buffer zone
A strip of land, usually used as a park or designated for similar use, separating land to one use from land dedicated to another use (e.g.,residential from commercial). 341
building code
An ordinance that specifies minimum standards of construction for buildings to protect public safety and health. 344
certificate of occupancy
Permission by the municipal inspector to occupy a completed building structure after being inspected and having complied with building codes. 344
comprehensive plan
A comprehensive plan to guide the long-term physical development of a particular area. 339
conditional-use permit
Written governmental permission allowing a use inconsistent with zoning but necessary for the common good, such as locationg an emergency medical facility in a predominantley residential area. 343
covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
Private agreements that affect the land use. They may be enforced by an owner of real estate and included in the seller’s deed to the buyer. 116
density zoning
Zoning ordinances that restrict the maximum average number of houses per acre that may be built within a particular area, generally a subdivision. 346
developer
One who attempts to put land to its most profitable use through the construction of improvements. 345
enabling acts
State legislation that confers zoning powers on municipal governments. 339
Interstate Land Sales Full Diclosure Act
A federal law that regulates the sale of certain real estate in interstate commcerce. 347-48
inverse condemnation
An action brought by a property owner seeking just compensation for land taken for public use when the taker of the property does not intend to bring eminent domain proceedings. Property is condemned becasue its use and value have been diminished due to an adjacent property’s public use. 342
nonconforming use
A use of property that is permitted to continue after a zoning ordinance prohibiting it has been estalished for the area. 343
planned unit development (PUD)
A planned combination of diverse land uses, such as housing, recreation, and shopping, in one contained development or subdivision. 349
plat
A detailed map that illustrates the geographic boundaries of individual lots. 345
restrictive covenants
A clause in a deed that limits the way the real estate ownership may be used. 346
subdivider
One who buys undeveloped land, divides it into smaller, usable lots and sells the lots to potential users. 345
subdivision
A tract of land divided by the owner, known as the subdivider, into blocks, building lots, and streets according to a recorded sudivision plat, which must comply with local ordinances and regulations. 5
variance
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. 343-44
zoning
A regulatory tool that helps communities regulate and control how land is used. 340
zoning ordinance
An exercise of police power by a municipality to regulate and control the character and use of property. 340
