A nuisance refers to a land use or activity that is incompatible with surrounding land uses, potentially affecting the enjoyment or value of nearby properties. Zoning laws and private deed restrictions are utilized to control and prevent such nuisances.
Riparian rights pertain to the use of water on, under, or adjacent to one's land. These rights may be qualified to avoid nuisance and pollution and are typically recognized in most eastern states, unlike in western regions, which often acknowledge usufructuary rights.
A tort is a wrongful act or an infringement of a right (other than under contract) leading to civil legal liability. It is distinct from criminal acts and contract breaches, but it nonetheless renders the perpetrator liable to the victim for damages.
