Unit 20: land-use controls and real estate investment

Question 1

buffer zone

Answer 1

a strip of land, usually used as a park or designated for a similar use, separating land dedicated to one use from land dedicated to another use.

Question 2

building code

Answer 2

An ordinance that specifies minimum standards of construction for buildings to protect public safety and health.

Question 3

building permit

Answer 3

Written governmental permission for the construction, alteration, or demolition of an improvement, showing compliance with building codes and zoning ordinances.

Question 4

certificate of occupancy

Answer 4

Permission by the municipal inspector to occupy a completed building structure after being inspected and having complied with building codes.

Question 5

conditional-use permit

Answer 5

Written governmental permission allowing a use inconsistent with zoning but necessary for the common good, such as locating an emergency medical facility in a predominantly residential area.

Question 6

density zoning

Answer 6

Zoning ordinances that restrict the max average number of housing units per acre that may be built within a particular area, generally a subdivision.

Question 7

developer

Answer 7

On who attempts to put land to its most profitable use through the construction of improvements.

Question 8

enabling acts

Answer 8

State legislation that confers zoning and other powers on municipal governments.

Question 9

Interstate Land sales full disclosure act (ILSA)

Answer 9

A federal law that requlates the sale of certain real estate in interstate commerce.

Question 10

laches

Answer 10

An equitable doctrine used by courts to bar a legal claim or to prevent the assertion of a right because of undue delaey or failure to assert the claim or right.

Question 11

master plan

Answer 11

A comprehensive governmental plan to guide the long-term physical development of a particular area.

Question 12

nonconforming use

Answer 12

A use of property that is permitted to continue after a zoning ordinance prohibiting it has been established for the area.

Question 13

occupancy permit

Answer 13

A permit issued by the appropriate local governing body to establish that the property is suitable for habitation by meeting certain safety and health standards.

Question 14

restrictive covenant

Answer 14

A clause in a deed that limits the way the real estate ownership may be used.

Question 15

setback

Answer 15

the amount of space local zoning requlations require between a lot line and a building.

Question 16

subdivision

Answer 16

A tract of land divided by the owner, known as the subdivider, into blocks, building lots, and streets according to a recorded subdivision plat, which must comply with local ordinances and regulations

Question 17

subdivider

Answer 17

one who buys undeveloped lad, divides it into smaller, usuable lots and sells the lots to potential users.

Question 18

variance

Answer 18

Permission obtained from zoning authorities to build a structure or conduct a use that is expressly prohibited by the current zoning laws; an exception from the zoning ordinances.

Question 19

zoning

Answer 19

a regulatory tool that helps communities regulate and control how land is sued.

Question 20

zoning board of appeals

Answer 20

A board that must be formed when the local legislature adopts a new zoning law, to provide for property owners to object to the application of the law to their property.

Question 21

zoning ordinance

Answer 21

An exercise of police power by a municipality to regulate and control the charcter and use of property.