vii. Zoning, Land Use & Entitlements

Zoning, land use, and entitlements define how land and buildings may be used, developed, and modified. These regulatory frameworks shape what can be built, where it can be built, and under what conditions, making them central to feasibility, risk, and long-term asset value.

Building Code

A set of regulations governing construction standards, safety, and building systems.

Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

A discretionary approval allowing a land use that is not permitted by right under existing zoning.

Density

A measure of development intensity, often expressed as units per acre or floor area.

Entitlement

A legal approval granting the right to develop or modify a property in a specific way.

Environmental Review

The regulatory process assessing environmental impacts associated with development or land use changes.

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

The ratio of a building’s total floor area to the size of the parcel on which it is built.

Land Use Classification

A designation defining the permitted uses of a parcel, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.

Nonconforming Use

An existing use of a property that does not comply with current zoning regulations but is legally permitted to continue.

Overlay Zone

An additional zoning layer that imposes special requirements or incentives on top of base zoning.

Permit

An official authorization allowing construction, renovation, or occupancy under specific conditions.

Rezoning

The process of changing a parcel’s zoning classification to allow different uses or densities.

Setback

A required minimum distance between a structure and property boundaries or public rights-of-way.

Variance

A granted exception allowing deviation from specific zoning requirements due to site constraints.

Zoning Ordinance

The local law that establishes zoning classifications, standards, and enforcement mechanisms.