Land Use Controls and Zoning Flashcards
7 cards from real Arizona Real Estate License practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Land Use Controls and Zoning flashcards as text
What is the PRIMARY purpose of zoning ordinances in Arizona municipalities?
Answer: To separate incompatible land uses and promote orderly community development
Zoning ordinances primarily separate incompatible land uses (e.g., industrial from residential) and guide orderly community development in the public interest.
In Arizona, which body typically has the authority to grant a zoning variance to a property owner?
Answer: The Board of Adjustment or Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Adjustment (or Board of Zoning Appeals) hears variance requests and grants relief from strict zoning requirements when a property owner demonstrates undue hardship.
What is a 'nonconforming use' in Arizona real estate?
Answer: A lawful use that existed before a zoning change and no longer complies with current zoning
A nonconforming use was legally established before new zoning regulations were enacted and is allowed to continue despite no longer meeting current zoning requirements.
What does 'spot zoning' refer to in Arizona land use law?
Answer: Rezoning a small parcel inconsistently with the surrounding area, typically for one owner's benefit
Spot zoning is rezoning a single parcel in a manner inconsistent with the surrounding zoning, often challenged as illegal because it lacks a rational basis tied to the comprehensive plan.
Which of the following is an example of a land use control imposed by PRIVATE parties rather than the government?
Answer: Deed restrictions (restrictive covenants)
Deed restrictions (restrictive covenants) are private controls on land use placed in a deed by previous owners or developers, not imposed by any government authority.
What is a 'conditional use permit' (also called a special use permit) in Arizona?
Answer: Permission to use property in a way not permitted by right in that zone, subject to stated conditions
A conditional use permit allows a land use that is not permitted by right in a zoning district but may be approved subject to conditions designed to protect surrounding properties.
In Arizona, the government power known as 'eminent domain' allows the government to:
Answer: Take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation to the owner
Eminent domain (condemnation) is the government's power to take private property for public use, but the Fifth Amendment requires payment of just compensation to the property owner.