1. An easement designed to preserve and protect open space or important natural areas.
2. A legal agreement between a landowner and either a land trust or government entity that restricts land use and development on a parcel of real property so as to preserve and protect its conservation and natural resource values.

A written instrument by which a property owner (grantor) transfers to a grantee ownership of and title to real property.

1. A term, frequently used in connection with zoning requirements, which means the maximum number of building units per acre or the number of occupants or families per unit of land area (acre, square mile, etc.). 2. The ratio of developed or improved area to total land area.

Definition: An agency of the government of New York City that regulates building and construction safety by enforcing the Building Code, the Electrical Code, Zoning Resolution, the New York State Labor Law and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Construction and Building, Management, Real Estate, Zoning

The right of state, federal, or municipal government to take private property for a necessary public use, with just compensation paid to the owner. The court action that allows private property to be acquired by a government entity is known as condemnation.

State legislation that grants zoning powers to municipalities.

An area where livestock owners are required to fence their animals in. Also known as closed-range jurisdiction.

Definition: The ratio of floor area of a structure to land area expressed as a percent or decimal, determined by dividing the total floor area by the total area of the parcel or lot.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Appraisal, Legal (Law), Management, Real Estate, Zoning

The total floor area of a building measured from the exterior of the walls (excluding unenclosed portions).

A sub-category of industrial zoning classification that allows industrial, shipping, and manufacturing activities, including those associated with relatively high levels of pollution, such as smokestacks or large amounts of truck, train, or ship traffic.

Zoning regulations meant to encourage or mandate certain uses within buildings, neighborhoods, or developments. For example, retail shops and restaurants might be required to occupy the ground floor of an office or residential apartment building.

An area zoned industrial and containing sites for many separate industries and developed and managed as a unit, usually with provisions for common services for the users.

A zoning classification that allows activities such as manufacturing, trucking, shipping, warehouses, factories, and power plants. Industrial zoning is usually sub-classified into light industrial and heavy industrial zones or zoning districts.

Monetary or other payment received by a party as recompense or reparation for the taking of property under the powers of eminent domain or condemnation. From the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, just compensation is often determined by the fair market value of a property. Other methods of determining fair compensation for property that has been taken through government proceedings include negotiation between the owner and the government or by court action.

Real property that has direct frontage on the shore of a lake or reservoir, whether or not ownership of the actual beach or shore adjacent to the parcel is appurtenant to the property, shared as tenants in common, or public.

The activities, operations, or purposes that are employed in a particualr geographic area; the specific manner in which a parcel or tract of land is utilized. Land use is usually regulated by municipal governments through zoning ordinances, although some land uses are regulated by state or federal governments.

A sub-category of industrial zoning that allows some industrial and manufacturing activities, but usually prohibits activities associated with relatively high levels of pollution, such as smokestacks or large amounts of truck, train, or ship traffic.

A landscaped public area set aside for pedestrian traffic.

Land which is of little value because of some deficiency, such as poor access, lack of adequate rainfall, or steep terrain.

A comprehensive plan to guide the long-term physical development of a particular area based on identified objectives, strategies, and timelines for implementation. Includes plans for land use, housing, community facilities and utlities, transportation of goods and people, and energy use and conservation.
Zoning ordinances and policies are developed for different areas or zoning districts based on the master plan.

Unit of length used primarily in the United States, but still used as an international unit as well. Formally known as a statute mile, a mile is equal to 5,280 feet or 1.6093 kilometers (km). For additional information and conversion examples, see Mile equivalents and conversions or the various Converting miles to... entries.

A permitted land use which was lawfully established and maintained but which no longer conforms to current zoning regulations, due to changes in those regulations or ordinances.

Certain portions of the landscape which have not been built upon and which are sought either to be conserved in their natural states or used for agricultural or recreational purposes (such as parks, squares, and the like).

Definition: A road or street that is planned and exists on maps or blueprints but does not physically exist; a planned road that has not yet been constructed upon the land.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Real Estate, Construction and Building, Survey, Zoning

A zoning process governing the development of relatively large areas to provide for various types and combinations of land uses (single- and multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, recreational areas, open spaces, buffer zones, etc.) The PAD process allows for greater flexibility and creativity in development plans than generally exist under most zoning regulations. Planned area development can also serve as a permanent type of zoning district.