Building, Zoning & Planning Law Quiz

Environmental law comes from multiple sources including: international laws (like UN treaties), EU laws, and national laws. While some international laws are directly applicable, most require implementation through national laws.

EU laws heavily influence environmental law in European Union member states. Many environmental regulations originate from the EU, requiring national implementation and adaptation.

EU environmental laws need to be transposed, meaning they are adapted and implemented into national legal systems.

Environmental law primarily focuses on human well-being and interests rather than protecting nature for its own sake.

Typically, only humans or legal entities have the right to sue in environmental cases. Nature itself usually lacks legal standing.

In recent decades, some advancements have been made in recognizing nature's legal standing, allowing for its protection in specific cases.

Environmental law regulates various aspects of the environment, such as: air pollution, waste management, water protection, and nature preservation.

Expert organizations often develop standards for best practices in environmental management, though these are not legally binding.

A system that divides land into different areas based on intended use, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.

An understanding of how land is organized based on location and use, encompassing both urban and rural areas.

Areas within a city with designated uses, often dictated by zoning plans.

Parts of a city that developed without formal land use controls, often lacking infrastructure and organization.

Planning that considers larger areas, including connections between cities, towns, and rural areas.

Planning for specific, unchanging features like capital functions, main transport routes, or energy infrastructure.

Factors that planners must consider when developing a plan, including infrastructure, geographic circumstances, and neighborhood needs.

Planning for projects with significant environmental or societal impact, requiring regional or local participation.

Plans created at a municipal level, defining land uses and establishing zoning regulations.

A hierarchical decision-making process for planning, starting at the national level and flowing down to municipal levels.

A legally binding document that determines how land can be used in a specific area. It dictates what types of buildings can be built and how much space they can occupy.

The initial stage of planning where information is gathered from various sources to understand the needs and constraints of a building project.

Government bodies like city councils and planning departments responsible for approving and regulating development projects.

A type of zoning that restricts land use to primarily residential housing, with limitations on commercial activities.

The area of land a building occupies, projected onto the ground.

The boundaries of a building on a property, which can either be fixed or flexible depending on zoning regulations.

A type of zoning strategy aimed at renovating and improving existing urban areas by restructuring buildings and infrastructure.

A zoning method used to redevelop areas where existing properties restrict development potential.

Nature, including animals, plants, and natural structures, does not typically have legal rights in court. They cannot sue or be sued.

These are rights granted to individuals or groups who might be affected by actions on a property, even if they don't own it.

These are rights that individuals, groups, or government entities have concerning environmental matters. This can include property rights, claims against government, or third-party rights.

This involves legal norms designed to protect neighbors from negative impacts caused by nearby development or activities.

Examples include limitations on noise, parking, lighting, vibrations, odors, dust, distance between buildings, and fire safety measures.

Legal framework protecting existing buildings and archeological sites. It determines if a building is protected and governs how to deal with protected elements. It also applies to potential archaeological sites, requiring notification to authorities, which can cause construction delays.

Remnants of prior human construction, like foundations, tanks, and pipes, are considered 'waste' and must be disposed of according to waste laws.

Building codes often include energy conservation regulations. Beyond regulations, there are industry norms like 'green buildings' and ESG requirements, which are increasingly important for high-profile buildings and investments.

A clause in a purchase agreement that allocates specific environmental risks between the buyer and seller.

Warranty allocates UNKNOWN risks, while indemnity allocates KNOWN risks between parties in a transaction.

Known issues/defects usually reduce the sales price. Unknown or unlikely risks are taken by one party. Parties may disagree on the assessment of a known risk, leading to disputes over price.

Individuals or entities that have an interest or impact on a project or decision. They can be affected by the environmental consequences of a project.

Environmental law primarily focuses on protecting human well-being and interests, rather than nature for its own sake.

An exemption or permission to deviate from a rule or regulation.

The involvement of different groups, like neighbors, authorities, and NGOs, in decision-making processes that affect them.

The right to bring a legal action or lawsuit.

Legal action challenging the validity or application of laws, regulations, or government decisions.

Official authorization to construct or modify a building.

Involving stakeholders in official legal processes supervised by government.

Citizens directly influencing decisions through methods like referendums or citizen votes.