Cliff Notes Flashcards
(238 cards)
Zoning
uniform standards of construction originating in NYC in 1916 to protect the health, welfare and safety of people. Regulates the use of land, light, air, and open space while protecting property values and protecting against nuisances (factories in residential areas), undesirable businesses (porn shops by schools) and dangers (hazardous chemicals in public areas).
Incentive Zoning
encourages private developers to provide amenities for public use in exchange for opportunity to build larger or taller structures on a site.
Nonconforming Use
building is no longer permitted by the zoning ordinance. Typically allowed to stay unless it’s unsafe.
Conditional Use
a building that is permitted in an area that it is not zoned for, to benefit the public (e.g.: an elementary school in a residential neighborhood)
Variance
applied for by an owner on a private site to ask to deviate from an ordinance in order to avoid hardship.
Spot Zoning
a change in the zoning ordinance for a particular area
Ordinance
a municipal law
Setbacks
required open space measured between property line and face of building. Used to preserve light, air, and spaciousness
Building Line
utilized by communities principally to achieve planned street patterns. They help insure that buildings will not be erected in the bed of projected streets or of potential street widening.
Easements
legal right of government or another land owner to use one’s property for a specific purpose
Scenic Easement
Prevents development that upsets something scenic to the public
Assessment
valuation of property for the purpose of taxes
Business Improvement Districts
used to fund public space improvements (new streetscapes/graffiti removal) with the intention that it will enhance an area’s appeal. All business owners in district who would benefit pay increased taxes.
Eminent Domain
power of the state to take private property without owner’s consent, but with fair market value of the land compensation. Must be used government or public development (highways, railroads, civic center), economic development, or to mandate an easement for access (public utilities, right of way).
Deed Restrictions
place limitations on the use of the property, typically by original developers, who determined what land would be used for (live, work, or play) and can’t be changed by future owners.
Restrictive Covenant
limitations and stipulations used in residential settings. Can be aesthetic (allowable color pallets, vegetation types/pruning, fencing materials) pet control (how many and/or living conditions), or storage related (visibility of parked cars/boats/campers).
Affirmative Covenant
commits a buyer to performing duties in the future (e.g. will make payments for common charges in a condo)
Conditional Covenant
If restriction is violated or disregarded, the land will revet back to original owners/heirs.
Right-of-Way
right for people to cross land of another (pathways/cattle drives)
How many feet is in an acre?
One acre = 43,560 square feet
Check
Checks are 24 mi. on a side defined by parallels/meridians and divided into 16 townships
(US Survey divided land that was not already surveyed in 1780s into a square grid system)
Township
Are 6 miles on a side; divided into 36 1 mile sections
US Survey divided land that was not already surveyed in 1780s into a square grid system
Section
Are 1 mile square parcel of land containing 640 acres
US Survey divided land that was not already surveyed in 1780s into a square grid system
Quarter Section
Are 1/2 mile on each side
US Survey divided land that was not already surveyed in 1780s into a square grid system