Codes, Regulations, and Policies

Question 1

Zoning

Answer 1

Separation of land uses or functions into separate districts or zones. Implemented through local legislation.

Question 2

Name several purposes of zoning

Answer 2

-Protect/maintain property value
-Public health & safety
-Env. protection
-Aesthetics
-traffic management
-Density management
-Control of housing development
-Encourage business development

Question 3

Name some elements that are regulated by zoning

Answer 3

-Land uses
-Size of lots
-Density
-Building location, height, and bulk.
-setbacks
-parking
-landscaping
-Signage

Question 4

Planning / Zoning commission

Answer 4

-Made up of community residents
-typically appointed by elected government.
-make determinations on planning proposals.

Question 5

Board of zoning appeals / zoning adjustment

Answer 5

Quasi judicial group. Hears cases for variants, special exceptions, and appeals of staff determinations.

Question 6

City Council

Answer 6

Governing body in a city. Makes final determination on zoning issues.

Question 7

Zoning text / zoning ordinance

Answer 7

Lays out the exact regulations of zoning. Adopted by law by the local government. Lists permitted and conditional uses.

Question 8

Zoning map

Answer 8

Color coded map that shows the zoning for each property in a jurisdiction.

Question 9

Zoning map colors (yellow)

Answer 9

Single-family

Question 10

Zoning map colors (orange/brown)

Answer 10

multi family

Question 11

Zoning map colors (red)

Answer 11

Commercial/retail

Question 12

Zoning map colors (Green)

Answer 12

Open space / parks

Question 13

Zoning map colors (Purple)

Answer 13

Industrial

Question 14

Zoning map colors (blue)

Answer 14

government buildings, schools, airports, hospitals.

Question 15

Zoning ordinance amendment

Answer 15

Can change requirements for all properties.

Question 16

Zoning map amendments

Answer 16

Changes the zoning district on a particular property.

Question 17

Who can initiate a zoning amendment.

Answer 17

Staff, Planning commission, governing body, and can be requested by a property owner.

Question 18

Three types of zoning

Answer 18

1. Euclidean zoning
2. Cumulative
3. Modified Cumulative zoning

Question 19

Euclidean zoning

Answer 19

Most restrictions placed on residential land uses, less on commercial, and none on industrial. Named after Euclid, Ohio.

Question 20

Cumulative zoning

Answer 20

Each successive zoning district allows all the uses from the previous zones. A single family house could be built in an industrial area but a factory could not be built in a residential area.

Question 21

Modified cumulative zoning

Answer 21

Districts are typically cumulative by type of land use. A multi-family district would allow both single-family homes and multi-family housing. However, the industrial district would not allow residential uses.

Question 22

Conditional use permit

Answer 22

Allows a use only when compatible with surrounding land uses. Can be specifically conditioned to fit better. Can run with land or with the ownership.

Question 23

Nonconforming use

Answer 23

A property use that existed prior to the adoption of the district regulations and allowed to continue under the “grandfather clause”.

Question 24

Amortization of a nonconforming use

Answer 24

Amortization sets a definite period of time within which the use must come into compliance with the zoning ordinance.

Question 25

Accessory use

Answer 25

A use that is incidental to the main use of the property. Typically located on the same lot and smaller in size.

Question 26

Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)

Answer 26

Applies a different set of controls to a tract of land than standard zoning. Used for large developments. Zoning ordinance sets minimum and appropriate acreage for a PUD.

Question 27

Overlay district

Answer 27

Set of additional restrictions placed over the top of an existing zone. Historic preservation, downtown, airports, etc.

Question 28

Airport overlay district

Answer 28

Usually includes all land under flight patterns. In concentric bands representing noise levels. Usually restrict types of allowed uses and heights.

Question 29

Variance

Answer 29

A change in the terms of the zoning regulations due to economic or physical hardship. Two types: the use variance and the area variance.

Question 30

Use variance

Answer 30

allows a property to have a use not explicitly allowed under the zoning district regulations.

Question 31

Area variance

Answer 31

Allows a property to be excluded from the physical site requirements under the zoning ordinance. building in setback area, height, etc.

Question 32

Big box retail

Answer 32

Generally has 50,000 or more square feet in a large box.

Question 33

Concentrated animal feeding operations

Answer 33

Include the practice of raising farm animals indoors and in high volumes. Right to farm laws can limit regulation by local governments.

Question 34

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Answer 34

Ratio of a buildings total gross floor area and lot size. Used to control for light and air. FAR of 0.1 allows 1,000 sq ft building on a 10,000 sq ft lot.

Question 35

Maximum parking standards

Answer 35

Alternative to minimum parking requirements. Controls for excessive amounts of parking and impervious area.

Question 36

McMansion

Answer 36

Large houses that are mass produced and have perceived negative impacts on the community.

Question 37

Teardown

Answer 37

The demolition of a home for the purposes of building a larger home on the same lot.