Plan Implementation Flashcards
Zoning
The separation of land uses or functions into separate districts. Implemented through locally-enacted legislation that regulates and controls the use of private property.
Purposes of Zoning
- Protect and maintain property values
- Promote public health and safety
- Protect the environment
- Promote the aesthetic of a community
- Manage traffic
- Manage density
- Limit housing size and type, or encourage a variety of housing types
- Attract businesses and industries
What does Zoning Regulate
- Land use
- Lot size
- Density
- Bldng placement
- Building bulk
- Setbacks
- provision of adequate light and air
- Parking
- Landscaping
- Signage
Euclidean Zoning
Places the most protective restrictions on residential land uses, less on commercial uses, virtually none on industrial uses. Places single-family residential (most restrictive) at top of the pyramid.
Cumulative Zoning
Less protective of various land uses than Euclidean zoning. Single family residential are the most exclusive. However, in cumulative zoning, each successive district allows all the uses from the previous zone.
Modified Cumulative Zoning
Districts are typically cumulative. However, industrial district would not allow residential uses.
Conditional Use
Allow a certain use in a district only when it is compatible with its surroundings. AKA special use permit or specific use permit.
Nonconforming Use
Use that existed prior to the adoption of district regulations and is allowed to continue under the “grandfather” clause. Can be allowed to continue until naturally ceases, or amortized.
Accessory Use
Incidental to the main use of the property. Smaller in size than the main use. Examples - outside sales, outside storage, telecomms tower, home occupations, garage apartment/ADU
PUDs
Unique zoning tool use to offer an alternative to strict zoning regulations. Typically used for large developments that include a mix of uses. Advantage - planned in entirety up front, with careful attention to site plan. Can allow more innovative design. Developer often offers more community amenities and open space. Can be challenging from an administrative standpoint.
Overlay Zoning
Places additional restrictions over top of an existing zone. Example = airport overlay district. Historic overlay district. etc.
Variance
A change in the terms of the zoning regulations due to economic or physical hardship. Use variance. area variance.
Big-box retail
50,000+ SF in a large box.
Concentrated animal feeding operations
Practice of raising farm animals indoors and in high volumes.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
Ratio of the building’s total floor area (gross) to the size of the piece of land upon which it is built.
