Unit 1: Government Land Use Controls Flashcards
What is the master development plan?
A comprehensive, long-term plan of development for a community.
What are the other names for the master development plan?
Comprehensive Plan or General Plan
What are the 5 land use classifications?
1) residential
2) commercial
3) industrial/manufacturing
4) agricultural
5) mixed
What is a buffer zone?
An area of land that separates two significantly different land use zones.
What do you often see in buffer zones?
Parks
What is the purpose for land use restrictions?
To protect against uncontrolled growth, protect public health, and preserve compatibility.
What is required for all new construction and most renovations?
Building permits
What is the purpose of building permits?
To ensure that property owners are in compliance with building codes.
What are building codes concerned with?
The structural integrity and safety of buildings.
What do building codes determine?
The type of construction material that can be used.
What is received after fulfilling all the requirements of the building permit?
Certificate of Occupancy (COs)
Who sets zoning laws and ordinances?
It is set at a local (city or county) level.
What do zoning laws and ordinances do?
Specifies the types of construction allowed and identifies the location and placement of improvements on the property.
What are setbacks?
Provisions in a zoning ordinance that do not allow structures to be built within a certain distance of the property line.
T/F Illegal use of building codes or a zoning violation does not become legal or acceptable because a certain amount of time has passed; they are not “grandfathered” in.
True
When an ordinance or zoning law changes, what allows an owner to continue present use even though it no longer complies with the current law?
Nonconforming use.
What is another name for nonconforming use?
Grandfathered or grandfather clause
What is a variance?
Permission to build a structure in a way that violates the strict terms of the zoning ordinance to relieve or prevent economic hardship.
What is conditional use or special use permit?
It allows a particular property to be used for a special purpose that is in the public’s best interest.
T/F Brokers and salespeople should explain that it is the buyer’s responsibility to verify that the current zoning rules will meet the buyers’ needs.
True
Which number in a width-times-length description is the street front of the property?
The first number.
A lot that is 57x108 has a 57 foot street front.
