ZO glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every ZO term in the Amicus glossary.

Zone

/ˈzoʊn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally defined geographic area subject to specific regulations or restrictions, such as zoning laws.
    The developer applied for a permit to build in a residential zone.
  2. (v.) To divide or assign land or property into zones for particular uses under zoning ordinances.
    The city council voted to zone the downtown area for commercial use.

Forms

  • zones
  • zoned
  • zoning

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Commentary

In legal contexts, 'zone' commonly relates to land use and planning laws; its noun form denotes regulated areas, while the verb form refers to the act of designating such areas.

Zoning

/ˈzoʊnɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process or system by which a municipality or authority regulates the use and development of land within its jurisdiction, dividing the area into zones with specified land uses and restrictions.
    The city council approved new zoning laws to control residential and commercial building areas.

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Commentary

Zoning primarily addresses spatial land use regulation and is a foundational concept in municipal law and urban planning.

Zoning Approval

/ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ əˈpruː.vəl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Official permission granted by a municipal authority allowing land use or development in accordance with local zoning laws.
    The developer received zoning approval before beginning construction on the new shopping center.

Forms

  • zoning approval
  • zoning approvals

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Commentary

Zoning approval is typically required before commencing a land development project; drafting should specify the approving authority and scope of permission.

Zoning Authority

/ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ əˈθɔrɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A government body or agency empowered to regulate land use and enforce zoning ordinances within a jurisdiction.
    The zoning authority approved the plan to rezone the area for commercial development.

Forms

  • zoning authority

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Commentary

Often involves interpretation and enforcement of local land use laws; clarity in defining jurisdictional limits in drafting is crucial.

Zoning Compliance

/ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ kəmˈplaɪ.əns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act or process of ensuring that land use and development conform to local zoning laws and regulations.
    The building permit was denied due to zoning compliance issues.

Forms

  • zoning compliance

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Commentary

Zoning compliance is critical for legal land development and may involve inspections or formal approvals to prevent unlawful land use.

Zoning Enforcement

/ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ ɪnˈfɔrsmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The official process of ensuring compliance with local zoning laws and regulations, including investigation and correction of violations.
    The city's zoning enforcement office issued a notice for the unauthorized commercial use of the residential property.

Forms

  • zoning enforcement

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Commentary

Zoning enforcement is typically administered by municipal authorities and is crucial for maintaining community land use plans; drafting should clearly distinguish enforcement from zoning legislation itself.

Zoning Law

/ˈzoʊnɪŋ lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A set of legal rules and regulations established by a governmental authority to control the use and development of land within specific geographic zones.
    The city enacted a new zoning law to separate residential areas from industrial zones.

Forms

  • zoning laws

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Commentary

Zoning laws are foundational in urban planning and real estate development, serving to prevent land use conflicts. Drafting should clearly define zones and permitted uses to avoid ambiguity.

Zoning Map

/ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ mæp/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A map officially designating land use zones within a municipality, showing areas reserved for residential, commercial, industrial, or other purposes as defined by zoning ordinances.
    The city council updated the zoning map to expand commercial zones near the downtown area.

Forms

  • zoning maps

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Commentary

Zoning maps are crucial in land use regulation as they visually convey allowable property uses, aiding legal interpretation and municipal planning enforcement.

Zoning Ordinance

/ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ ˈɔːr.dɪ.nəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A local law regulating land use and development within a municipality or jurisdiction.
    The city council adopted a new zoning ordinance to control building heights downtown.

Forms

  • zoning ordinances

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Commentary

Zoning ordinances are foundational in urban planning and often specify permitted land uses, densities, and dimensional standards.

Zoning Permit

/ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ pɜr.mɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official authorization issued by a local government allowing a property owner to use land or erect structures according to specified zoning regulations.
    Before building her new home, she applied for a zoning permit to ensure compliance with local land-use laws.

Forms

  • zoning permit
  • zoning permits

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Commentary

A zoning permit is distinct from building permits; it focuses on land use conformity with zoning laws rather than construction safety standards.

Zoning Regulation

/ˈzoʊnɪŋ ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal provision established by local governments that dictates land use and building standards within designated zones.
    The city's zoning regulation prohibits industrial facilities in residential neighborhoods.

Forms

  • zoning regulations

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Commentary

Zoning regulations are typically detailed in municipal codes and distinguish permitted uses, dimensional standards, and restrictions to promote orderly community development.

Zoning Review

/ˈzoʊnɪŋ rɪˈvjuː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process by which a governmental authority examines a proposed land use or development to ensure compliance with zoning ordinances.
    The city council scheduled a zoning review before approving the new commercial building.

Forms

  • zoning review
  • zoning reviews

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Commentary

Zoning review is a critical step in land development controls, ensuring conformity to local zoning laws before project approval.

Zoning Variance

/ˈzoʊnɪŋ ˈvɛəriəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An administrative exception allowing a property owner to use land in a way not permitted by the current zoning ordinance.
    The homeowner applied for a zoning variance to build a larger fence than zoning laws allowed.

Forms

  • zoning variances

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Commentary

A zoning variance is typically granted to avoid practical difficulties or undue hardship caused by strict application of zoning laws.

Zoning Violation

/ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ vaɪ.əˈleɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An act or instance of violating municipal, county, or state zoning regulations governing land use.
    The construction of the factory without a permit constituted a zoning violation.

Forms

  • zoning violation
  • zoning violations

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Commentary

Use precise reference to the governing zoning authority when drafting to avoid ambiguity about applicable rules.

Glossary – ZO Terms