1.7 Land Use Planning and Zoning - Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the video notes on land use planning and zoning.

Building code

A standard of construction of an improved property established by local government officials.

Certificate of occupancy

A document confirming that a newly constructed or renovated property has fully complied with all building codes and is ready for occupancy.

Concurrency

A planning policy requiring developers to correct foreseen negative impacts of a development during the construction period of the project itself rather than afterward.

Condemnation

1) A decree that a parcel of private property is to be taken for public use under the power of eminent domain. 2) A government order that a property is no longer fit for use and must be demolished.

Deed restriction

A provision in a deed that limits or places rules on how the deeded property may be used or improved.

Eminent domain

A government's power to force the sale of private property for public use.

Land use control

Regulation of how individual owners use property in a municipality or planning district, in accordance with a master plan.

Master plan

An amalgamated land use plan for a municipality, county, or region that incorporates community opinion, the results of intensive research, and the various land use guidelines and regulations of the state. Acts as a blueprint for subsequent zoning ordinances and rulings.

Non-conforming use

A land use that is legal or illegal and not consistent with the current zoning ordinance.

Police power

A government's legal authority to regulate, tax, and condemn real property in the interest of the public's health, safety, and welfare.

Restriction

A limitation on the use of a property imposed by deed, zoning, state statute, or public regulation.

Special exception

A land use in conflict with current zoning that is authorized because of its perceived benefit to the public welfare.

Variance

A use exception granted based on hardship, allowing deviation from zoning requirements.

Zoning ordinance

A municipal land use regulation that creates zones, usage restrictions, regulations, and requirements.

Planning objectives

Goals such as controlling growth rates and patterns, accommodating demand for services and infrastructure.

Plan development

Research into trends and conditions to blend local and state objectives into the master plan.

Planning management commission

Body that makes rules, approves permits, codes, and development plans.

Public land use controls

Zoning and related controls exercised under police power to manage land use.

Types of zones

Residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, public, and Planned Unit Development (PUD) zones.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

Oversees rule administration and appeals related to zoning decisions.

Subdivision Regulation

Regulations governing plats of subdivision and related requirements (e.g., FHA financing, street design, utilities, lot dimensions, building setbacks).

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

Zoning designed to regulate the use of whole tracts of land with a singular design to maximize space efficiency and open space.

Lead-based paint

Lead-based paint bans and related disclosure requirements for residential properties.

CERCLA

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; hazardous waste cleanup costs and liability.

Environmental restrictions

Regulations addressing flood control, solid waste disposal, air and water quality, marine protection, noise, toxic substances, and related controls.

Clean Water Act

Legislation regulating dumping into navigable waters and protecting water quality.

NEPA

National Environmental Policy Act; requires environmental assessments for major federal actions.

FHA requirements

Standards set by the Federal Housing Administration for insured financing.

Solid Waste Disposal Act

Legislation addressing solid waste disposal; later incorporated into RCRA.

Air Quality Act / Clean Air Act

Legislation establishing air quality standards and pollution controls.

Flood Control Act

Legislation addressing flood control, amended in 1969.

Resource Recovery Act

Legislation relating to resource recovery and waste management (1970).

Water Quality Improvement Act

Legislation addressing water quality improvements (1970).

Brownfields legislation

Laws encouraging redevelopment of contaminated or underused properties (2002).

Public use dedications

Dedicating land or facilities for public use as part of development approvals.

Utility easements

Easements granting utility access across private land.

Ground percolation

Soil-percolation testing used to assess septic suitability.