Navigate through the intricacies of urban planning and its impact on your property with our Urban Development Glossary. This resource breaks down complex urban planning terms, helping homeowners and homebuyers understand how city growth, zoning laws, and infrastructure projects can influence property values and neighborhood appeal.
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A
Acceleration (): Acceleration refers to educational strategies that allow high-achieving students to progress through learning material at a faster pace or at a younger age than their peers.
B
Bikeability (): Bikeability refers to the degree to which an area is friendly, safe, and convenient for bicycling as a mode of transportation and recreation.
Bike-Friendly Infrastructure (): Bike-friendly infrastructure refers to the physical features and facilities that make cycling safe, convenient, and enjoyable within a neighborhood or city.
Bike Score (): Bike Score is a measure that assesses the bicycling friendliness of a specific location by considering factors such as bike lane infrastructure, topography, and connectivity.
Buffer Time Index (BTI) (): The Buffer Time Index (BTI) is a measure of travel time reliability that represents the extra time a traveler should allocate to ensure on-time arrival at their destination.
Building Code (): Building codes are sets of regulations that specify the minimum standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of occupants.
Building Envelope (): The building envelope is the physical barrier between the interior and exterior of a building, designed to protect the indoor environment and regulate heat, air, and moisture transfer.
Building Height (): Building height refers to the vertical distance from the ground level to the highest point of a building or structure.
C
Commute Time (): Commute time refers to the amount of time it takes for an individual to travel from their home to their place of work or study, and vice versa.
Commuting Patterns (): Commuting patterns refer to the typical routes, modes of transportation, and travel times of residents in a specific area as they travel between their homes and workplaces.
Complete Streets (): Complete streets are streets designed to safely and comfortably accommodate various modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, driving, and public transit, while also providing amenities for users of all ages and abilities.
Connectivity (): Connectivity, in the context of location intelligence, refers to the ease and efficiency of accessing various destinations, services, and amenities from a given location.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) (): Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through the thoughtful design of the built environment.
Critical Infrastructure (): Critical infrastructure refers to the essential systems, facilities, and assets that are vital to the functioning of a society, economy, or government, and whose disruption or destruction would have severe consequences.
E
Exurbs (): Exurbs are residential areas located beyond the suburbs, characterized by low-density housing and a more rural lifestyle, while still being connected to a larger metropolitan area.
F
Floor Area Ratio (Far) (): Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a measure of the total floor area of a building relative to the size of the lot on which it is built.
H
Housing Density (): Housing density refers to the number of residential units per unit of land area, typically measured in units per acre.
I
Infill Development (): Infill development is the process of building on vacant or underutilized land within existing urban areas, often to revitalize neighborhoods and increase housing density.
Interdependencies (): Interdependencies refer to the complex relationships and interactions between different systems, factors, or entities within a neighborhood or urban environment, where changes in one element can have significant impacts on others.
J
Jurisdiction (): Jurisdiction refers to the geographic area or region under the authority of a particular government or administrative body.
L
Land Use (): Land use refers to how a specific area of land is utilized, such as for residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational purposes.
Land Use Planning (): Land use planning is the process of determining how land should be used and developed in a community to ensure sustainable growth, efficient resource allocation, and a high quality of life for residents.
Level of Service (LOS) (): Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative measure used to describe the operating conditions and performance of transportation infrastructure, such as roads, intersections, or transit systems, from the perspective of users.
M
Master Plan (): A master plan is a comprehensive long-term planning document that guides the future growth, development, and land use of a community or specific area.
Master-Planned Community (): A master-planned community is a large-scale residential development that is carefully designed and built with a comprehensive plan, offering a variety of housing options, amenities, and infrastructure.
Megalopolis (): A megalopolis is an extensive, heavily populated urban region formed by the merging of several large cities and their surrounding areas, often spanning multiple states or regions.
Metropolitan Area (): A metropolitan area is a densely populated urban region consisting of a central city and its surrounding suburbs, towns, and villages that are socially and economically integrated.
Mixed-Use Development (): Mixed-use development is a type of urban development that combines residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, and/or industrial uses within a single building or area.
Multimodal Transportation (): Multimodal transportation refers to the availability and integration of multiple modes of transportation within a given area, such as walking, cycling, public transit, and driving.
N
New Urbanism (): New Urbanism is an urban design movement that promotes walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with a strong sense of community and sustainable development practices.
O
Opportunity Zones (): Opportunity Zones are designated economically distressed areas where new investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment, aiming to spur economic development and job creation.
Overlay Zones (): Overlay zones are special zoning districts that apply additional regulations, restrictions, or incentives to specific geographic areas within a municipality, while maintaining the underlying base zoning.
P
Parking Availability (): Parking availability refers to the presence, quantity, and ease of access to parking spaces in a given location, such as a residential neighborhood or commercial area.
Parking Demand (): Parking demand refers to the amount of parking spaces required to accommodate the vehicles of residents, visitors, and customers in a given area at a specific time.
Parking Enforcement (): Parking enforcement refers to the actions taken by local authorities to ensure compliance with parking regulations and maintain order in public parking spaces.
Parking guidance (): Parking guidance is a system that helps drivers locate available parking spaces in a specific area, reducing the time and frustration associated with finding a spot.
Parking Management (): Parking management refers to the strategies, policies, and technologies used to optimize the use of parking resources and improve the efficiency of parking operations in a given area.
Parking Occupancy (): Parking occupancy refers to the proportion of parking spaces that are being used in a given area at a specific time.
Parking Overlay Zone (): A Parking Overlay Zone is a designated area within a city or neighborhood where specific parking regulations and requirements apply, which may differ from the underlying zoning district.
Parking Permit (): A Residential Parking Permit is a document issued by a local government that allows residents to park their vehicles on the street within a designated area, often with fewer restrictions than non-residents.
Parking Permit Program (): A Parking Permit Program is a system implemented by local authorities to manage and regulate on-street parking in residential areas, often to prioritize parking for residents and their guests.
Parking Regulations (): Parking regulations are the rules and restrictions that govern where, when, and how vehicles can be parked in a specific area or neighborhood.
Parking Supply (): Parking supply refers to the total number of parking spaces available in a given area, including both on-street and off-street parking.
Participatory Planning (): Participatory planning is an approach that actively involves community members in the decision-making process for urban development projects, ensuring that their needs, preferences, and local knowledge are considered.
Peak Hour Traffic (): Peak hour traffic refers to the times of day when traffic congestion is at its highest, typically during morning and evening commutes.
Pedestrian-Friendly (): Pedestrian-friendly refers to neighborhoods or areas designed to prioritize the safety, comfort, and convenience of people walking or using other forms of non-motorized transportation.
Permitted Use (): Permitted use refers to the specific activities, functions, or purposes that are allowed on a property or within a designated zoning district, as determined by local zoning regulations.
Planned Unit Development (PUD) (): A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a type of residential development that allows for flexibility in design and layout, often incorporating a mix of housing types, common areas, and amenities within a single project.
Population Density (): Population density is the number of people living within a given geographic area, usually expressed as the number of inhabitants per square mile.
R
Residential Parking Permit (): A Residential Parking Permit is a document issued by a local government that allows residents to park their vehicles on the street within a designated area, typically near their homes.
Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) (): A Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) is a designated area where parking is restricted or prioritized for residents of a specific neighborhood or community.
Retrofitting (): Retrofitting is the process of modifying or upgrading an existing building or infrastructure to improve its performance, safety, or efficiency.
Right-Of-Way (): A right-of-way is a legal right to pass through property owned by another party, typically for transportation purposes such as roads, railroads, or utilities.
Rural-Urban Fringe (): The rural-urban fringe is the transitional area between the built-up urban environment and the surrounding rural landscape, characterized by a mix of land uses and a gradual decrease in development density.
Rush Hour (): Rush hour refers to the peak traffic periods, typically in the morning and evening, when a large number of people are commuting to and from work, causing increased congestion on roads and public transportation.
S
Section 106 Review (): Section 106 Review is a process that ensures federal agencies consider the effects of their projects on historic properties and cultural resources.
Setback (): Setbacks are the required minimum distances between a property's boundaries and the exterior walls or other features of a building or structure.
Smart City (): A smart city is an urban area that uses technology and data to improve the quality of life for its residents, optimize city operations, and enhance sustainability.
Smart Growth (): Smart Growth is an approach to urban planning that emphasizes compact, walkable, and sustainable development patterns to create vibrant, livable communities while preserving natural resources.
Smart Parking (): Smart parking is a technology-driven parking management system that helps drivers find available parking spaces efficiently, reducing traffic congestion and improving the overall parking experience.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) (): The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is a state government agency responsible for preserving and protecting a state's historic and cultural resources.
Street Lighting (): Street lighting refers to the system of lights installed along streets, roads, and public spaces to provide illumination for pedestrians, vehicles, and properties during low-light conditions.
Suburban Development (): Suburban development refers to the growth and expansion of residential areas outside of urban centers, characterized by lower-density housing, increased reliance on automobiles, and a mix of residential and commercial land uses.
Suburban Sprawl (): Suburban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled and often low-density expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural or undeveloped land.
Systems Thinking (): Systems thinking in location intelligence reports involves analyzing the interconnected factors that influence a specific location, considering how these elements interact and impact one another to provide a comprehensive understanding of the area.
T
Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) (): Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) is a planning approach that creates walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods inspired by pre-World War II community design.
Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) (): A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) is a study that assesses the potential effects of a proposed development on the surrounding transportation network, focusing on traffic flow, congestion, and safety.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) (): Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a type of urban development that focuses on creating compact, walkable, mixed-use communities centered around high-quality public transportation systems.
Transit Score (): Transit Score is a measure that assesses the accessibility and convenience of public transportation options for a specific location.
Travel Time Index (TTI) (): The Travel Time Index (TTI) is a measure that compares peak-period travel times to free-flow travel times, indicating the extent of traffic congestion in a given area.
U
Unincorporated Area (): An unincorporated area is a region that is not governed by its own municipal corporation, but rather is administered by a larger administrative division, such as a county or state.
Universal Design (): Universal Design is an approach to creating environments, products, and services that are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities, without the need for specialized adaptations.
Urban Density (): Urban density refers to the concentration of people, buildings, and activities within a given urban area.
Urbanization (): Urbanization is the process of a population shifting from rural to urban areas, resulting in the growth and development of cities and towns.
Urban Morphology (): Urban morphology is the study of the physical form and structure of urban areas, focusing on the patterns of streets, buildings, and open spaces that shape the character and functionality of cities and towns.
Urban or Urbanized Area (): An urban or urbanized area, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, is a densely populated area consisting of a central city and its surrounding suburbs or urban fringe.
Urban Renewal (): Urban renewal is the process of redeveloping and revitalizing aging or declining urban areas to improve their physical, social, and economic conditions.
Urban Sprawl (): Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural or undeveloped land, characterized by low-density development and heavy reliance on automobiles for transportation.
V
Visitability (): Visitability is a term used to describe the design of homes and neighborhoods that enables easy access for individuals with mobility impairments, allowing them to comfortably visit and navigate the space.
W
Walkability (): Walkability is a measure of how friendly and conducive an area is to walking, based on factors such as safety, accessibility, and the presence of amenities within walking distance.
Walk Score (): Walk Score is a metric that assesses the walkability of a specific address or neighborhood based on its proximity to amenities and pedestrian friendliness.
Z
Zoning (): Zoning is the practice of dividing land into designated areas with specific regulations governing land use, building size, density, and other development characteristics.
Zoning Description (): A zoning description is a summary of the land use regulations and restrictions that apply to a specific property or area, as determined by local zoning laws.
Zoning Designation (): A zoning designation is a legal classification assigned to a specific area of land that determines the permitted uses, building types, and development regulations for that area.
Zoning Laws (): Zoning laws are local regulations that govern how land can be used and developed within a specific area, such as a city or county.
Zoning Map (): A zoning map is a visual representation of a municipality's zoning ordinances, depicting the designated land use categories for each parcel or area within the community.
Zoning Ordinance (): A zoning ordinance is a set of local laws that regulate how land can be used and developed within a specific area, such as a city or county.
Zoning Regulations (): Zoning regulations are local laws that govern how land can be used and developed within a specific area, dictating the types of buildings and activities allowed on a property.
