Land-Use-Zoning

Condemnation can mean the formal eminent-domain taking process or, in another property context, an unsafe-building determination.

Eminent domain is the government power to acquire private property for public use through a formal taking process.

A setback is the required distance between a building or improvement and a property line, street, easement, or other reference point.

A special use permit is an approval that allows a conditionally permitted property use after review under local zoning standards.

A variance is a site-specific approval that allows limited relief from a zoning requirement when strict application would create a practical problem.

Zoning is the local land-use rule system that controls permitted uses, building form, density, and development limits on property.

Terms that explain how local rules shape what can be built, occupied, altered, or approved on a parcel.