Cluster Housing – Consolidated residential development or smaller lots, with reduced
road rights of way and building setbacks.  The reduced area of private ownership is
replaced by increased common green spaces for community uses.

Comprehensive Plan – A document or documents setting forth policies for the future of a
community.  It is based upon existing physical, economic and social conditions, and a
projection of future conditions.

Easement – A legal interest in someone else’s land; a voluntary conveyance of certain
rights to use of one’s land.

Restrictive Covenant – Also referred to as a deed restriction; a private control
mechanism created by one person to restrict how another person may use his/her
property.  Restrictions by covenant may go beyond those imposed through zoning
regulations.

Site Furniture – A general term referring to construction materials and elements included
in a site development such as streetlights, benches, signs, trash receptacles, etc.

Spot Zoning – Proposed amendments changing the application of a zoning ordinance to
specific parcels or granting relief from its provisions to certain parcels.

Sprawl – Uncontrolled growth spiraling outward from an urban center; usually displacing
rural agricultural lands; often supported or stimulated by expanding highway networks.

Subdivision and Development Regulations – Local ordinances regulating the conversion
of a parcel of land into individual lots.  The regulations specify standards for streets,
utilities, and site design as well as procedures of public dedication of land for open space.

Sustainable Design – Design that respects natural and cultural resources, minimizing
destructive impacts by integrating human development without destroying or depleting
those resources.

Swale – A natural or constructed open drainage channel that is used to intercept and carry surface storm runoff.

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) – A mechanism whereby sensitive areas may be
preserved by allowing property owners to sell development rights to another to be used in
areas defined as growth centers.

Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) – A legally defined line separating areas of
development from areas designated for protection.  A mechanism for growth
management to prevent urban sprawl.

Variance – An exemption from the application of a zoning requirement permitting a use
that varies from that otherwise permitted under the zoning regulation.

Zoning – Municipal or county legislation dividing jurisdictions into districts in order to
regulate the use of land and the nature of construction within the districts established.