U.S. Rezoning Glossary
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
A secondary dwelling unit on the same lot as a primary home, subject to local rules.
Administrative review
Staff-level review that may not require a public hearing.
Annexation
Process by which land is added to a municipality or service area.
Board of adjustment
Body that may decide variances, appeals, or special exceptions depending on state/local law.
Buffer
Landscaping, fencing, setback, or open area used to separate uses.
By-right
Allowed under current zoning without discretionary rezoning, though permits may still be required.
Comprehensive plan
Adopted policy document guiding future land use, infrastructure, housing, and growth.
Conditional use
Use allowed only after additional review and conditions.
Conforming use
Use that complies with the current zoning rules.
Density
Number of dwelling units per acre or other measure of residential intensity.
Development agreement
Contract-like agreement between a jurisdiction and developer governing obligations and rights.
Easement
Legal right for someone else to use part of the land for a specific purpose.
Exaction
A required dedication, payment, or improvement connected to development approval.
Future land-use map
Map in a plan showing intended long-term land-use categories.
Impact fee
Fee imposed to help fund public facilities affected by development.
Legislative decision
Policy-type decision, often including rezonings, made by elected bodies under local/state law.
Nonconforming use
Use that was lawful before a zoning change but no longer matches current rules.
Overlay district
Additional zoning layer with rules on top of the base district.
Planned development
Customized zoning or approval framework for a specific project or site.
Proffer
Voluntary commitment offered by an applicant in some jurisdictions, subject to state/local law.
Quasi-judicial
Decision process resembling a legal hearing with evidence and standards.
Rezoning
Change to the zoning map or zoning text governing land.
Setback
Minimum distance between a building and property line or other feature.
Site plan
Detailed plan showing proposed development layout and improvements.
Special exception
Use or relief available under code standards after review.
Spot zoning
Term often used for a small zoning change alleged to be inconsistent or preferential.
Subdivision
Division or reconfiguration of land into lots, tracts, or parcels.
Variance
Relief from dimensional or other standards due to legally defined hardship.
Vesting
Protection of development rights for a period under state/local rules or agreement.
Zoning map
Official map showing zoning districts applied to parcels.
Zoning text
Written standards regulating uses, dimensions, procedures, and definitions.