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Unit 19: Zoning & Environment

Planning, Zoning, and Environmental Hazards

19
1 exam questionsLow Priority
Land use planning, zoning laws, and environmental hazard disclosures.

Quick Explanation

5 min read

Zoning regulates land use. A variance is an exception to zoning requirements. A nonconforming use existed before zoning was enacted and can continue. Environmental hazards (lead paint, asbestos, radon) must be disclosed.

Key Points — What Matters for the Exam

1
Variance = exception to zoning due to unique hardship
2
Nonconforming use = legal use that existed before current zoning
3
Rezoning = changing the zoning classification of a property
4
Buffer zone = transition area between incompatible uses
5
Lead paint disclosure required for homes built before 1978
6
Radon = colorless, odorless gas from uranium decay (cancer risk)
7
Asbestos = fire-resistant material used in older buildings (health risk)

Memory Trick

Variance = exception for hardship. Nonconforming use = grandfathered in. Lead paint = pre-1978 homes must disclose.

Common Trap Answers — Don't Fall For These

A variance is NOT the same as rezoning
Nonconforming uses can CONTINUE but usually cannot be expanded
Lead paint disclosure is required for homes built BEFORE 1978 (not after)