Chapter 12 - Land Use, Subdivision, & Housing Vocabulary

Question 1

abatement of nuisance

Answer 1

Extinction or termination of conduct or activity that interferes with use or enjoyment of property.

Question 2

Allodial System

Answer 2

The system of land ownership that allows anyone to own land.

Question 3

Amperage

Answer 3

Amount of electricity going through electric wires, measured in amperes (amps).

Question 4

anchor bolt

Answer 4

(1) Attaches mud sill to foundation. (2) Embedded in concrete foundation.

Question 5

Anchor Tenant

Answer 5

Major department or chain store strategically located at shopping centers to give maximum exposure to smaller satellite stores. A center may have several anchor tenants. Also called Magnet Store.

Question 6

Area Variance

Answer 6

Entitles landowners to use land in a way that is typically not allowed by the dimensional or physical requirements of the zoning law.

Question 7

Association Fees

Answer 7

Monthly fees paid by each condominium or cooperative owner for common area expenses such as utilities, management, building maintenance, hazard and liability insurance for the common areas of the property, and other amenities.

Question 8

bearing wall

Answer 8

A wall that supports a vertical load as well as its own weight.

Question 9

board foot

Answer 9

A unit of measurement for lumber equal to the volume of the board: one foot wide, one foot long, one inch thick (144 cubic inches).

Question 10

British Thermal Unit (BTU)

Answer 10

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit; used to measure the capacity of furnaces and air-conditioning units.

Question 11

Building Code

Answer 11

A means of setting construction standards, requiring builders to use particular methods and materials; regulations establishing minimum standards for construction and materials.

Question 12

Building Inspection

Answer 12

A process whereby local government officials ensure compliance with state and local building codes.

Question 13

Building Permits

Answer 13

Official documents from a local government or other authority that allow the beginning of a construction or remodeling project.

Question 14

Bylaws

Answer 14

Rules and regulations that govern the activities of condominium and cooperative associations, including the purpose of the building, rules for elections and voting, and frequency of board of directors or shareholders meetings.

Question 15

Cease and Desist Order

Answer 15

Administrative agency directive to stop an offending activity.

Question 16

City Planning

Answer 16

The effort on the part of the city to coordinate, direct, and control the type of development taking place so as to ensure maximum benefits to the populace.

Question 17

commercial acre

Answer 17

(1) The area remaining from an acre of newly subdivided land after deducting the area devoted to streets, sidewalks, alleys, curbs, etc. (2) Also known as a buildable acre.

Question 18

Commercial Property

Answer 18

Property zoned and used for business purposes, such as warehouses, restaurants, and office buildings (as distinguished from residential, industrial, or agricultural property).

Question 19

Common Area Maintenance (CAM)

Answer 19

All costs incurred in maintaining the common areas of a commercial property, including parking lot sweeping and repair, snow removal, common utilities, landscaping, and other maintenance tasks. CAM costs are usually prorated among all tenants.

Question 20

Common Areas

Answer 20

The land and improvements in a condominium or cooperative that all residents use and own as tenants in common, such as the parking lot, hallways, and recreational facilities. Common Law Law that has developed over many years through court decisions and other precedents. – An entire common interest subdivision except the separate interests therein.

Question 21

common interest development

Answer 21

A common-interest development combining the individual ownership of private dwellings with the shared ownership of common facilities of the entire project.

Question 22

common interest subdivision

Answer 22

Individuals owning a separate lot or unit, with an interest in the common areas of the entire project. The common areas are usually governed by a homeowners’ association.

Question 23

Comprehensive Plan

Answer 23

A written document prepared by a local planning board that identifies the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, standards, and strategies for the growth and development of a community, including its housing needs. Also called Master Plan.

Question 24

Conditional Use (Permit)

Answer 24

A land use that does not comply with the general zoning rules for the zone in which it is located, but is permitted because it benefits the public, for example, a hospital in a residential neighborhood. Also called Special Exception or Special Use.

Question 25

Condominium

Answer 25

A property developed for co-ownership, with each co-owner having a separate interest in an individual unit, combined with an undivided interest in the common areas of the property and air space consisting of the area between the walls, floor, and ceiling. -- A housing unit consisting of a separate fee interest in a particular specific space, plus an undivided interest in all common or public areas of the development. Each unit owner has a deed, separate financing and pays the property taxes for their unit.

Question 26

Cooperative

Answer 26

A type of property ownership under which residents have the right to occupy a unit by purchasing stock shares in the corporation that owns the property. -- (1) Ownership of an apartment unit in which the owner has purchased shares in the corporation that holds title to the entire building. (2) A residential multi-family building.

Question 27

Co-Ownership

Answer 27

Any form of ownership in which two or more people share title to a piece of property, holding undivided interests. Also called Co-Tenancy or Concurrent Ownership.

Question 28

Crawl Space

Answer 28

Unfinished space below the first floor of a house, less than a full story in height, usually containing plumbing and other functional elements. -- Exterior or interior opening permitting access underneath a building, as required by building codes.

Question 29

Curtesy

Answer 29

An interest held by a married person in the real property owned by a spouse; refers to a husband’s interest in his wife’s property. Not recognized in all states.

Question 30

Dedication

Answer 30

The donation of real property by a private owner to the public.

Question 31

Downzoning

Answer 31

A zone change from a high density use to a lower density use. For example, a commercial zone to a light industrial zone.

Question 32

Eminent Domain

Answer 32

The government’s constitutional power to take private property for public use, as long as the owner is paid just compensation. (Condemnation is the action; eminent domain is the right.) -- (1) The right of the government to take private property from an owner, for the public good, paying air market value.

Question 33

Encapsulation

Answer 33

The process of applying a sealant to asbestos-containing material, which penetrates the material’s surface, preventing the release of the dangerous fibers into the air.

Question 34

energy efficient ratio

Answer 34

(1) A measurement of the efficiency of energy; used to determine the effectiveness of appliances. (2) Also known as EER.

Question 35

ENERGY STAR

Answer 35

A program, managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that sets standards for energy-efficient consumer products and homes.

Question 36

Environmental Impact Report

Answer 36

(1) A study of how a development will affect the ecology of its surroundings. (2) Also known as EIR.

Question 37

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer 37

The federal agency tasked with creating and enforcing environmental protection standards, helping others with environmental pollution problems, and providing research on environmental issues.

Question 38

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Answer 38

A due diligence analysis of real property to determine the possibility of environmental contamination. An ESA can have up to four phases: I-Investigation; II-Testing; III-Remediation; IV-Management.

Question 39

Estuary

Answer 39

Where sea water and fresh water mix together.

Question 40

Floor Load Capacity

Answer 40

The weight (pounds per square foot) or load that the floor of a structure can handle.

Question 41

Foundation

Answer 41

The basic structure on which the rest of the building will sit. A foundation can be concrete slab, pier and beams, crawl space, or basement.

Question 42

gable roof

Answer 42

A pitched roof with two sloping sides.

Question 43

gambrel roof

Answer 43

Typically seen in Dutch colonial architecture, is a curbed roof, with a steep lower slope with a flatter one above.

Question 44

general plan

Answer 44

A direction of future development. Comprehensive long term plan for land use, housing, conservation, space, noise, and safety.

Question 45

General Warranty Deed

Answer 45

A deed in which the grantor warrants the title against any and all defects that might have arisen before or during his or her period of ownership. Also called Standard Warranty Deed or Simple Warranty Deed.

Question 46

Home Energy Rating System (HERS)

Answer 46

A measurement of a home’s energy efficiency used primarily in the United States; in the HERS Index, the higher the score, the less energy efficient the home is.

Question 47

Home Inspection

Answer 47

An unbiased, systematic, noninvasive, visual inspection of the physical structure and systems of a home.

Question 48

Home Warranty

Answer 48

A contract between a homeowner and a home warranty company that provides coverage for the covers repair or replacement of named components of the home for a specified period of time, such as one year.

Question 49

HVAC

Answer 49

The mnemonic for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Question 50

Immobility

Answer 50

Incapable of being moved; fixed in location, such as land.

Question 51

Incurable Depreciation

Answer 51

Elements of a structure which are neither physically possible nor economically feasible to correct.

Question 52

Linear Feet

Answer 52

The total length in feet around a perimeter. For example, a 20-foot x 30-foot garden will take 100 linear feet of fencing (20 + 30 + 20 + 30. -- A measurement of length rather than area (square foot) or volume (cubic feet).

Question 53

Master Deed

Answer 53

A document that converts a parcel of land into a condominium regime. Also called Enabling Declaration, Declaration of Condominium, or Declaration Agreement.

Question 54

Master Plan

Answer 54

A program for the future development of a community which serves as the guideline for capital expenditures.

Question 55

Mold

Answer 55

A fungus that can release toxins into the environment causing allergic reactions in some people.

Question 56

Net Zero Home

Answer 56

A home that produces as much energy as it consumes.

Question 57

Nonconforming Use

Answer 57

Property use that doesn't conform to current zoning laws but is allowed because the property was being used that way before the new zoning law was passed. Also referred to as being “grandfathered in.” Legal use of property that at one period was established and maintained at the time of its original construction but no longer conforms to the current zoning law.

Question 58

Parcel

Answer 58

A specific lot or piece of real estate, particularly a specified part of a larger tract.

Question 59

parcel map

Answer 59

Map showing a parcel of land that will be subdivided into less than five parcels or units, and shows land boundaries, streets, and parcel numbers.

Question 60

percolating water

Answer 60

Underground water not flowing in a defined channel.

Question 61

percolation test

Answer 61

Test used to determine the ability of the land to absorb and drain water and is frequently used when installing septic systems.

Question 62

Permits

Answer 62

Official government documents that acknowledge work a person wants to do on a property and allow it to be done.

Question 63

Pitch

Answer 63

A roof’s vertical rise in inches, divided by its horizontal span in feet. The slope, incline, or rise of a roof.

Question 64

planned development

Answer 64

(1) A planning and zoning term describing land not subject to conventional zoning to permit clustering of residences or other characteristics of the project which differ from normal zoning. (2) Sometimes called a planned unit development (PUD).

Question 65

Police Power

Answer 65

The constitutional power of state and local governments to enact and enforce laws that protect the public's health, safety, morals, and general welfare. -- The power of the state to enact laws within constitutional limits to promote the order, safety, health, morals and general welfare of our society.

Question 66

potable water

Answer 66

Fresh water that is safe and agreeable for drinking.

Question 67

Rough-Ins

Answer 67

Any type of interior work to a house or building that is not part of the finish work (e.g., plumbing, HVAC, electrical).

Question 68

R-value

Answer 68

A rating that measures how well insulation resists heat.

Question 69

Schematics

Answer 69

Preliminary drawings and sketches by an architect, such as site plans and elevations.

Question 70

Setback

Answer 70

The legal distance that a building must be from a designated position such as a property line; determined by zoning requirements. The distance a building must be set back from the property line, street, or curb usually determined by local building codes.

Question 71

Sheathing

Answer 71

A layer of boards or other wood or fiber materials applied to the outer studs, joists, and rafters to strengthen the structure and serve as a base for exterior weatherproof covering.

Question 72

Shoreline

Answer 72

The intersection of the land with the water (mean high water line).

Question 73

side yard setback

Answer 73

The distance a building must be set back for the lot line at the side of the property.

Question 74

Special Warranty Deed

Answer 74

A deed in which the grantor warrants against defects that have occurred after the grantor acquired title.

Question 75

Spot Zoning

Answer 75

The illegal rezoning of a single parcel or a small area to benefit one or more property owners rather than carry out the objectives of the master plan.

Question 76

stock cooperative

Answer 76

A corporation formed for the purpose of owning property.

Question 77

Taking

Answer 77

The government’s unconstitutional condemnation of private property for public use without just compensation.

Question 78

Townhome

Answer 78

Property developed for co-ownership where each co-owner has a separate fee simple interest in an individual unit, including its roof and basement, as well as the land directly beneath the unit, and an undivided interest in the common areas of the property.

Question 79

Underground Storage Tank (UST)

Answer 79

A receptacle, at least 10% of which is underground, used to store a variety of substances such as heating oil, gasoline, chemicals, and hazardous waste; an environmental hazard due to corrosion, spills, leaks, and overfills. Regulated by the EPA.

Question 80

Urea-Formaldehyde

Answer 80

A potentially toxic chemical used in manufacturing building materials such as particleboard, plywood paneling, carpeting, and insulation.

Question 81

Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)

Answer 81

A type of insulation that can be blown in or injected behind walls and other areas that are hard to access.

Question 82

Usable Square Feet

Answer 82

The space actually available and usable for a tenant’s personnel, furniture, and equipment. The actual floor space inside the exterior walls of leased premises. Space the tenant can physically use inclusive of interior walls and columns. Also called Net Square Feet.

Question 83

Use Variance

Answer 83

Allows landowners to use their land in a way that is not permitted under current zoning laws, such as commercial use in a residential zone.

Question 84

Variance

Answer 84

A permit obtained from the local zoning authority allowing the holder to use property or build a structure in a way that deviates from strict compliance with a zoning ordinance. An exception granted to existing zoning regulations for special reasons.

Question 85

Voltage

Answer 85

A measure of electric potential; the energy that could be released if the electric current is allowed to flow.

Question 86

Wainscoting

Answer 86

The bottom portion of a wall that is covered with wood siding; the top part is treated with another material.

Question 87

walk-up

Answer 87

An apartment of more than one story with no elevator.

Question 88

water pressure test

Answer 88

Water pressure can be tested by turning on all faucets and flushing all toilets at the same time.

Question 89

Water Rights

Answer 89

The rights of a landowner to water adjoining or passing through property.

Question 90

Water Table

Answer 90

The distance from ground level to natural groundwater.

Question 91

Wetlands

Answer 91

Areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including the growing season.

Question 92

Zoning

Answer 92

Government regulation of the uses of property within specified areas.

Question 93

Zoning Ordinance

Answer 93

Local laws that divide a city or county into different areas or zones. These zones determine how land can be used, subdivided, or improved along with the specific requirements for compliance.