Zoning Law Non-Conforming Uses Quiz

A period of social activism in the early 20th century that aimed to improve living conditions in overcrowded urban tenements. This movement led to the development of tenement reform acts, which required specific standards for ventilation, light, and space within housing units.

A significant issue during the early 20th century, as massive immigration concentrated in cities and fueled the rise of slums and overcrowded tenements with poor living conditions.

A landmark gathering held in 1909 to discuss ways to manage and improve land use in expanding urban areas. This marked the beginning of organized discussion and action on planning for urban development.

A committee established in 1913 by New York City to study and recommend solutions to the rapidly changing urban landscape. They focused on regulating building heights and density.

A crucial historical event in 1916, where New York City adopted a comprehensive zoning ordinance to regulate land use and development within its boundaries. This marked a significant step towards organized urban planning.

A model statute published by the US Department of Commerce in 1922, which provided guidance to state governments on enabling local governments to adopt zoning ordinances, effectively giving them the authority to regulate land use.

A form of state-delegated power that grants broad authority to local governments in areas related to their own governance and administration.

Statutory provisions that allow local governments to implement specific measures or address particular issues, providing them with more narrow authority compared to home rule.

A use of land or property that was legal when established but is now prohibited by a new zoning law.

Expanding or altering a nonconforming use to a greater extent than originally permitted, often prohibited by local zoning laws.

When a non-conforming use has ceased operations for a certain period, which can result in the loss of the non-conforming status.

A court case where a company with a nonconforming use (ice cream manufacturing) tried to expand its operation by adding a trailer. The court ruled that this was an illegal expansion of the nonconforming use.

A case dealing with discontinuance of a nonconforming use, where a building used as a fraternity house was zoned for single-family residences. The court determined that discontinuance of the use for a specified period could lead to its abandonment.

Allows a property to be used for a purpose that is not permitted by existing zoning regulations. For example, a residential zone may not allow retail businesses, but a use variance could permit the construction of a small shop.

Allows a property to be used in a way that doesn't meet the dimensional or physical requirements of zoning regulations. For example, a zoning ordinance might require a minimum lot size, but an area variance allows for a smaller lot.

A quasi-judicial body that reviews zoning appeals and grants variances when necessary. The ZBA makes decisions based on evidence and arguments presented.

A situation where zoning regulations create a significant and unfair burden on a property owner, preventing them from making a reasonable return on their investment.

The hardship experienced by the property owner must not be a common problem that affects many other properties in the area.

Process used by the ZBA to weigh the benefit to the applicant if the variance is granted against the potential detriment to the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

The ZBA considers whether the area variance would create any negative impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, such as a change in character or harm to nearby properties.

The ZBA determines if there are other reasonable ways for the applicant to achieve their goals without requiring a variance.

Rezoning granted with specific conditions attached, often in development agreements. It's valid if the conditions are reasonable and serve the public interest.

The overall well-being and benefit of the community, including things like health, safety, and welfare.

Courts usually respect the decisions made by lawmakers (legislative bodies) about zoning changes. They presume the city acts in the public interest unless there's clear evidence of unfair or arbitrary behavior.

Decisions about zoning that are made without a reasonable basis or in a random, unfair way, not based on the public interest.

A provision in zoning laws that generally requires zoning to be applied equally throughout a district. It prevents unfair discrimination, but does allow reasonable classifications based on the public interest.

A permission to deviate from strict zoning rules for a specific property, granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, to allow for unique situations that the rules don't cover.

The local official responsible for enforcing zoning regulations and ensuring compliance with zoning rules.

Private racial covenants are legal, even if they segregate people, as long as there's no government action involved. This means private individuals can make agreements about who can or cannot own property in their neighborhood, even if it's based on race.

The Court ruled that state courts enforcing racially restrictive covenants (agreements between private individuals) is unconstitutional because it amounts to state action.

The act prohibits racial discrimination in housing, including renting, selling, and certain zoning decisions, especially those contributing to segregation patterns.

This act requires recipients of federal funding to certify that the grant won't violate civil rights or contribute to unfair housing practices.

It prohibits intentional discrimination, meaning private and government entities cannot deny housing based on race or ethnicity.

It forbids actions with a discriminatory impact, even if not intended, that contribute to segregation or affect a protected class.

It requires taking actions to undo past segregation patterns, ensuring fair housing opportunities for all.

The plaintiff must establish a prima facie case, showing that the defendant's policies or actions have a discriminatory impact.

A zoning district designed to encourage compact, mixed-use development, often near transit hubs, prioritizing walkability and sustainability over sprawling development.

A zoning tool that allows local governments to implement smart growth regulations, often focused on encouraging mixed-use development and density near transit.

Development strategically located near transportation hubs (like train stations) to encourage walkable, mixed-use communities with reduced reliance on cars.

A ratio that measures the amount of building floor area permitted on a site, compared to the site's total area.

A zoning requirement that sets a minimum distance a building must be set back from a street or property line.

A zoning requirement that sets a maximum distance that a building can extend from a street or property line.

A constitutional clause that prevents the government from taking private property for public use without just compensation.

A fundamental legal principle guaranteeing fair treatment and procedural safeguards when the government takes legal action that affects individuals and property.