Term

Definition

Accessory Dwelling Unit

An apartment or cottage on a lot where there is already a house. May also be called an in-law suite or granny flat.

Affordable Dwelling Unit

A home that is required to be affordable to someone who has a low income as defined by federal standards.

Bonus

A bonus that a developer can get for providing more affordable homes, an environmentally friendly building, or some other public benefit. The bonus is usually allowing a developer to build a larger project (for example, with more housing units or more height).

Buffer

A required landscape or fencing treatment along the sides or back of a lot that separates different land uses (for example, separating commercial and residential areas).

Build-to Zone

The area on a lot between a minimum and maximum setback where a building’s exterior walls must be built.

By-right

A by-right project must meet all the requirements of the zoning ordinance but does not need approval from the City Council.

Canopy

Tree cover.

Commercial Uses

A category of land uses that includes stores, offices, restaurants, and similar uses.

Density

The number of residential units allowed on a lot, with measurement based on the lot size.

Development or Site Plan

The plans showing what someone wants to build. These are reviewed by City staff to make sure the proposed development will meet the requirements of the zoning ordinance.

Easement

A right given to a person or entity to use land owned by another.

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

A formula that tells you how big a building can be based on the size of a lot.

Floor Area, Gross

The total floor area within a building.

Impervious Surface

A surface through which water cannot pass through, like most roofs, roads, sidewalks, or paved parking lots.

Inclusionary Zoning

A requirement that a specific percentage of housing units in a project or development remain affordable for a specified period to households with incomes that are defined as moderate, low, or very low.

Infill

Development of vacant or underutilized land within areas that are already largely developed.

Intensity

A measure of the size of the building and scale of uses allowed on a lot.

Nonconforming

A lot, structure, or use that conformed to the zoning regulations at the time it was established, but does not conform to current requirements of the zoning code.

Open Space

An area on a lot reserved for active or passive recreation. Active recreation required the use of special facilities, such as sports fields, whereas passive recreation does not.

Overlay

A designation on a zoning map that modifies the basic underlying designation in some specific manner. For example, overlay zones are often used to address the special needs of flood zones or historic areas.

Proffer

In Virginia law, a voluntary commitment from a landowner or developer to reduce or eliminate the impact of new development on neighboring properties or the city.

Scale

The size of buildings, streets, or other development elements.

Setback

The distance that a building or structure must be located on the lot away from the property line.

Slope

The angle of land that is not flat (for example, a 3% slope).

Special Use Permit (SUP)

A project that requires a special use permit must be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council. This review includes a public hearing during which members of the public can share their opinion about the project.

Stormwater Management

Required actions or infrastructure that limit or reduce the amount of stormwater that flows off a property.

Subdivision

The division of land into defined lots that may be separately sold or leased. The process of subdivision often includes setting aside land for streets, sidewalks, parks, public areas, and other infrastructure needs.

Yard

All portions of a lot between exterior walls of a building and a property line.

Zoning

The division of the city into areas, or zones, that specify allowed uses and building placement and size restrictions. Zoning must implement the Comprehensive Plan.