In property law, the term 'appurtenant' refers to the attachment of a restriction, such as an easement or covenant, to a piece of land, which benefits or restricts the owner of such land in his use and enjoyment.
A buffer zone is a transitional area between two regions with differing predominant land uses, designed to minimize conflicts and promote harmony.
A conditional-use permit (CUP) allows property owners to use their land in a way that is not typically permitted within a particular zoning district, under certain conditions laid out by local zoning authorities.
A corridor is a long, narrow strip of land designated for a specific purpose such as a rail line, highway, pipeline, or overhead power line, facilitating efficient transportation or utility distribution.
Dedication of land, also known as conveyance, is the practice of a private landowner granting a piece of land to the public, typically represented by a governmental entity, which accepts ownership. This is often done to promote goodwill or fulfill legal requirements.
A deed restriction is a clause in a deed that limits the use or the disposition of real estate property. These restrictions can dictate various uses and modifications of land or property ownership transfers and are legally binding.
Density in real estate refers to the intensity of land use, often measured in terms of dwelling units or population per acre. It provides a way to quantify how densely populated or developed a particular area is.
Development encompasses the processes of enhancing products or creating new types of products, as well as the process of placing improvements on or making enhancements to parcels of land within the real estate industry.
Downzoning refers to the act of rezoning a tract of land for a less intensive use than that which is currently existing or permitted. This change aims to reduce the density of development and often impacts property values and land use policies.
An easement is a limited right to use another's land for a specific purpose, like installing utility lines. This right does not infringe upon other existing uses of the land and is considered a privilege associated with the land, not a possessory interest.
Encroachment refers to a building, part of a building, or obstruction that physically intrudes upon, overlaps, or trespasses upon the property of another; typically verified by a survey.
Financial feasibility refers to the ability of a proposed land use or change in land use to justify itself from an economic perspective. While it is one test of the highest and best use of land, it does not necessarily make a project the most rewarding use of the land.
An implied easement is a type of easement that is established by use and acceptance, rather than through a formal legal document. It is typically demonstrated through continuous and obvious use of the property, which is accepted by the property owner without objection.
A grant of permission or privilege, whether by private individuals or governmental authority, that legalizes the performance of specific activities. In property law, a license is a personal, revocable privilege concerning land use.
Marginal property refers to real estate that is barely profitable to use. The concept often applies to land that can produce income, but only by the smallest of margins when comparing production costs to revenue.
A neighborhood is a district or locality characterized by similar or compatible land uses. Neighborhoods are often identified by a place name and have boundaries composed of major streets, barriers, or abrupt changes in land use.
Nonconforming use refers to the utilization of land that lawfully existed prior to the enactment of a new zoning ordinance and can be maintained even after the ordinance's effective date, even though it no longer complies with the new use restrictions applicable to the area.
Land within a developed area that is intentionally left undeveloped, serving as an amenity to surrounding occupants.
A zoning classification that allows flexibility in the design of a subdivision. PUD zones generally set an overall density limit for the entire subdivision, allowing the dwelling units to be clustered to provide for common open space.
A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a type of building development and a regulatory process. It is a designed grouping of both varied and compatible land uses, such as housing, recreational, and commercial centers, all within one contained development.
A plot plan is a diagram showing the proposed or existing use of a specific parcel of land. It includes information about the layout, surroundings, and spatial characteristics of the property.
Preexisting use refers to a land use that does not conform to the current zoning code but is allowed to continue because the use was in effect at the time the current code was passed. Also known as nonconforming use, this status typically comes with specific conditions on improvements and rebuilding of the existing structures.
A specification that limits the use or enjoyment of property or rights, often found in real estate dealings, legal documents, and contracts.
Rezoning is the process of changing the land use designation of a specified parcel or group of parcels on the zoning map, thereby altering the permitted uses for the affected parcels.
The right to use a particular path for access or passage, often considered a type of easement beneficial for infrastructure development, transportation, and property access.
Rurban areas are regions on the fringe of urban development that are in the process of being developed for urban uses.
Spot zoning involves rezoning a parcel of land where all surrounding parcels are zoned for a different use, creating a use that is often incompatible with its surroundings. This type of zoning change is usually disallowed by courts.
A subdivision is a tract of land divided into individual lots that are suitable for homebuilding or other development purposes. Most states and localities require that a subdivision plat be recorded to ensure proper and compliant land use.
The mode in which an individual holds an estate in land, impacting the legal rights and obligations associated with land use and ownership.
A tract, or parcel, of land is a defined area of real estate, typically held for the purpose of subdividing into smaller plots for development or sale.
Transfer Development Rights (TDR) is a zoning ordinance mechanism designed to protect land designated for low-density development or conservation by allowing property owners to trade development rights.
Vacant land refers to land not currently being used for developed purposes. It might have utilities and off-site improvements but lacks significant buildings or structures.
A zoning map is a vital tool in urban planning and real estate management that depicts the zoning designations of different areas within a local jurisdiction. These maps guide property owners, developers, and policymakers in understanding the permissible land uses and coordinating development activities.
