Glossary of Planning Terms
Planning is a process that shapes the way our communities and environments develop. From designing urban spaces to organizing resources effectively, it plays a crucial role in how we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. However, as fascinating as planning can be, it is a complex field with its own unique vocabulary. From “abutting” to “zoning,” there’s a whole world of terms that can be confusing even for those familiar with municipal planning. Whether you’re a student, a community member, or a professional in a related field, it’s important to have a strong grasp of planning vocabulary to help you to engage in meaningful discussions and decisions that shape our world.
Abutting: An abutting property is one that shares a common border with another property. This relationship can have significant implications for land use and development, as it often creates shared responsibilities and potential conflicts between neighboring landowners. For example, property lines may need to be clearly defined to determine shared ownership of fences or easements.
Abandonment: Abandonment occurs when a property owner intentionally relinquishes their rights to a property. This can happen for various reasons, such as financial hardship, lack of use, or a desire to avoid property taxes. A city can also use this method to dispose of alleys or other public properties that are no longer essential for the public.
Annexation: This is the process by which a city expands its territory by acquiring additional land. This can occur through voluntary annexation, where property owners agree to join the municipality, or through involuntary annexation, where the municipality exercises legal authority to annex the land.
Buildable Lot/Area: A buildable lot is a parcel of land that is zoned and permitted for development. This means that the land has been designated for a specific residential, commercial, or industrial use and it meets the necessary requirements for construction. The size, shape, and location of a buildable lot can significantly influence its value and development potential.
Eminent Domain: Eminent domain is a legal principle that allows the government to take private property for public use, even without the owner’s consent. This power is typically exercised for projects that benefit the public, such as highways, schools, or other essential infrastructure.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): An EIS is a comprehensive document that evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or action. This assessment is a crucial part of the planning process, especially for large-scale developments, as it helps decision-makers understand the ecological, social, and economic impacts of their actions.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR): FAR is a metric that illustrates the relationship between a building’s usable floor space and the overall area of the lot on which it’s located. It is calculated by dividing the total floor area of a building by the area of the lot on which it stands.
Mixed-Use Development: Mixed-use developments combine multiple land uses within a single project. This approach encourages a more vibrant and walkable urban environment by integrating residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial development. Usually, mixed-use developments promote economic activity, create a sense of community, and reduce reliance on cars.
Pedestrian-Oriented Design (POD): This is an urban development approach that prioritizes the needs of pedestrians over vehicles. It aims to create environments that are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for people on foot, such as walkable streets and developments near public transportation stops.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): A TIP is a document that outlines transportation projects planned for implementation within a specific region over a set period. It serves as a road map for transportation development, prioritizing projects and allocating funds accordingly. Among other things, it includes a comprehensive list of planned transportation projects, including highways, bridges, transit systems, bicycle paths, and pedestrian facilities.
Zoning: Zoning is a regulatory tool used to control land use within a municipality. It divides the community into distinct zones, each with specific regulations governing the types of development allowed. Zoning helps to ensure that land is used in a compatible and orderly manner, preventing incompatible land uses from conflicting with one another.
Additional Resources
- What Is an Abandonment?
- Facts About Annexation
- Buildable Area
- Eminent Domain Law
- Understanding Environmental Impact Statements
- Elevator Installation and Repair
- Calculating the Floor Area Ratio
- What Is a Mixed-Use Development?
- Pedestrian-Oriented Design
- What Transportation Improvement Programs Entail
- Everything You Need to Know About Zoning Laws