PRINCIPLES - Site Planning Flashcards
Zoning
uniform standards of construction originating in NYC in 1916 to protect the
health, welfare and safety of people. Regulates the use of land, light, air, and open
space while protecting property values and protecting against nuisances (factories in
residential areas), undesirable businesses (porn shops by schools) and dangers
(hazardous chemicals in public areas).
Incentive Zoning
encourages private developers to provide amenities for public use in
exchange for opportunity to build larger or taller structures on a site.
Nonconforming Use
building is no longer permitted by the zoning ordinance. Typically
allowed to stay unless it’s unsafe.
Conditional Use
a building that is permitted in an area that it is not zoned for, to benefit
the public (e.g.: an elementary school in a residential neighborhood)
• Variance: applied for by an owner on a private site to ask to deviate from an ordinance in
order to avoid hardship.
Spot Zoning
a change in the zoning ordinance for a particular area
Ordinance
a municipal law
Setbacks
required open space measured between property line and face of building.
Used to preserve light, air, and spaciousness
Building Line
utilized by communities principally to achieve planned street patterns.
They help insure that buildings will not be erected in the bed of projected streets or of
potential street widening.
Easement
legal right of government or another land owner to use one’s property for a
specific purpose
Scenic Easement
Prevents development that upsets something scenic to the public
Assessment
valuation of property for the purpose of taxes
Business Improvement Districts
used to fund public space improvements (new
streetscapes/graffiti removal) with the intention that it will enhance an area’s appeal. All
business owners in district who would benefit pay increased taxes.
Eminent Domain
power of the state to take private property without owner’s consent,
but with fair market value of the land compensation. Must be used government or public
development (highways, railroads, civic center), economic development, or to mandate
an easement for access (public utilities, right of way).
Deed Restriction
place limitations on the use of the property, typically by original
developers, who determined what land would be used for (live, work, or play) and can’t
be changed by future owners.
Restrictive Covenant
limitations and stipulations used in residential settings. Can be
aesthetic (allowable color pallets, vegetation types/pruning, fencing materials) pet control
(how many and/or living conditions), or storage related (visibility of parked cars/boats/
campers).
