Land Use, Zoning, and Environmental Issues Flashcards

Which government power allows a municipality to regulate land use through zoning ordinances?

Answer: Police power

Police power is the authority of local governments to enact and enforce zoning ordinances to promote public health, safety, and welfare.

A property has been used as a gas station for 20 years. When the area is rezoned to residential, the gas station may continue to operate as a:

Answer: Nonconforming use

A nonconforming use legally existed before a zoning change and is allowed to continue even though it no longer meets current zoning requirements.

Which principle describes the use of land that will produce the highest net return over a given period of time and is legally permissible, physically possible, and financially feasible?

Answer: Highest and best use

Highest and best use is the legally permissible, physically possible, financially feasible, and maximally productive use that yields the greatest value.

The government takes private property for a new highway and pays the owner fair market value. This is an example of:

Answer: Eminent domain

Eminent domain is the government's constitutional right to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation.

A zoning regulation requiring buildings to be located at least 25 feet from the front property line is known as a:

Answer: Setback requirement

A setback requirement specifies the minimum distance a structure must be located from the property line, street, or other boundary.

When a municipality zones a single parcel differently from all surrounding properties in a way that benefits only that parcel, this is called:

Answer: Spot zoning

Spot zoning occurs when one parcel is zoned differently from surrounding properties in a way that benefits only that parcel without serving the general community interest.

A property owner wants to operate a daycare center in a residentially-zoned neighborhood. They would most likely need a:

Answer: Conditional use permit

A conditional use permit (special use permit) allows a use that is not normally permitted in a zone but may be allowed subject to specific conditions and additional review.