Zoning Code

Question 1

For mapping out distinct area to control

Answer 1

1. Building Types
2. Allowable building heights
3. Any required setbacks from property lines, rights-of-way, streets and sidewalks

Question 2

It is about

Answer 2

PROTECTING THE RIGHTS of property owners and ensuring the long term quality of life for the residents.

Question 3

Ordinance

Answer 3

a municipal ( city/town/governing body) law in addition to the standard building code.

Question 4

Non-Conforming Use

Answer 4

where the current use of the building is no longer permitted by the zoning ordinance ( but once was ). The use is typically allowed to continue unless it’s unsafe.

Question 5

Conditional Use

Answer 5

a building use that’s permitted in an area that is not zoned for, in order to benefit the public ( eg. allowing a school in a neighborhood zoned for residential use )

Question 6

Variance

Answer 6

a request applied for by a building owner to the Planning Department for permission to deviate from an ordinance. This is typically done in order to avoid an economic hardship, such as requesting to avoid certain parking requirements in order to eliminate a costly excavation that would surpass the project budget.

Question 7

Easement

Answer 7

The legal right of the government or another land owner to use one’s property for a specific purpose ( such as an access road or running a power line through a property to reach a neighbor )

Question 8

Scenic Easements

Answer 8

an ordinance preventing development that would block or ruin a scenic view for the public

Question 9

Spot Zoning

Answer 9

a change in the zoning ordinance for a particular area.

Question 10

Setbacks

Answer 10

The dimension, expressed in feet , of how far the building should be “ set back “ from the property line. Setback dimensions may increase in upper floors of a building, similar to the profile of a wedding cake. It’s also important to verify setbacks for all sides of the property as the front, rear, and side setbacks often vary from each other.

Question 11

Building line or Buildable Area

Answer 11

The imaginary line beyond which a structure is not allowed to extend.

Question 12

Property Line

Answer 12

The legal boundary of a site outlining the ownership of the property. Property lines are used as the starting point of certain setbacks to determine the buildable area on a site.

Question 13

To set standards for

Answer 13

1. Minimum building area
2. Minimum Set back
3. Maximum Lot coverage
4. Maximum Building Height