Circulation Factor to Clerestory Window

 

Circulation Factor

The circulation factor is the percentage of interior space that is used for the circulation allowance. It is usually the gross interior space divided by the circulation space needed for hallways and corridors. The net square footage calculation normally excludes the circulation allowance. In modern offices, the circulation factor usually averages about 1.400, with slightly higher ratios for open areas with cubicles.

Cistern

A cistern is a water-storage tank or stricture, which is primarily use for collected rainwater. However, cisterns may also be water tanks into which well or delivered water is pumped for ready use. Cisterns are a valuable resource in areas with limited groundwater. Because of the danger of contaminant build-up, cisterns should be cleaned periodically and the water should be treated if it is intended for consumption.

Civil Rights Act of 1866

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was earliest federal fair housing law in the U.S. prohibited all racial discrimination in sales or rental of real estate, predating by nearly a century the version that most Americans today know. However, the 1866 Act was not regularly or commonly enforced. In 1968, the U.S. Supreme Court, in the case of Jones v. Alfred H. Mayer Company, upheld the prohibitions of this 1866 legislation and struck down any subsequent exceptions.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

The 1964 Civil Rights Act was a federal legislation banning discrimination in the sale or rental of any residential property that has received federal funding. It did not extend to all properties, but were limited to just residential properties, specifically those that had received subsidies, such as FHA loans or HUD financing.

Civil Rights Act of 1968

The 1968 Civil Rights Act was the federal legislation that established the Fair Housing Act, which was Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act. Title VIII prohibited discrimination in residential leases and sales on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion and marital status.

Clapboard

Clapboard refers to a type of wood siding used for external walls. Often called bevel siding, clapboards are horizontal lengths of siding whose bottoms overlap the tops of the clapboard below. Compare to the Drop Siding and Board-and-Batten entries.

Class A Property

A Class A property or building is a designation applied to commercial properties (primarily office buildings) with the highest appeal and prices. This commercial property classification system is based on age, quality, demand and location, but there are no set rules for what exactly constitutes Class A, B or C properties. In general, however, Class A properties charge the highest lease rates in its community, because such buildings are typically newer, of better quality, in higher demand and located in high-value areas. Most Class A commercial properties today are located in high-traffic areas and often less than 25 years old. Compare with the Class B Property and Class C Property entries.

Class B Property

Class B commercial properties and buildings may not have the superior location, appeal, demand or quality of a Class A property, but Class B properties are still considered good investments. Class B properties tend to be located in areas with moderate, though not overwhelming demand, so they usually charge lower rents than Class A properties. Nevertheless, many commercial mortgage lenders still look favorably on Class B commercial properties. Compare with the Class A Property and Class C Property entries.

Class C Property

In contrast with the two classes above it, Class C properties and commercial buildings tend to be older and located in lower-demand areas. They are efficient, solid properties with few amenities. Class C properties are usually found in older commercial areas of cities and metropolitan areas, though not exclusively. Class C buildings can also be found in the same area as, or even right next to, Class A and B properties. However, Class C commercial properties will be the ones that are slightly older and do not offer the amenities of more expensive properties, such as top-of-the-line automation, security systems and appeal.

Clay

A soil mixture containing hydrated aluminum silicates. It is used to make bricks and pottery. It has a flexible, almost plastic elasticity when wet. It does not offer much support and its presence in the ground is an indication of high moisture or water levels. Foundations built on ground with high clay content need to be heavier than regular foundations. Clay is susceptible to moisture fluctuations and will expand and heave upwards if water is introduced to it, resulting in cracked foundations. In addition, when moisture is removed from clay underneath a foundation, the soil with contract and leave portions of unsupported foundation.

Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act of 1970 is a federal legislation that established air quality standards nationwide. An earlier attempt in 1967 provided no enforcement mechanisms or clear standards, so it proved largely ineffective. Nevertheless, it did pave the way for future legislation, including the 1970 law and a 1993 amendment that introduced regulations on refrigerants.

Clean Water Act

The 1972 Clean Water Act is a federal legislation establishing the EPA’s responsibility for restoring and maintaining water quality standards. Although this legislation did not ban industrial discharges into waterways, it did set permit requirements. It also established federal authority over wetlands.

Cleaning Fee

The cleaning fee is charged by some landlords when a new tenant moves in, to cover the cost of cleaning the unit when the tenant moves out. It is often non-refundable, even if the tenant returns the unit in a broom-clean or better condition, which is why some states have made non-refundable cleaning fees illegal.

Clear Span

The term clear span refers to the space between a building’s columns that is free of interference. Unlike older concrete and brick buildings, which required large supporting columns (especially on the lower floors), modern buildings are able to provide more space through the use of steel.

Clear Span Facility

A clear span facility or building is one with wide clear spans. Clear span facilities are typically warehouses and manufacturing facilities, as well as Big Box retailers. Modern clear span facilities place supporting columns along the outside of the building, to provide the widest available clear span inside.

Clear Title

A requirement for most real estate transactions, clear title refers to a transferable title that is free of any clouds on the title (unacceptable encumbrances, claims, liens and deed restrictions). The process of removing clouds or title defects is called perfecting the title.

Clerestory Window

A window located near the ceiling to provide additional light. Technically, a clerestory was any room that rose above the rooftops of the neighboring buildings, thereby giving that room additional views and sunlight. Most modern clerestory windows are narrow and located high on the wall.