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1
Q
A
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2
Q

What is zoning?

A

Zoning is the system of laws adopted by a municipality to regulate how land can be used, including use type, density, height, and bulk of buildings.

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3
Q

What does FAR stand for, and what does it regulate?

A

FAR stands for Floor Area Ratio. It controls building bulk by limiting the total floor area allowed in proportion to the lot size. A FAR of 2.0 on a 10,000 SF lot allows 20,000 SF of building area.

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4
Q

What is a setback in zoning regulations?

A

A setback is the required minimum distance between a structure and a property line, street, or another structure. It preserves open space, light, and privacy.

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5
Q

What is a Planned Unit Development (PUD)?

A

A PUD is a zoning tool that allows developers to propose a master-planned development with flexible design standards, often in exchange for public benefits like open space or affordability.

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6
Q

What is density in land development?

A

Density refers to the number of dwelling units allowed per acre or square foot of land. It’s often expressed as “units per acre” (UPA).

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7
Q

What does “maximum building height” mean in zoning?

A

Maximum building height is the tallest vertical dimension a structure can reach, typically measured in feet or stories, as limited by local zoning code.

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8
Q

What is a variance in zoning?

A

A variance allows a property owner to legally deviate from specific zoning requirements (e.g., setbacks or height) due to unusual site conditions.

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9
Q

What is a comprehensive plan?

A

A comprehensive plan is a long-term document created by a city to guide growth, development, infrastructure, and land use policies for 10–30 years.

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10
Q

What is a subdivision?

A

A subdivision is the process of dividing a parcel of land into two or more lots, typically for development or sale, subject to local approval.

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11
Q

What is as-of-right development?

A

As-of-right development refers to a project that complies with all current zoning regulations and does not require discretionary approvals.

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12
Q

What is net vs. gross density?

A

Net density considers only the buildable residential land, while gross density includes the entire parcel, including roads and common areas.

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13
Q

What is a conditional use permit (CUP)?

A

A CUP allows a land use not generally permitted in a zoning district, provided it meets specific conditions to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.

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14
Q

What is a land use restriction agreement (LURA)?

A

A LURA is a legal document that restricts how a property can be used—often requiring certain units to remain affordable for a set time.

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15
Q

What is buildable area?

A

Buildable area is the part of a parcel where structures can legally be constructed after subtracting required setbacks, easements, and environmental buffers.

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16
Q

What is an overlay zone?

A

An overlay zone imposes additional regulations or incentives (e.g., historic preservation or density bonuses) on top of existing base zoning.

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17
Q

What is a traffic impact study (TIS)?

A

A TIS evaluates how a proposed development will affect local traffic conditions and identifies needed infrastructure improvements.

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18
Q

What is a use table in a zoning code?

A

A use table outlines which land uses (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) are permitted, prohibited, or conditionally allowed in each zoning district.

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19
Q

What is a special exception or special use permit?

A

A discretionary approval that allows a specific land use under defined conditions, typically reviewed through public hearings.

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20
Q

What is the difference between zoning and entitlement?

A

Zoning refers to the codified land use regulations; entitlement is the process of gaining approval to develop a project, which may involve rezoning, variances, or special permits.

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21
Q

What is spot zoning?

A

Spot zoning is the application of zoning to a small parcel that differs from surrounding areas, often benefiting a single owner and potentially subject to legal challenge.

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22
Q

What is a rezoning?

A

Rezoning is the process of changing a property’s zoning classification, typically requiring public hearings and legislative approval.

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23
Q

What is a development agreement?

A

A development agreement is a legally binding contract between a developer and a local government that outlines rights, responsibilities, and timelines for a project.

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24
Q

What is a use variance?

A

A use variance allows a property to be used for a purpose not otherwise permitted in the zoning district, typically due to unique site hardship.

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25
What is a form-based code?
Form-based code regulates development by physical form and design rather than land use, aiming to create predictable, walkable environments.
26
What is a site plan?
A site plan is a detailed drawing showing the layout of buildings, roads, landscaping, utilities, and other features for review and approval.
27
What is cluster development?
Cluster development groups housing units closely together to preserve open space or sensitive land within the same overall density.
28
What is the right-of-way (ROW)?
ROW is land reserved for public infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, or utilities, often maintained by a government entity.
29
What is spot elevation?
Spot elevation is the height of a specific point on a site, used in grading and drainage planning.
30
What is a building footprint?
A building footprint is the area of land that is covered by a building’s base at ground level, excluding upper stories.
31
What is the difference between hard costs and soft costs?
Hard costs refer to direct construction expenses (materials, labor), while soft costs include permits, design fees, legal, and financing expenses.
32
What is a floodplain?
A floodplain is low-lying land adjacent to a water body prone to flooding, often subject to strict development regulations.
33
What is a geotechnical report?
A geotechnical report analyzes soil conditions on a site to determine its suitability for construction.
34
What is a traffic calming measure?
A traffic calming measure is a design feature like speed bumps or curb extensions intended to slow down vehicle traffic in a development.
35
What is a build-to line?
A build-to line is a zoning requirement that mandates where a building's front wall must be located, usually close to the street to encourage walkability.
36
What is a legal nonconforming structure?
A legal nonconforming structure was built legally under old zoning but does not comply with current regulations and is allowed to remain.
37
What is floor plate size?
Floor plate size refers to the square footage of a single floor of a building, often used in evaluating commercial or multifamily building efficiency.
38
What is a transfer of development rights (TDR)?
TDR is a zoning mechanism allowing developers to buy unused development rights from one property (sending site) and apply them to another (receiving site).
39
What is inclusionary zoning?
Inclusionary zoning requires or incentivizes developers to include a percentage of affordable units in new residential developments.
40
What is an environmental impact report (EIR)?
An EIR is a detailed document evaluating the potential environmental effects of a proposed project, required under CEQA in California.
41
What is due diligence in land development?
Due diligence is the process of evaluating a site’s legal, physical, financial, and environmental conditions before purchase or development.
42
What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
A Phase I ESA identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities on a site through research, site visits, and historical records.
43
What is a Phase II ESA?
A Phase II ESA involves sampling and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of hazardous substances identified during a Phase I ESA.
44
What is a boundary survey?
A boundary survey maps out the legal property lines and identifies any encroachments or easements.
45
What is a topographic survey?
A topographic survey shows the contours and elevations of the land surface, used for grading and site design.
46
What is an ALTA survey?
An ALTA survey is a detailed land survey required by lenders and title companies, combining boundary, title, and site information.
47
What is a title commitment?
A title commitment is a document from a title company that outlines ownership and any encumbrances, liens, or exceptions on the property.
48
What is a zoning verification letter?
A zoning verification letter is an official statement from the municipality confirming a property’s zoning classification and allowable uses.
49
What is a wetland delineation?
Wetland delineation identifies and maps wetlands on a property to determine restrictions and permitting requirements.
50
What is a tree survey?
A tree survey inventories and maps existing trees on a site, often required for permitting or conservation.
51
What is a traffic impact analysis (TIA)?
A TIA assesses the effect a proposed development will have on the existing transportation network.
52
What is a utility availability letter?
A utility availability letter confirms whether water, sewer, electric, and gas services are available for a given parcel.
53
What is an easement?
An easement is a legal right allowing use of part of a property by someone other than the owner, such as for utilities or access.
54
What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects against financial loss from defects in title, such as liens or ownership disputes.
55
What is a development feasibility study?
A feasibility study analyzes a site's zoning, physical characteristics, infrastructure, and market conditions to assess development potential.
56
What is site access analysis?
Site access analysis evaluates how vehicles and pedestrians enter and exit a property, including turning movements and sight lines.
57
What is flood zone determination?
Flood zone determination identifies whether a site is in a FEMA flood zone, impacting insurance and design.
58
What is a soil boring log?
A soil boring log provides detailed information about subsurface soil layers collected through drilling, used in foundation design.
59
What is a noise study?
A noise study measures existing and projected sound levels to assess impacts on adjacent properties or sensitive uses.
60
What is a fire flow test?
A fire flow test measures water pressure and availability for firefighting at a specific location.
61
What is an archaeological assessment?
An archaeological assessment identifies cultural or historic resources on a property that may require preservation or mitigation.
62
What is a site constraints map?
A site constraints map identifies physical and regulatory limitations on a property, such as wetlands, easements, and steep slopes.
63
What is land assemblage?
Land assemblage is the process of acquiring multiple adjacent parcels to create a single, larger development site.
64
What is a preliminary plat?
A preliminary plat is a map showing proposed lot layout and infrastructure in a subdivision, submitted for early planning review.
65
What is final plat approval?
Final plat approval is the formal acceptance of the subdivision layout by the local government, allowing lots to be legally recorded.
66
What is a brownfield site?
A brownfield is a previously developed property potentially contaminated with hazardous substances, requiring remediation before reuse.
67
What is a greenfield site?
A greenfield is undeveloped land that has not been previously built on, often preferred for new construction due to fewer constraints.
68
What is an impact fee?
An impact fee is a charge imposed on developers to pay for public infrastructure needed as a result of new development.
69
What is a concurrency review?
Concurrency review ensures that infrastructure (roads, schools, utilities) can support new development before approval.
70
What is a master plan development?
A master plan development is a large-scale, phased project governed by an overall conceptual plan approved by the municipality.
71
What is a zoning map amendment?
A zoning map amendment is a formal change to the official zoning map, typically associated with a rezoning request.
72
What is a conditional rezoning?
Conditional rezoning allows a property to be rezoned subject to specific conditions or limitations voluntarily offered by the applicant.
73
What is build-out analysis?
Build-out analysis estimates the maximum development capacity of a site based on zoning and physical constraints.
74
What is a land use attorney?
A land use attorney specializes in navigating zoning, permitting, and development approvals, often representing clients before boards.
75
What is a neighborhood compatibility analysis?
This analysis assesses how a proposed development fits with surrounding uses in scale, character, and density.
76
What is a development moratorium?
A development moratorium is a temporary halt on development imposed by a local government, often during code updates or planning studies.
77
What is a capital improvement plan (CIP)?
A CIP is a multi-year plan that outlines infrastructure projects and funding sources to support growth and development.
78
What is a public infrastructure bond?
A public infrastructure bond is a debt instrument used to finance roads, utilities, and public facilities to support development.
79
What is a landscape buffer?
A landscape buffer is a strip of vegetation or fencing required between land uses to reduce visual and noise impacts.
80
What is a mitigation plan?
A mitigation plan outlines steps to reduce or offset environmental, traffic, or community impacts caused by a development.
81
What is a site-specific development standard?
A standard applied uniquely to a project through conditions of approval or negotiated agreement.
82
What is a floor-to-area ratio bonus?
An incentive allowing a developer to exceed base FAR limits by providing public benefits such as affordable housing or open space.
83
What is a design guideline overlay?
An area-specific set of design rules that supplement zoning to ensure consistent aesthetics and architectural quality.
84
What is a utility easement?
A utility easement grants a utility company the right to install and maintain infrastructure on private land.
85
What is an encroachment?
An encroachment occurs when a structure extends into an adjacent property or public right-of-way unlawfully.
86
What is a plat of survey?
A plat of survey is a legal map showing boundaries, lot dimensions, and physical features for recording with the county.
87
What is an annexation?
Annexation is the process by which a municipality incorporates adjacent land into its jurisdiction.
88
What is a general plan amendment?
A general plan amendment changes the long-term land use vision and policies of a city or county.
89
What is a certificate of occupancy (CO)?
A CO is issued by the building department when a structure complies with all applicable codes and is safe for use.
90
What is a grading permit?
A grading permit allows earth-moving work on a site, typically required before construction or infrastructure installation.
91
What is a hydrology report?
A hydrology report evaluates how water drains on a site, informing stormwater management design.
92
What is a stormwater management plan?
A stormwater management plan describes how runoff will be controlled to prevent flooding, erosion, and water pollution.
93
What is a retention pond?
A retention pond is a basin designed to collect and hold stormwater permanently to manage runoff.
94
What is a detention pond?
A detention pond temporarily stores stormwater and releases it slowly to reduce peak discharge rates.
95
What is an erosion control plan?
A plan outlining measures (e.g., silt fences, straw wattles) to prevent soil erosion during and after construction.
96
What is a public hearing notice?
A formal announcement of a scheduled public meeting where development applications will be reviewed.
97
What is a staff report?
A document prepared by planning staff that analyzes a development proposal and recommends approval, denial, or conditions.
98
What is a developer contribution?
Funds or in-kind services provided by a developer to support infrastructure, parks, or schools required for the project.
99
What is a phasing plan?
A plan that breaks a large development into stages, showing the order and timing of construction.
100
What is a zoning interpretation?
A clarification issued by planning staff on how zoning regulations apply to a specific situation.
101
What is a restrictive covenant?
A private legal agreement that limits how a property can be used, often enforced by a homeowners association.

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