gross is always lower than net for the same scheme.

The planning hierarchy runs national/provincial policy → regional or district plan → local/master plan → zoning or scheme regulations → subdivision and building permits.

EIA screening decides whether a project needs full assessment; scoping defines the terms of reference; the environmental management plan is the binding mitigation instrument.

Public participation requirements typically include notice, comment periods, and a public hearing; failure to follow statutory consultation can invalidate an approval on appeal.

Hierarchy of settlements follows central place logic: higher-order centres offer rarer services and draw from larger catchments; lower-order centres provide convenience goods.

Transit-oriented development concentrates higher density and mixed use within roughly 400-800 m walking distance of a station, the accepted comfortable walking catchment.

Development control tests a proposal against zoning, plot ratio, setbacks, height limits, parking minimums, and access standards before permit issue.

Building envelope performance is governed by U-value (thermal transmittance, W/m²K); lower U-value means better insulation. Glazing U-values and solar heat gain coefficient are assessed separately.

Means of escape: travel distance limits, protected stairways, and exit widths are set by occupant load; exit width is sized per person served, not per floor area alone.

Fire compartmentation limits spread by area and by use; fire resistance ratings (e.g. 60/90/120 minutes) apply to walls, floors, and doors on compartment boundaries.

Accessibility standards require an accessible route, minimum clear door widths, turning circles, and gradient limits on ramps, with level landings at intervals.

Structural span rules of thumb: reinforced concrete slabs are economical up to about 6-8 m; steel or post-tensioned systems extend clear spans further.

Daylight and ventilation are regulated by window-to-floor-area ratios and openable area percentages; internal rooms without openings require mechanical alternatives.

Universal design principles: equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, size and space for approach.

Site planning sets building line (setback from street), side and rear setbacks, and plot coverage; these control privacy, daylight, and street enclosure.

Registration is a statutory function: only a registered planner may use the protected title and sign statutory planning instruments; practising without registration is an offence.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a condition of annual renewal; a typical requirement is a set number of hours or points per year, with a portion in core planning topics.

Professional indemnity insurance covers negligent advice; it is claims-made, so cover must be in force when the claim is made, not when the work was done.

A code of conduct typically binds members to competence, honesty, disclosure of conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and reporting of unethical conduct.

Fees are commonly charged by time (hourly rate × hours), by lump sum, or as a percentage of project value; scope and exclusions must be documented in the engagement.

Disciplinary process generally runs complaint → investigation → hearing by a disciplinary tribunal → sanction ranging from caution to deregistration.

Conflict of interest rule: declare the interest, withdraw from the decision, and record the declaration; undisclosed interest can void the decision.

Professional negligence requires a duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and actual loss; documented advice and file notes are the primary defence.

Validation is the process of confirming that a planning application is complete and correct before it enters assessment; invalid applications are returned, not determined.

Accreditation of a planning programme requires evidence of curriculum coverage, qualified staff, adequate resources, and a structured practical or studio component.

Programmes are typically accredited for a fixed cycle (often 3-5 years), with a progress report and a full re-accreditation review at the end of the cycle.

Learning outcomes are mapped to a competency framework; each outcome must be evidenced by assessment, not merely taught.

External examiners or accreditation panel members provide independent verification of standards and assessment integrity.

Substantial equivalence is used for overseas qualifications: a qualification is recognised if its outcomes match the accredited standard, even if the structure differs.

Graduate attributes usually include communication, research, ethical practice, sustainability awareness, and teamwork, assessed through portfolio or capstone work.

An accreditation panel report identifies commendations, conditions, and recommendations; conditions must be met within a stated timeframe or accreditation lapses.