Chapter 5 - Land Use Controls Flashcards
Public Land Use Controls
The right of Police Powers or the government’s regulation of land use through zoning laws, building codes, subdivision ordinances and environmental protection laws.
Planning
The purpose of planning is to provide for the orderly growth of a community that will result in the greatest social and economic benefits to the people in that community.
Zoning Ordinance
Consists of two parts, the zoning map and the the text of the ordinance. The map identifies the areas of designated distracts and the text sets forth the type of use permitted under each zoning classification or subclassification, and the specific requirements of compliance.
- Can’t violate 4th amendment rights.
- Power must be exercised in a reasonable manner.
- Must be clear and specific
- Must not be discriminatory
- Must promote public health safety and general welfare
- Has to apply to all properties similarly
Zone Types/Classifications
Residential, agricultural, commercial, light manufacturing, heavy industrial and special use (schools or churches), multiple use or cluster zoning.
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)
Multiple use or cluster zone that allows for creation of a neighborhood that has housing and supporting businesses. (Commercial Area –> Flex Area –> Multifamily area)
Exclusive-Use Zoning
Single use zones, zones where only the specified use may be made of the property within the exclusive use zone. For example, if the zone is commercial, residential use is not permitted.
Cumulative-Use Zoning
Uses are placed in order of priority, and higher priority uses may be made in areas zone for lower priority uses. For example, if an area is zoned for commercial, residential use may be made of the property.
Priority Order for Cumulative-Use Zoning
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Police Power v. Eminent Domain and compensation of property owners.
When land is rezoned under authority of Police Powers, a property owner is not reimbursed for the loss of property value caused by a zoning change.
When land is condemned under the power of Eminent Domain, the fair market value must be given to the property owner.
Legal Nonconforming Use
When zoning is first imposed or an area is rezoned, the zoning authority cannot require the property owners to immediately discontinue existing use that doesn’t conform to the new zoning ordinance. The key is Pre-Existing Use. (Grandfathered in). Can sell as long as it remains the same in every way.
Limits on Legal Nonconforming Use
- Abandoned nonconforming use cannot be resumed
- The nonconforming use cannot be expanded upon or changed (can’t change sign, can’t upgrade, etc.)
- It cannot be changed from one nonconforming use to another.
- If destroyed by disaster, it often cannot be replaced by another nonconforming structure. (Some zoning ordinances allow for rebuild if done within a reasonable time)
- Amortization period during which the nonconforming user is permitted to continue, after which they must change use to conform.
Illegal Use
A use that is contrary to the existing zoning ordinances at the time the use is instituted. The key is the time, it’s a violation of present law.
Injuction
An exercise of the Police Powers of government
Zoning Amendments
An actual change in the zoning code itself.
Variance
Is a permitted deviation from specific requirements of the existing zoning ordinance. These are permitted if the deviation is not substantial and strict compliance would impose an undue hardship on the property owner. Must be applicable to only one property and be special or peculiar to the individual property. Authorities not required to approve.
Condition/Special Use Permit (Special Exception)
A use that is already provided for in the zone code (for example for.a school or church with residential area) There is no basis to deny the application as long as the specific conditions of the special use are being met.
Overlay Districts
A zoning device that superimposes one zoning area over another. District has two zonings. Eg: Dilworth is Residential but some areas ALSO Historical.
HIstoric Preservation Zoning
Zoning to preserve irreplaceable historical legacies of architecture.
Aesthetic Zoning District
North Carolina has specific zoning ordinances providing that an area can be regulated for essentially aesthetic reasons. Likely going to be a Zoning Overlay.
Spot Zoning
Occurs when a specific property is to permitted a use that is different from the zoning requirements around it. If for the benefit or detriment of a particular property owner, it is illegal.