Plain-language definitions.

Last reviewed June 2026 · 14 terms

Zoning

The rules about what kinds of buildings and uses are allowed where.

Most cities and counties divide land into zones (residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use). Each zone has rules about what can be built and how.

Variance

Permission to bend a zoning rule for one specific property.

If a property owner can't meet a setback, height, or other rule, they can apply for a variance. Neighbours usually have a right to comment.

Setback

The minimum distance a building must sit from a property line.

Setbacks protect light, air, and privacy between properties. They are often what variances seek to reduce.

Easement

A permanent right for someone else to use part of your land.

Easements run with the land — they outlast you and the current owner. Read every line before signing one.

Right-of-way

A strip of land where another party (often a utility) has access.

Different from an easement in detail, similar in effect: the holder can enter and do specified work without further permission.

Public hearing

A meeting where the public can speak before a decision is made.

Run by a board, commission, or council. Each speaker usually gets 2–3 minutes.

Comment period

A window when written input from the public must be accepted.

Even if you can't attend a hearing, written comment received during the window becomes part of the record.

Conditional use

A use allowed only if certain conditions are met.

Conditions can include hours, fencing, landscaping, monitoring, or noise limits. Conditions are often where neighbour-protections live.

Special-use permit

Permission for a use that isn't allowed by right in this zone.

Often required for facilities like data centres, towers, or warehouses. Typically requires a hearing.

Rezoning

Changing what can legally be built on a property.

More involved than a variance. Usually requires legislative action and a public hearing.

Appeal

A formal challenge to a decision — usually with a short, strict deadline.

Appeal windows are often 10–30 days. Missing the window almost always closes the door.

Utility corridor

A strip of land set aside for power, gas, or water infrastructure.

Easements are typically granted along corridors for transmission lines and pipelines.

Substation

An electrical facility that steps power up or down between voltages.

Often a noise and lighting concern for neighbouring homes.

NIMBY

Short for "not in my back yard." Used in different ways by different people.

We don't use this label here. People raising specific, well-grounded questions are participating in democracy — that's the whole point of public notices.