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Building & Zoning Glossary

Clear, authoritative definitions for the complex language of property development. Master the terminology before you apply.

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A
Official Term

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

A smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home.

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B
Official Term

Building Envelope

The maximum three-dimensional space on a lot within which a structure can be built, as defined by setbacks and height limits.

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C
Official Term

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

An official document certifying that a building is safe for habitation and complies with all local building codes and zoning laws.

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Official Term

Covenant

A legal agreement or restriction on how a piece of property can be used, often documented in a deed.

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D
Official Term

Drainage Plan

A technical drawing showing how water will be managed and diverted away from a structure on a property.

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E
Official Term

Easement

A legal right granted to another party to use a specific portion of your land for a limited purpose, such as utility lines or access.

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Official Term

Egress

A safe, continuous, and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to a public way.

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F
Official Term

Footings

The lowest part of a foundation, typically made of concrete, that supports the weight of the structure by spreading it over the soil.

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Official Term

Frontage

The boundary line of a property that runs along a street or road.

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G
Official Term

Grading

The process of leveling or sloping the ground to prepare it for construction or ensure proper drainage.

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H
Official Term

Height Limitation

The maximum height a structure is allowed to be, usually measured from the average grade to the highest point of the roof.

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I
Official Term

Infill Development

The process of developing empty or underused parcels within existing urban areas that are already largely developed.

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J
Official Term

Joists

Horizontal structural members used to support floor or ceiling loads.

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L
Official Term

Lot Coverage

The percentage of the total area of a lot that is covered by buildings and other impermeable surfaces.

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M
Official Term

Mixed-Use Zoning

A type of urban development that blends residential, commercial, and industrial uses in a single setting.

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N
Official Term

Non-Conforming Use

A land use that was legal when it started but no longer complies with current zoning laws.

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P
Official Term

Plot Plan

A diagram showing the proposed or existing location of buildings and structures on a site.

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R
Official Term

Right-of-Way

A type of easement that allows the public or a specific entity to travel across a property.

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S
Official Term

Setback

The minimum required distance between a structure and the property line or other features.

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Official Term

Site Plan

A detailed graphic representation of the existing and proposed conditions on a specific parcel of land.

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V
Official Term

Variance

An officially granted exception to a zoning ordinance when strictly following the law would cause undue hardship.

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Z
Official Term

Zoning Ordinance

A written law that regulates how land can be used and what types of buildings can be constructed in specific areas.

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