19. Land-Use Controls and Property Development

Question 1

BUFFER ZONE

Answer 1

A strip of land, usually used as a park or designated for a similar use, separating land dedicated to one use from land dedicated to another use (e.g., residential from commercial).

Question 2

BUILDING CODE

Answer 2

An ordinance that specifies minimum standards of construction for buildings to protect public safety and health.

Question 3

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

Answer 3

A permit issued by the appropriate local governing body to establish that the property is suitable for habitation by meeting certain safety and health standards. Also known as an occupancy permit.

Question 4

CLUSTERING

Answer 4

The grouping of homesites within a subdivision on smaller lots than normal, with the remaining land used as common areas.

Question 5

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Answer 5

A comprehensive plan to guide the long-term physical development of a particular area. See master plan.

Question 6

CONDITIONAL-USE PERMIT

Answer 6

Written governmental per mission allowing a use inconsistent with zoning but necessary for the common good, such as locating an emergency medical facility in a predominantly residential area.

Question 7

CURVILINEAR

Answer 7

A street system that integrates major arteries of travel with smaller secondary and cul-de-sac streets carrying minor traffic.

Question 8

DEED RESTRICTION

Answer 8

Clause in a deed limiting the future uses of the property. Deed restrictions may impose a vast variety of limitations and conditions—for example, they may limit the density of buildings, dictate the types of structures that can be erected, or prevent buildings from being used for specific purposes or even from being used at all.

Question 9

DENSITY ZONING

Answer 9

Zoning ordinances that restrict the maximum average number of houses per acre that may be built within a particular area, generally a subdivision.

Question 10

DEVELOPER

Answer 10

One who attempts to put land to its most profitable use through the construction of improvements.

Question 11

ENABLING ACTS

Answer 11

State legislation that confers zoning powers on municipal governments.

Question 12

GRIDIRON

Answer 12

A street pattern that evolved out of the government rectangular survey system. Features large lots, wide streets, and limited-use service alleys.

Question 13

INTERSTATE LAND SALES FULL DISCLOSURE ACT

Answer 13

A federal law that regulates the sale of certain real estate in interstate commerce.

Question 14

NONCONFORMING USE

Answer 14

A use of property that is permitted to continue after a zoning ordinance prohibiting it has been established for the area.

Question 15

PLAT

Answer 15

A detailed map that illustrates the geographic boundaries of individual lots.

Question 16

RESTRICTIVE CONVENANTS

Answer 16

A clause in a deed that limits the way the real estate ownership may be used.

Question 17

SUBDIVIDER

Answer 17

One who buys undeveloped land, divides it into smaller, usable lots, and sells the lots to potential users.

Question 18

SUBDIVISION

Answer 18

A tract of land divided by the owner, known as the subdivider, into blocks, building lots, and streets according to a recorded subdivision plat, which must comply with local ordinances and regulations.

Question 19

TAKING

Answer 19

A concept which comes from the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and means that when land is taken for public use through the government’s power of eminent domain or condemnation, the owner must be compensated.

Question 20

VARIANCE

Answer 20

Permission obtained from zoning authorities to build a structure or conduct a use that is expressly prohibited by the current zoning laws; an exception from the zoning ordinances.

Question 21

ZONING ORDINANCES

Answer 21

Exercise of police power by a municipality to regulate and control the character and use of property.