An exemption from existing zoning ordinances, allowing land use, structures, or other development that is currently not permitted within that zoning district.

An improper use or abuse of property by one in possession of land, who holds less than the fee ownership, such as a tenant, life tenant, mortgagor, or vendee; especially those actions that cause the utility or value of the property to be diminished.

Definition: The mass movement of white Americans from urban to suburban areas that occurred in the 1950's and 1960's. This phenomenon, related to the illegal practice of blockbusting, was largely the result of dishonest real estate professionals and investors attempting to profit from racial and religious tensions during this era. These investors hoped to benefit by buying urban homes at depressed prices and reselling them at a profit.


Terms and Definitions: Real Estate, Legal, Management

A legal, written instrument prepared by an owner of real or personal property that conveys an interest in that property to one or more persons, organizations, or entities upon the death of the owner. The act of transferring ownership in this manner is known as a devise.

A geographic area within which certain types of land use are legally permitted. The most common zones (also known as zoning districts) are residential, industrial, agricultural, commercial, and recreational.

The regulation of land use and development within certain areas or districts, known as zones. Zoning restricts property rights and land use to specific allowable activities, types of structure permitted, building heights, setbacks, and density. Zoning is an example of government police power under the allodial system of title.

Types of permitted land use within a designated area. The most common zoning categories are residential, industrial, agricultural, commercial, recreational, and other (also known as special or conditional use).

Categories of permitted land use within a designated area. The most common zoning classifications are residential, industrial, agricultural, commercial, recreational, and other (also known as special or conditional use).

A geographic area within which certain categories of land use are legally permitted. The most common zoning categories or classifications are residential, industrial, agricultural, commercial, recreational, and other (also known as special or conditional use).

County and municipal regulations that govern land use within designated districts, or zones. Zoning laws differ by municipality; zoning powers are granted to local governments by state legislatures through enabling acts. Generally, zoning laws regulate things such as density, open space, lot size, setbacks, building heights and styles, and natural resource protection. Zoning laws often designate allowable land uses on each specific parcel of land.

County and municipal laws that govern land use within designated districts, or zones. Zoning ordinances differ by municipality; zoning powers are granted to local governments by state legislatures through enabling acts. Generally, zoning ordinances regulate things such as density, open space, lot size, setbacks, building heights and styles, and natural resource protection. Zoning ordinances often designate allowable land uses on each specific parcel of land.

County and municipal laws that govern land use within designated districts, or zones. Zoning regulations differ by municipality; zoning powers are granted to local governments by state legislatures through enabling acts. Generally, zoning ordinances regulate things such as density, open space, lot size, setbacks, building heights and styles, and natural resource protection. Zoning regulations often designate allowable land uses on each specific parcel of land.

An exemption from existing zoning ordinances, allowing land use, structures, or other development that is currently not permitted within that zoning district.