Unit 20
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Buffer Zone
A strip of land separating two different zoning districts (for example, residential from commercial) to reduce conflict and provide transition.
A 50-foot buffer zone of trees and landscaping separates a new shopping center from the adjacent single-family neighborhood.
Building Code
Local regulations that set minimum standards for construction, materials, safety, and design of buildings. Enforced through permits and inspections.
The city building code requires smoke detectors in every bedroom and fire-resistant materials in multi-family buildings.
Comprehensive Plan
A long-term master plan adopted by a city or county that guides future growth, zoning, transportation, and land use decisions.
The city's comprehensive plan designates the area near the new highway for mixed-use development over the next 20 years.
Conditional-Use Permit
A special permit that allows a use not normally permitted in a zoning district, subject to specific conditions and approval.
A church in a residential zone obtains a conditional-use permit after demonstrating it will not create traffic or noise problems.
CC&Rs
Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions — private restrictions recorded against a property that control land use, building design, and owner behavior. Enforced by homeowners associations.
The subdivision's CC&Rs prohibit above-ground pools, require minimum house sizes, and ban certain exterior colors.
Density Zoning
Zoning that controls the number of units or people per acre rather than just lot size. Used to manage population density.
Density zoning allows up to 12 dwelling units per acre in this multifamily district.
Developer
A person or company that improves raw land or redevelops existing property for sale or investment. Often handles subdivision, construction, and marketing.
The developer buys 40 acres, obtains zoning approval, installs infrastructure, and builds 120 new homes for sale.
Enabling Acts
State laws that give local governments the authority to create and enforce zoning ordinances, building codes, and land-use regulations.
Illinois enabling acts authorize cities and counties to adopt zoning ordinances and regulate land development.
Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act
Federal law (1968) that requires developers selling subdivided land across state lines to register with HUD and provide full disclosure to buyers.
A developer selling lots in a large recreational community in another state must comply with the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act.
Laches
A legal doctrine that prevents enforcement of a right if there has been an unreasonable delay in asserting it, causing prejudice to the other party.
After 15 years of ignoring a neighbor's fence that slightly encroaches, the owner may be barred by laches from demanding its removal.
Nonconforming Use
A use that was legal when established but no longer complies with current zoning. Usually allowed to continue but cannot be expanded.
An old corner store in a now-residential zone is a nonconforming use and can continue operating but cannot be enlarged.
Plat Map
A detailed map of a subdivision showing lot boundaries, streets, easements, and other features. When recorded, it creates the legal description for the lots.
The developer records the final plat map, officially creating the 85 lots in the new subdivision.
Restrictive Covenants
Private agreements that limit how property can be used. Often recorded in deeds or declarations and run with the land.
Restrictive covenants in the neighborhood prohibit commercial vehicles from being parked in driveways overnight.
Subdivider
A person or company that divides a large parcel of land into smaller lots for sale or development.
The subdivider purchases 50 acres and creates 120 individual building lots with roads and utilities.
Subdivision
The process of dividing land into smaller parcels (lots) for sale or development. Also refers to the resulting development.
The subdivision includes 85 single-family lots, a park, and two stormwater retention ponds.
Variance
Permission from the zoning board to deviate from strict zoning requirements when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.
The homeowner receives a variance to build a garage 3 feet closer to the side lot line than the zoning ordinance allows.
Zoning Ordinance
Local law that divides the community into districts and regulates land use, building height, setbacks, density, and other development standards.
The zoning ordinance requires a minimum 25-foot front yard setback and limits building height to 35 feet in this residential district.