The process of combining two or more adjoining parcels of land into one larger tract, often increasing its total value.
A comprehensive plan is a set of guidelines developed and adopted by a local government to govern public policy toward future land development within the jurisdiction.
Demolition involves the destruction and removal of an existing structure from a site, which is a necessary step to prepare a site for new construction.
Environmental Assessment (EA) is a critical process designed to analyze the ecological consequences of proposed land development activities, including factors such as endangered species, hazardous waste, and historical significance. The findings determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is warranted.
An expense charged against private developers by the county or city as a condition for granting permission to develop a specific project. The purpose of the fee is to defray the cost to the city of expanding and extending public services to the development.
Improved Land refers to a parcel of land that has been partially or fully developed for use. Development activities include landscaping, grading, installation of utilities, road construction, and building construction.
An inside lot, located within a subdivision, is characterized by being surrounded by other lots on each side. This is in contrast to a corner lot, which has road frontage on at least two sides.
Land development is the process of improving raw land to support construction. This comprehensive process involves several steps including planning, acquisition of government permits, subdivision, construction of access roads, installation of utilities, landscaping, and drainage.
Minimum lot area refers to the smallest building lot area allowed in a subdivision, generally specified by a zoning ordinance.
A public record containing maps of land that have been subdivided, showing the division of the land into streets, blocks, and lots, and indicating the measurements of the individual parcels, utility lines.
A special-use permit is a right granted by a local zoning authority to allow specific activities within a zoning district. These activities, considered conditional uses, require special approval from the zoning authority.
Speculative building involves land development or construction without formal commitments from end users. Builders anticipate future demand, contrasting with custom building, which is contractually defined.
The process of dividing a tract of land into smaller parcels to facilitate development, often accompanied by the installation of utilities and streets.
A subdivision is a tract of land divided into individual lots that are suitable for homebuilding or other development purposes. Most states and localities require that a subdivision plat be recorded to ensure proper and compliant land use.
A zoning ordinance is a regulation enacted by city, county, or other local authorities to specify the types of land uses allowed in specific areas. These ordinances ensure orderly development and separate conflicting land uses.
