US Green Building Council LEED-AP-ND Exam Questions
LEED AP Neighborhood Development (Page 3 )

Updated On: 16-Mar-2026

Which of the following would meet the requirements of an infill site?

  1. At least 25% of its Boundary Borders parcels that are each at least 75% previously disturbed
  2. At least 50% of the land area, exclusive of rights-of-way. within a 1/2 mi. (0.8 km) distance from the project boundary Is previously disturbed
  3. At least 75% of its boundary borders parcels that are Individually at least 50% previously disturbed, and aggregate are at least 75% previously disturbed
  4. The site. in combination with bordering parcels, forms an aggregate parcel whose boundary Is 50% bounded by parcels that ore individually at least 75% previously disturbed, and in aggregate are at least 75% previously disturbed

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The requirement for an infill site under LEED® Neighborhood Development is that at least 75% of the site's boundary must border parcels that are individually at least 50% previously disturbed, and in aggregate, at least 75% of the boundary must be adjacent to previously disturbed parcels. This criterion supports the redevelopment of previously developed land and helps in reducing urban sprawl by encouraging the use of already impacted sites.

Detailed Explanation;
Infill Development:
Infill development refers to the practice of developing vacant or underused parcels within existing urban areas that are already largely developed. LEED-ND promotes infill development as it typically results in more efficient land use, reduces the need for new infrastructure, and supports the revitalization of existing communities.
Previously Disturbed Parcels:
A "previously disturbed" parcel refers to land that has been altered by previous development or human activities, making it more suitable for redevelopment without contributing to the loss of greenfield sites (undeveloped land).
Boundary Criteria:
The specific requirement that 75% of the project's boundary borders disturbed parcels ensures that the site is surrounded by areas that have already experienced some level of development. This aligns with LEED-ND's goals of encouraging sustainable development patterns that optimize land use within existing urbanized areas.


Reference:

The LEED-ND Reference Guide elaborates on the criteria for infill sites under the Smart Location & Linkage (SLL) category, particularly emphasizing the importance of reusing previously disturbed land. The LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation provides detailed definitions and examples to clarify what constitutes an infill site.
For more information, review the materials available through USGBC:
LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development



To develop within a 100-year flood plain and still meet the requirements of Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite. Floodplain Avoidance, the project team must comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and locate the project

  1. near diverse uses.
  2. or an adjacent site.
  3. on a previously distributed alto
  4. within a transit-oriented development.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

To develop within a 100-year floodplain and still meet the requirements of the Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite: Floodplain Avoidance, the project must be located on a previously disturbed site. Additionally, the development must comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations to ensure that it minimizes risks associated with flood events.
Detailed Explanation;
Floodplain Avoidance Prerequisite:
This prerequisite under LEED-ND is designed to ensure that developments avoid high-risk areas like floodplains, thereby reducing potential damage from flooding and protecting natural floodplain functions. However, if development within a floodplain is necessary, certain conditions must be met.
Previously Disturbed Sites:
LEED-ND allows development within a floodplain if the site has already been disturbed by previous human activity, meaning it's not a pristine natural area. The rationale is that redevelopment of previously disturbed land can be preferable to new development on undisturbed land, provided that flood risk mitigation strategies are in place.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):
Compliance with NFIP is mandatory for developments in flood-prone areas. The NFIP sets standards for building in floodplains to minimize flood damage and ensure that structures are insured against flood risks. By following NFIP guidelines, projects can achieve flood resilience and satisfy LEED's prerequisites.


Reference:

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development details the requirements for developing within floodplains under the Smart Location & Linkage category. The LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation provides further context and examples to illustrate acceptable practices for floodplain development.
For more details, refer to the USGBC resources:
LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development
LEED v4 Neighborhood Development
These explanations provide a comprehensive understanding of how to meet LEED-ND requirements in specific scenarios, ensuring that sustainability goals are met effectively.





What is the development footprint?
A)



B)



C)



D)

  1. Option A
  2. Option B
  3. Option C
  4. Option D

Answer(s): B



A standardized base map that should be used throughout the submission to illustrate relevant surrounding features for up to 1 mi. (1.6 km) around the project boundary is a

  1. special map.
  2. permit map.
  3. vicinity map
  4. project site map.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

In LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), a vicinity map is the standardized base map used throughout the submission process to illustrate relevant surrounding features for up to 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) around the project boundary. This map is crucial for demonstrating the context of the project within its surrounding environment, including nearby land uses, transportation networks, and other significant features that could impact the sustainability of the development.
Detailed Explanation;
Vicinity Map Purpose:
The vicinity map is intended to provide a clear and consistent representation of the project's location and its relationship to the surrounding area. It is used to show how the project connects to nearby neighborhoods, infrastructure, and amenities, which are critical in evaluating the project's sustainability, walkability, and connectivity.
Standardized Submission Requirement:
The LEED-ND rating system requires a standardized base map to ensure that all relevant features are consistently represented across different credits and documentation submissions. The vicinity map helps to streamline the review process by providing a uniform reference point for all stakeholders involved in the certification process.
Relevant Features:
The map should include key features such as roads, public transit routes, parks, schools, and other community amenities within a 1-mile radius. This helps assess the project's accessibility, potential for reducing automobile dependence, and integration with existing urban or suburban infrastructure.


Reference:

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the requirements for submission documentation, including the use of standardized maps like the vicinity map. Additional details can be found in the LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation, which provides guidelines on preparing and using the vicinity map effectively.
For further guidance, refer to:
LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development
LEED v4 Neighborhood Development



A square site with four equally sized neighboring parcels is being considered for a LEED for Neighborhood Development project. Consider the following: on the north side of the site is forest land; on the east side Is a church located on a parcel that is 100% developed: and on the south side is a school located on a parcel that is 50% developed.
Which one of the following uses on the west side would make this an infill site?

  1. A parcel that is 100% farmland
  2. A library on a parcel that is 75% developed
  3. A market on a parcel that is 50% developed
  4. A post office on a parcel that is 25% developed

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

For a site to qualify as an infill site under LEED for Neighborhood Development, at least 75% of the boundary must border parcels that are developed, meaning they have been previously disturbed by human activity. In this scenario, the addition of a library on a parcel that is 75% developed on the west side of the site would meet the criteria for an infill site because it would ensure that the site is surrounded by developed parcels.
Detailed Explanation;
Infill Development Criteria:
Infill development is central to the LEED-ND program as it encourages the use of land within existing urban areas rather than contributing to urban sprawl. The requirement that 75% of the boundary borders developed parcels ensures that the site is integrated into an already developed area, making it easier to connect to existing infrastructure and services.
Development Status of Parcels:
The key factor in determining whether a site qualifies as infill is the extent of development on adjacent parcels. A parcel is considered developed if a significant portion (typically 50% or more) has been altered by human activity, such as buildings, roads, or other infrastructure.
Scenario Analysis:
In the given scenario:
North: Forest land (undeveloped)
East: Church (100% developed)
South: School (50% developed)
West: The library (75% developed)
The addition of the library on a 75% developed parcel ensures that the site meets the infill criteria, as it increases the percentage of the boundary that is adjacent to developed parcels.


Reference:

The LEED-ND Reference Guide provides criteria for what constitutes infill development under the Smart Location & Linkage (SLL) category.
Detailed guidelines and examples can be found in the LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation, which clarifies the requirements for infill sites. For more comprehensive information, consult the following resources:
LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development
LEED v4 Neighborhood Development



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