Abrogate in real estate refers to the act of abolishing, withdrawing, canceling, retracting, revoking, or repealing certain laws, provisions, or regulations that govern property, land use, or zoning.
A separate living unit within or adjacent to a single-family home, often referred to as a secondary suite, which can be used by family members or rented out to non-family tenants. Typically includes its own bedroom, small kitchen, and bathroom.
Air rights refer to the legal ability to use, control, or occupy the vertical space above a given piece of property. These rights can be leased, sold, or transferred to another party, often significantly impacting property development, urban planning, and real estate markets.
A buffer zone is a designated area used as a transitional space between two distinct land uses. This zone helps reduce the potential conflicts and impacts between differing land uses by providing a physical and sometimes functional separation.
A comprehensive plan is a set of guidelines developed, mapped, and adopted by a local government to steer public policy towards future development within the jurisdiction. It encompasses various aspects such as transportation, utilities, land use, recreation, and public services.
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a specialized form of zoning variance that allows a property owner to use their land in a way that is not typically permitted under the current zoning laws.
In real estate terminology, 'contiguous' refers to properties that share a common boundary. These properties are directly adjacent to each other, and their borders touch at some point. This can be particularly relevant in zoning, development, and legal contexts.
Restrictions, either public or private, placed on the use of private property.
A deed restriction is a clause in a deed that may be inserted by a seller to limit the use of land, often to maintain property values or adhere to specific community standards.
Density in real estate refers to the intensity of land use, often quantified as the number of dwelling units, residents, or floor space per unit of land area. It is an essential aspect in urban planning and zoning regulations.
In real estate, 'entitlement' refers to the legal rights granted to a developer for the approval of certain land uses, as well as the term associated with the VA loan guarantee available to eligible veterans.
The landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on the legality of zoning, cited as Village of Euclid, Ohio, vs. Ambler Realty Company, 272 U.S. 365, 1926.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrate hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. GIS allows users to visualize, question, analyze, interpret, and understand data to reveal relationships, patterns, and trends.
A greenbelt is an area of open land retained in its natural state around a residential area, intended to provide open space, recreation opportunities, and a buffer against urban sprawl.
Highest and Best Use (HBU) is a real estate appraisal term that represents the legally, financially, and physically feasible use that, at the time of appraisal, is expected to produce the highest net return to the land and/or buildings over a given period of time. This concept can be applied whether the property is vacant or already developed.
A Housing Permit is an authorization issued by a municipality that permits a builder to construct a house or apartment. This approval ensures that all local regulations and codes are adhered to, including safety, zoning, and infrastructure requirements.
Impact fees are charges levied by a city or county on developers as a condition for granting permission for development projects, typically to cover the costs of expanding public services to accommodate the new development.
An industrial park is an area designed and zoned specifically for manufacturing and related activities, offering a conducive environment for industrial development.
Institutional property refers to properties that fall under a zoning category designated for facilities that serve public and community functions, such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other organizations serving the public interest.
Land use controls or regulations refer to government ordinances, codes, and permit requirements designed to ensure that private use of land and natural resources aligns with established policy standards.
Land Use Planning is an activity, generally conducted by a local government, aimed at guiding public and private land use decisions to ensure they are consistent with community policies. It is primarily used to inform Zoning decisions.
A lot is an individual parcel of land within a subdivision's plat. This land unit must have the appropriate zoning designation to be considered buildable and suitable for construction.
Minimum lot area refers to the smallest building lot area allowed within a subdivision, usually determined by a zoning ordinance. This requirement helps to establish the maximum building density for the subdivision.
A mixed-use property combines different types of land uses, such as residential, commercial, and industrial, into one cohesive development. This approach aims to create synergies between the various uses to enhance the overall functionality and convenience of the site.
A zoning classification that allows flexibility in the design of a subdivision, enabling a mixture of land uses and housing types in a defined area. PUD zones generally set an overall density limit for the entire development, allowing for clustering of dwelling units to provide common open spaces and amenities.
A platted lot is a parcel of land that has been surveyed and officially recorded on a final plat map, typically within a subdivision. This process includes specifications of lot boundaries, street locations, and utility installations.
Police power is the inherent authority of a governmental body to enact and enforce regulations to ensure the order, safety, health, morals, and general welfare of the public.
Preexisting Use refers to properties or structures whose existing use does not align with current zoning regulations but were legally established under previous zoning rules.
A Preliminary Plat is a detailed planning document used in real estate development to illustrate how a tract of land can potentially be subdivided into lots and outline infrastructural elements before final plat approval.
A preservation district is a zoning designation covering environmentally sensitive areas, parkland, scenic areas, or historic districts, imposing strict limitations on land use to maintain the essential character of these sites.
The defined boundary which delineates the edge of a plot of land, typically legally recognized and recorded in public land records.
A pylon sign is a freestanding sign commonly mounted on a pole or pylon structure, designed to be visible from a distance. These signs are often used to list tenants in a shopping center or to display business names and logos prominently along roadways.
A setback line is a defined distance from a curb, property line, or other demarcated boundary within which no permanent structures may be constructed. Setback lines are crucial for urban planning, promoting safety, aesthetics, and privacy within a community.
A Specific Use Permit (SUP) allows certain uses of property that would not be otherwise permitted under the zoning regulations of a particular area, provided certain conditions are met. It requires a detailed review process to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses.
A stakeholder in real estate is an individual or group that has an interest or can be affected by decisions regarding land or property usage. This term is often used to justify government regulations that affect private property rights.
Subdividing involves dividing a tract of land into smaller individual lots, which can then be sold separately or developed. The process of subdividing land typically involves planning, land surveying, zoning considerations, and obtaining the necessary permits.
Subdivision regulations are government rules that set standards for the design of residential subdivisions within a jurisdiction, determining aspects such as access roads, open space, and public dedications.
A surveyor is a professional who specializes in determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them. They typically work on land surveys to establish property boundaries, create topographic maps, and facilitate construction projects. In real estate, surveyors play a crucial role in validating property lines, legal descriptions, and ensuring compliance with zoning and building codes.
In real estate, 'Taking' refers to the acquisition of a parcel of land through condemnation, or the application of restrictions that preclude any reasonable use of the land.
Transferable Development Rights (TDR) are a zoning tool that allows property owners to transfer the right to develop one parcel of land to another parcel, facilitating controlled urban development and the preservation of resources.
A zone refers to an area designated by local government regulations for a specific use, subject to certain restrictions or conditions. These uses can range from commercial to various types of residential applications.
Zoning is a legal mechanism used by local governments to regulate the use of privately owned real property through specific applications of police power. It aims to prevent conflicting land uses and promote orderly development by designating zones that limit the type and intensity of development permitted within their jurisdiction.
