Chapter 2 - Public and Private Land Use Controls Flashcards
Master Plan
A long-term planning document. It establishes the framework and key elements of a site reflecting a clear vision created and adopted in an open process. It synthesizes civic goals and the public’s aspirations for a project, gives them form and organization, and defines a realistic plan for implementation, including subsequent approvals by public agencies.
Building Envelope
A building envelope is the maximum three-dimensional space on a zoning lot within which a structure can be built, as permitted by applicable height, setback and yard controls. One of the main goals of a zoning analysis is to determine the building envelope. A building envelope is also referred to as the “bulk” of a building.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
The floor area ratio, also referred to as FAR, is the principal bulk regulation controlling the size of buildings. FAR is the ratio of total building floor area to the area of the zoning lot. Each zoning district has a FAR control which, when multiplied by the lot area of the zoning lot, produces the maximum amount of floor area allowable in a building on the zoning lot.
Lot Area
The area (in square feet) of a zoning lot.
Lot Coverage
That portion of a zoning lot which, when viewed from above, is covered by a building.
Variance
The authorization to improve or develop a particular property in a manner not authorized by zoning.
Yard Setbacks
A required open area along the property lines of a zoning lot, which must be unobstructed from the lowest level to the sky. Yard setbacks ensure light and air between buildings.
Zoning
The separation or division of a city or town into districts, the regulation of buildings and structures in such districts in accordance with their construction and the nature and extent of their use, and the dedication of such districts to particular uses designated to serve the general welfare.
Zoning District
A mapped residential, commercial, or manufacturing district with similar use, bulk and density regulations.
Zoning Maps
Maps that indicate the location and boundaries of zoning districts within a municipality.
Zoning Ordinance
A statement setting forth the type of use permitted under each zoning classification and specific requirements for compliance.
Building Code
A systematic regulation of construction of buildings within a municipality established by ordinance or law.
Certificate of Occupancy
A document issued by a local government agency after satisfactory inspection of a structure authorizing that the structure can be occupied.
Lot
Even though the Act’s name seems to imply these regulations govern only land, that doesn’t mean HUD only monitors sales transactions of unimproved acreage or tracts. HUD uses the word “lot” to describe any undivided interest in vacant portions of land offered for purchase, and land with structures – as long as the property for sale includes “exclusive use rights.” For example, condos, occupancy-ready homes, units in a subdivision and unimproved land are all “lots” as far as HUD regulators are concerned.
Sales
HUD uses “sale” to describe any “obligation or arrangement” for consideration to buy or lease a “lot.” So, if you decide to read through the ACT, remember that “seller,” could also mean “lessor.”
