Chapter 3 & 4 Vocabulary: Control of Land Use and Specializations

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 3 (Control of Land Use) and Chapter 4 (Specializations) in the provided lecture notes.

Sovereignty of the soil

The concept that title to land in the United States can be traced back to its original owner because the land’s ownership originated with the government.

Police power

The government’s right to regulate and control how land is used, typically exercised through zoning, environmental laws, health and fire codes.

Zoning

Local government regulation of land use and development, restricting what uses are permitted in different areas.

Buffer zone

A strip of land separating dissimilar land uses to provide a transition between, for example, residential and commercial areas.

Variance

Permission to violate current zoning rules, typically granted to allow a use or alteration not otherwise permitted.

Setback

The required distance between a building and the lot line, as dictated by zoning or deed restrictions.

Downzoning

Changing zoning to a lower-value or less intensive use; the government is not obligated to compensate the owner.

Eminent domain

The government’s right to take private land for public use, with compensation to the owner.

Condemnation

The act of taking private land under the power of eminent domain.

Escheat

The process by which the state takes ownership of real estate when someone dies intestate and without heirs.

Taxation

The government’s right to tax real estate; property taxes are generally ad valorem (based on value) and create a lien.

Assessed value

Property value used for tax purposes to calculate the property tax bill (tax rate × assessed value).

Special assessment

A tax levied against properties that benefit from a local improvement, such as curbs or sidewalks.

Greenfields

Land that has never been commercially developed and is often attractive for development due to lack of prior pollution.

Greyfields

Land with abandoned or underused structures that are available for redevelopment.

Brownfields

Former commercial/industrial sites that are abandoned or underused because of real or perceived contamination, but redevelopment is possible with cleanup.

Wetlands

Transitional zones between uplands and deep water; require water to persist most of the year and are regulated for protection of ecologic functions.

Mold

Hazardous indoor growth increasingly regulated; standards exist for permissible levels and remediation is often required.

Greywater

Wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that can be reused for landscape irrigation or toilet flushing.

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

A phased evaluation (Phase I–III) to determine if a property is environmentally challenged or contaminated.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

A detailed NEPA-required report describing the purpose, alternatives, and environmental effects of a proposed federal project.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Federal law requiring agencies to assess environmental impacts of their actions and prepare an EIS.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

EPA authority to regulate certain toxic substances; requires record-keeping, testing, and risk management, including PMNs for new chemicals.

CERCLA

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; provides cleanup authority for hazardous substances and identifies potentially responsible parties (PRPs).

Safe Harbor

CERCLA provisions that provide liability protections in certain circumstances (e.g., unaware of pollutants, cooperation with cleanup).

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design; a voluntary third-party green building certification system developed by USGBC.

USGBC

U.S. Green Building Council; private nonprofit organization promoting sustainable building practices and LEED certification.

Energy Star

EPA/DOE program labeling energy-efficient products and buildings; includes prescriptive and performance paths for homes and buildings.