Glossary of Terms

From planning terminology to acronyms, find definitions for all things related to land use and planning below, organized alphabetically.

- A -

Access Rights

Access Rights usually refer to property owners' access from a public road and may include both pedestrian and vehicle access.  Property owners need access to and from a public road in order to both utilize and enjoy their property.  In addition, access from public roads enhances a parcel’s value and utility.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

An Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU is a small, self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as an existing single-family home.  An ADU has all the basic facilities needed for day-to-day living independent of the main home, such as a kitchen, sleeping area, and a bathroom.  As the term "accessory" implies, ADUs are generally defined to be smaller in size and prominence than the main residence on the lot.

Active Transportation

Active Transportation refers to modes of human-powered mobility, such as biking, walking, etc.

Advisory Opinion

An Advisory Opinion is a legal analysis of a specific land use question prepared by a neutral third party, evaluating facts presented by the parties involved in the issue. The Utah Legislature created the Advisory Opinion process to promote the resolution of land use disputes without resorting to costly, stressful, and time-consuming litigation. Most often the opinions are prepared by the staff attorneys in the Ombudsman’s Office. You can learn more about the Advisory Opinion process here.

A listing of Advisory Opinions issued by the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman can be found here. Additional opinions are added to the listing when released.

Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing is most commonly defined as housing offered for sale at 80% or less of the median county home price for housing of that type.  However, additional thresholds for the definition also apply to certain legislative programs.

In June 2024, the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) prepared a Comparative Chart of Housing Finance Tools associated with recent legislation, which includes the use of additional thresholds associated with the term defined above.

Annexation

Annexation is the incorporation of land area into an existing district or municipality, with a resulting change in the boundaries of the annexing jurisdiction.

Appeal Authority

An appeal authority means a person, board, commission, agency, or other body designated by ordinance to decide on an appeal of a decision for a land use application, or to a variance to the land use ordinance.  When a dispute arises regarding a land use decision, the first appeal of a decision must typically be heard by the local appeal authority.

Watch the Appeal Authority definition video to learn more.

Association of Governments (AOG)

An Association of Governments, often referred to as an AOG, refers to a voluntary association of local governments formed under the authority of the Utah Interlocal Cooperation Act to provide a common forum to identify, discuss, study, and resolve area or region-wide problems.  Information for Utah's seven AOGs can be found in the Regional Government Agencies section of the Contact Database.

Attainable Housing

Attainable housing is a term associated with recent housing legislation in the State of Utah and is defined as homes not exceeding an initial qualifying purchase price of $450,000.  The Utah Housing Corporation can adjust the qualifying purchase price based on the county in which the housing is located, with a state-wide goal of a $350,000 average.

In June 2024, the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) prepared a Comparative Chart of Housing Finance Tools associated with recent legislation, which includes the use of the term defined above.

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Bikeways

The term bikeways encompasses bicycle lanes, bicycle paths, and bicycle routes. Bikeways are divided into three classes.  Class 1 bikeways are paved routes, not on a street or roadway, expressly reserved for bicycles traversing an otherwise unpaved area.  Class 2 bikeways are corridors expressly reserved for bicycles, existing on a street or roadway in addition to any lanes for use by motorized vehicles. Class 3 bikeways are shared with motorists and identified only by signs.

Boundary

A boundary is the limits of a parcel, indicating where one person’s property ends, and another’s begins.  The boundaries of a property are most often defined in the deed to the property, which should be specific enough to reproduce at the actual site of the property.

Building Codes

Building codes are those standards adopted by the state governing the construction, alteration, demolition, occupancy, or other use of buildings used for human habitation.  The state regulations are substantially the same as those contained in the most recent editions of the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Housing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, and the National Electric Code.  Local governments
may have stricter standards under certain circumstances.

Building Permit

A building permit is an administrative document issued by a local agency following the review of project documents to ensure codes and regulations are met.  Granting of this permit allows construction to proceed.

- C -

Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

A Capital Improvement Program, commonly referred to as a CIP, is a multi-year planning program of capital expenditures needed to replace or expand an agency's public infrastructure, such as water, sewer, parks, public buildings, and street projects.  

Census

The Census is the nationwide complete enumeration, usually of a population, but also businesses and commercial establishments, farms, governments, and so forth, conducted every 10 years by the U.S. Census Bureau.  

City Council

The City Council is the legislative decision-making body for a municipality classified as first, second, third, fourth, or fifth class, per Utah Municipal Code.  See also Town Council.

Classification of Municipalities

In Utah, cities are divided into "classes" determined by the number of people living there, as detailed within Utah Municipal Code.  As a city's population changes, its class designation changes as well.  Smaller cities and towns have fewer requirements than do larger cities.

Watch the Classification of Utah Municipalities definition video to learn more.

Code Enforcement

Code enforcement refers to the person, office, or department designated by state or local law to enforce the provisions of an agency's municipal code.

Complete Streets

Complete Streets are streets designed and operated to enable safe use and support mobility for all users. Those include people of all ages and abilities, regardless of whether they are travelling as drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or public transportation riders. The concept of Complete Streets encompasses many approaches to planning, designing, and operating roadways and rights of way with all users in mind to make the transportation network safer and more efficient. Complete Street policies are set at the state, regional, and local levels and are frequently supported by roadway design guidelines.

Watch the Complete Streets definition video to learn more.

Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

A Conditional Use Permit, or CUP, is an individual discretionary permit issued to allow a use within a zone only upon taking mitigating measures to address issues that may make the use detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare and will not impair the integrity and character of the zoned district.   If approved, the developer must implement certain conditions to harmonize the project with its surroundings.  Approval of a CUP does not constitute a change of zone.

Watch the Conditional Use Permit definition video to learn more.

Condo Owners Association (COA)

A Condo Owners Association, often referred to as an COA, is an established community association whereby individual property owners share common interests in community amenities and/or facilities.  State laws contain provisions governing COAs, but those laws are enforced in informal proceedings before the association or in civil court and are not overseen by the State.  COA registration is mandatory in Utah.

Constitutional Takings Act

The Constitutional Takings Act is a provision in the Utah Code, which requires that local governments establish a process to regularly review actions which may involve property takings or exactions. The Act also provides that a property owner may request a review to determine if the owners’ property has been taken by a local action.  The Act is intended to raise awareness of takings issues, and to help avoid litigation.

County Council

The County Council is the legislative decision-making body for a county, per Utah Municipal Code.

Covenant

A covenant is a private legal restriction that places a burden on a parcel of land in favor of another parcel. The restriction is recorded in the deed. Covenants are most commonly used in the establishment of a subdivision to restrict the use of all individual lots in the development to a certain type of use (like single-family units), but may also be used to guarantee views and solar access.                

- D -

Dedication

A dedication is a grant of private land to a public agency for public use.  Dedications are often used to obtain roads and parkland needed to serve a project. Dedication requirements are often imposed as a condition of a parcel or tract map or as a condition of development.

Deed

A deed is a document that gives parties, a seller (grantor) and a buyer (grantee), the right to exchange ownership of property for consideration or a purchase price. The deed must include a valid legal description of the property being conveyed, be notarized, and otherwise comply with state regulations.

Density

Density is the ratio of a particular type of land use per given area of land under the applicable zoning.  Common density measures include population per acre or square mile and dwelling units per acre.  Gross density includes the area necessary for streets, schools, and parks.  Net density does not include land area for public facilities.     

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Easement

An easement is a process that permits the right to use property owned by another for specific purposes or to gain access to another property.  For example, utility companies often have easements on the private property of individuals, allowing for the installation and maintenance of utilities.

Egress

Egress is defined as the exit point of a development, site, or project.  See also Ingress.

Eminent Domain

Eminent domain, sometimes referred to as condemnation, is the power to compel the sale of private property to a condemning agency for a public purpose, subject to payment of just compensation.  See also Taking.

Exaction

An exaction is a mandatory contribution required by a governmental entity as a condition of approval for a development application and may include items such as the dedication of property, the construction and dedication of public improvements, and monetary payments (including Impact Fees).

- F -

First Home Investment Zone (FHIZ)

The First Home Investment Zone, often referred to as an FHIZ, is a tax-increment financing housing program created in 2024 by Senate Bill 268.

In June 2024, the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) prepared a Comparative Chart of Housing Finance Tools associated with recent legislation, which includes details for the program listed above.

Floodplain

A floodplain is the area along a stream or drainage course, lake, or pond, which, after total development of the watershed, would experience inundation by stormwater runoff equivalent to that which would occur on the average of once every 100 years.

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Floor Area Ratio, or FAR, is the gross floor area permitted on a site divided by the total net area of the site, expressed in decimals to one or two places.  For example, on a site with 10,000 net square feet of land area, a floor area ratio of 1.0 will allow a maximum of 10,000 gross square feet of building floor area to be built.  FARs are typically applied on a parcel-by-parcel basis, as opposed to an average FAR for an entire land use or zoning district.

Freeway

A freeway is defined as a controlled-access highway that is part of the interstate system.

- G -

General Plan

A general plan is a policy document that establishes a framework through the community's values to define future growth patterns based upon input from the residents, business owners, property owners, and other stakeholders within a community.

Watch the General Plan definition video to learn more.

Governing Body

A governing body means collectively the legislative body and the executive of any municipality.

Grandfathered Use

Grandfathered use is a nickname for Nonconforming Uses or Noncomplying Structures.

Greenfield Development

Greenfield development is a term used to describe development on undeveloped land, land previously used for agriculture or land in a natural state.  Typically greenfield development is on the edges of an urbanized area.

- H -

Highway

A highway is defined as the entire width between property lines of every way or place of any nature when any part of it is open to the use of the public as a matter of right for vehicular travel.

Historic Sites, Buildings, or Areas

Historic sites, buildings, or areas are those locations, structures, objects, or areas with local, regional, statewide, or national historic significance.  The official designation of such amenities ranges from federal designations to local markers.

Home Occupation

A home occupation refers to business activities carried on in a residential dwelling unit by the resident thereof, provided that the use is limited in extent and incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof.

Home Owners Association (HOA)

A Home Owners Association, often referred to as an HOA, is an established community association whereby individual property owners share common interests in community amenities and/or facilities.  State laws contain provisions governing HOAs, but those laws are enforced in informal proceedings before the association or in civil court and are not overseen by the State.  HOA registration is mandatory in Utah.

Home Ownership Promotion Zone (HOPZ)

The Home Ownership Promotion Zone, often referred to as an HOPZ, is a tax-increment financing housing program created in 2024 by Senate Bill 168.

In June 2024, the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) prepared a Comparative Chart of Housing Finance Tools associated with recent legislation, which includes details for the program listed above.

Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone (HTRZ)

A Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone, often referred to as an HTRZ, is a tax-increment financing housing and transit program amended in 2024 by Senate Bill 208.

In June 2024, the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) prepared a Comparative Chart of Housing Finance Tools associated with recent legislation, which includes details for the program listed above.

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Impact Fee

An impact fee is a one-time charge imposed by local governments to mitigate the impact on local infrastructure caused by new development. Growth in the form of new homes and businesses requires expansion or enlargement of public facilities to maintain the same level and quality of public services for all residents of a community.  Impact fees help fund the expansion of public facilities necessary to accommodate new growth. 

Watch the Impact Fee definition video to learn more.

Industrial Park

An industrial park is a planned, coordinated development of a tract of land with
two or more separate industrial buildings.  Such development is planned, designed, constructed, and managed on an integrated and coordinated basis with special attention given to on-site vehicular circulation, parking, utility needs, building design, orientation, and open space.

Infill Development

Infill development refers to the development of vacant, under-utilized, or repurposed parcels of land in otherwise built-up areas, where typically at least 80% of the land within close proximity to the area is developed.

Infrastructure Financing District (IFD)

An Infrastructure Financing District, often referred to as an IFD, is an infrastructure assessment bonding program amended in 2024 by House Bill 13.

In June 2024, the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) prepared a Comparative Chart of Housing Finance Tools associated with recent legislation, which includes details for the program listed above.

Ingress

Ingress is defined as the access or entry point of a development, site, or project.  See also Egress.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is the general term used to define the facilities required to serve a community’s development and operational needs.  Infrastructure typically includes roads, water supply and sewer systems, schools, health care facilities, libraries, parks and recreation, and other services.  Infrastructure may refer to publicly funded facilities and/or private facilities.

- J -

Joint Powers Authority (JPA)

A Joint Powers Authority, often referred to as a JPA, is a legal arrangement that enables two or more units of government to share authority in order to plan and carry out a specific program or set of programs that serves both units.  

Jurisdiction

A jurisdiction is any governmental unit or political division or subdivision including but not limited to a town, village, city, county, state, district, or territory over which the governmental unit exercises power and authority.

- K -

Kennel

A kennel is traditionally defined as any premises, except where accessory to an agricultural use, where domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, are boarded, trained, or bred

- L -

Land Use

Land use is the general term for the use of any pieces of land through buildings or open land for activities.  The most common uses include housing, commercial, industrial, transportation, parks and recreation, and institutional uses such as schools, healthcare, and all other human activities.

Land Use Authority

Land use authority means a person, board, commission, agency, or other body designated by the local legislative body to act upon a land use application.

Watch the Land Use Authority definition video to learn more.

Land Use, Development, and Management Act (LUDMA)

The Land Use, Development, and Management Act, or LUDMA, is the state law for land use and applies to all cities, towns, and counties throughout Utah.  Municipal LUDMA (for cities and towns) can be found in Title 10, Chapter 9a of the Utah State Code.  County LUDMA is contained within Title 17, Chapter 27a of the Utah State Code.

Watch the LUDMA definition video to learn more.

Land Use Ordinance

A Land Use Ordinance is a written law duly adopted by the local legislative body that regulates land development in a community.  Each community's land use laws are unique, and each community has significant flexibility within state law to adopt land use laws that fit their community's needs.

Watch the Land Use Ordinance definition video to learn more.

Legislative Body

A Legislative Body is the elected governing body of an agency with the authority to make laws of general applicability for said agency.

Watch the Legislative Body definition video to learn more.

Lot

A lot is a tract of land, regardless of any label, that is created by and shown on a subdivision plat that has been recorded in the office of the county recorder.

Lot Line Adjustment

A lot line adjustment is a minor change in the boundary between two adjoining lots in a subdivision, done with the owner’s consent.

- M -

Master Plans

Master plans, sometimes also called specific plans, are long-term planning documents that provide detailed and specific land use and zoning recommendations for a specific place or geography of the county.  They can address transportation, the natural environment, urban design, historic resources, public facilities, and implementation techniques that a community sees as priorities for a given area.

Missing Middle Housing

Missing middle housing refers to multi-unit, low-rise housing comparable in feel to single-family homes at a middle scale between lower-density detached single-family houses and higher-density multifamily complexes. Because this type of development is scarce in many communities, it is referred to as “missing middle.” It is critical to note that missing middle housing types will look different in every community, as a key component of their placement is being designed to fit into and enhance existing communities. However, common examples include cottages, bungalows, courtyard apartments, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and live-work units.

Watch the Missing Middle Housing definition video to learn more.

Mixed Use

Mixed use refers to development that typically contains residential and commercial uses in the same building or within a small area.  For example, a residential building with ground floor retail is a typical mixed-use development.

Moderate Income Housing Element

A Moderate Income Housing Element is a required element within a specified municipality's or county's General Plan, per Municipal LUDMA and County LUDMA sections, respectively.  The Moderate Income Housing Element lays the foundation for planning and reporting for a local agency's efforts to address housing affordability within their community.

Additional details on planning for affordable housing can be found on the Housing & Community Development Division of the Workforce Services Department Moderate Income Housing Planning webpage.

Moderate Income Housing Report

A Moderate Income Housing Report is an annual report required to be submitted to the State by specified municipalities and counties, per Municipal LUDMA and County LUDMA sections, respectively.   Reports are due annually by August 1st.

Additional details and requirements can be found on the Housing & Community Development Division of the Workforce Services Department Moderate Income Housing Report webpage.

Moratorium

A temporary land use regulation, commonly referred to as a moratorium, is a mechanism by which a zoning regulation is adopted for a limited period of time without having to go through the normal process of public hearings.

- N -

Nonconforming Use

A nonconforming use is a land use that was valid when initially brought into existence but, by subsequent regulation, becomes no longer conforming.  It includes any use lawfully existing on any piece of property that is inconsistent with a new or amended land use code.  Typically, non-conforming uses are permitted to continue for a designated period or until the use is abandoned, all subject to certain regulations and restrictions contained within a local agency's municipal code and in accordance with state law.

Watch the Nonconforming Use definition video to learn more.

Noncomplying Structure

A noncomplying structure is a building or any other structure that legally existed with previous land use regulations but no longer conforms to the current land use ordinance, most commonly due to changes to a land use code including height restrictions, setbacks, etc.  In general, if it was once a legal structure, then it has the right to exist.  However, state law does allow for local rules to be set to address any expansions, adjustments, or changes to such structures.

Watch the Noncomplying Structure definition video to learn more.

- O -

Open and Public Meetings Act (OPMA)

The Open and Public Meetings Act, or OPMA, is found in Title 52 Chapter 4 of the State Code and details the requirements for bodies of a public agency to meet, deliberate, and act openly and transparently before the public.  The Act includes requirements for public noticing, meeting types, record keeping, training, and penalties for violation.

Overlay Zone

An overlay zone is a mapped zone that imposes a set of requirements or restrictions in addition to those of the underlying zoning district (the base zone).  Land must be developed under the conditions and requirements of both the base zone and the overlay zone.

- P -

Parcel

A parcel refers to any real property that does not meet the definition of a lot and may or may not be subdivided or improved.

Parcel Map

A parcel map is a lot or other tract of land that is occupied or may be occupied by a structure or structures or other use, and that includes the yards and other open spaces required under the zoning, subdivision, or other development ordinances of the local agency with jurisdiction over the area.

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

A planned unit development, commonly referred to as a PUD, is a development that is not wholistically subject to the standard zoning requirements of a community because they have worked with the local government to develop criteria that will determine common areas, private areas, additional building guidelines, etc., specific to the development.  Through an HOA, homeowners will maintain the responsibility of coordinating or maintaining the additional features designed to offer specific amenities that may not typically be found in a traditionally zoned development.

Planning Commission

A Planning Commission is an advisory board appointed by the legislative body of an agency to assist in review and approvals of land use applications, zoning changes, and land use ordinance changes.

Private Property Protection Act

The Private Party Protection Act is a provision in the Utah Code, which requires state agencies to establish guidelines to review whether proposed actions impact the use and ownership of private property.  The Act is intended to raise awareness of property takings matters, and to help ensure that state actions affecting property use are justified and have minimal impact on property rights.

Property Tax

A property tax is an annual charge levied by a local government and paid by the owners of real estate within its jurisdiction.  Property taxes are one of the primary sources of funds for local governments, counties, school districts, cities, towns and special entities such as water and sewer districts. Items such as fire and police protection, libraries, schools, jails, and road repairs are all examples of local services funded by property taxes.

Watch the Property Tax definition video to learn more.

Public Hearing

A public hearing is an opportunity to gather public input on an item, and it may be mandated by state law per the Land Use, Development, and Management Act (LUDMA), with certain items requiring a public hearing before any action can be taken by the body.  A public hearing is held within a public meeting at which time anyone from the public is given a reasonable opportunity to comment on the subject.  Everyone must be given an equal chance to speak at that hearing.  While time limits on comments can be placed, you must have the same rules for each speaker.

Watch the Public Hearing definition video to learn more.

Public Meeting

A public meeting is a meeting of a board, commission, or agency that is required to be open to the public under the Open and Public Meetings Act of the Utah State Code.  A quorum must be present, and it can be held in several types of ways, including a workshop or executive session, an in person meeting, or by means of electronic communications like a group chat online.  Public meetings have certain requirements, including public notice, transparency, and ensuring open public access to the meeting.  A public meeting is NOT a chance meeting, a social gathering, a gathering of a public body when no public funds are appropriated for expenditure, and/or if the group is meeting only to discuss or implement administrative or operational matters.

Watch the Public Meetings definition video to learn more.

- Q -

Quorum

A quorum is the simple majority of a public body required to be in attendance to discuss and act, as defined within the Open and Public Meetings Act of the Utah State Code.  This Act requires a minimum number of its members be present at a meeting for that meeting to be valid.  If the rules for your counsel, commission, or public body say that a certain number must be present to form a quorum then that number is the minimum that must be present to conduct business.  If the laws or rules governing your body are silent on a number, then a majority is needed at the meeting.  A quorum does not include a meeting of two elected officials by themselves when no action is taken on a matter that they have authority to act on.

Watch the Quorum definition video to learn more.

- R -

Redevelopment

Redevelopment refers to the proposed expansion, addition, or significant facade change to an existing building, structure, property, or facility.       

Regional Planning Agency

A regional planning agency is a governmental or quasi-governmental organization engaged in comprehensive and functional planning in coordination with multiple local agencies.  Also see Association of Governments.       

Right-of-Way (ROW)

Right-of-way, commonly referred to as ROW, is the legal right, established by usage or grant, to pass along a specific route through grounds or property belonging to another.  The term generally describes the land available for roads, sidewalks, utility lines, and transit infrastructure.

- S -

Sales Tax

A sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by the government on the sale of goods and services. A conventional sales tax is levied at the point of sale, collected by the retailer, and passed on to the government to fund essential services.

Watch the Sales Tax definition video to learn more.

Salvage Yard

A salvage yard, commonly also referred to as a junkyard, is a lot, land, structure, or part thereof, that is used for buying, selling, storing, baling, packing, disassembling, or handling waste, scrap materials, parts, or machinery or vehicles not in running condition.

Setback

A setback is the minimum distance required by zoning to be maintained between two structures or between a structure and a property line.

Site Plan

A site plan is drawing, to scale, showing uses and structures proposed for a parcel of land.  It typically includes lot lines, streets, building sites, public open spaces, buildings, major landscape features (both natural and man-made), and locations of proposed utility lines.

Site Plan Review

A site plan review, sometimes referred to as development review, is a process whereby local officials, usually the planning commission and staff, review the site plans of a developer to ensure that they meet the purposes and standards of the zone in which they are proposed, including providing for necessary public facilities like streets, parks, public facilities, etc.; and protect adjacent properties through appropriate siting of structures and landscaping.

State Treasurer Investment Amendments

State Treasurer Investment Amendments refers to the Utah Homes Investment Program; a low-interest credit housing program created in 2024 by House Bill 572.

In June 2024, the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) prepared a Comparative Chart of Housing Finance Tools associated with recent legislation, which includes details for the program listed above.

Subdivision

The subdivision process entails the division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately conveyed by sale or lease, and can be developed.  The process often includes setting aside land for streets, sidewalks, parks, public areas, and other infrastructure needs, including the location of utilities.

Watch the Subdivision definition video to learn more.

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Taking

A taking is any substantial interference with private property which destroys or materially lessens its value, or by which the owner’s right to its use and enjoyment is in any substantial degree abridged or destroyed.  The most fundamental type of taking occurs when a government agency acquires ownership and possession of the property (see Eminent Domain), but a taking can also occur when government regulations or actions substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of property.

Town Council

The Town Council is the legislative decision-making body for a municipality classified as a town, per Utah Municipal Code.  See also City Council.

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)

Transfer of Development Rights, or TDR, is the process of relocating potential development from an area (the "sending" zone) where proposed land uses are considered undesirable due to various factors to another site (the "receiving" zone) chosen on the basis of its ability to accommodate additional units of development beyond that for which it was zoned, with minimal impacts.  An agency must, by ordinance, have designated sending and receiving zones/areas identified to utilize this process.

Watch the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) definition video to learn more.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

Transit-oriented development, commonly referred to as TOD, is a type of mixed-use development within walking distance (up to one-half mile) of a transit stop.  TODs typically have sufficient development density to support frequent transit service and a mix of residential, retail, office, and public uses in a walkable environment, making it convenient for residents and employees to engage in active transportation methods.

- U -

Urban Services

Urban services are utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and sewer; as well as public services such as police, fire, schools, parks, and recreation, provided to a developed or developing area.

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)

The Utah Department of Transportation, often referred to as UDOT, is the state agency charged with maintaining the more than 6,000 miles of roadway that constitute the network of state highways in Utah.

Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT)

The Utah League of Cities and Towns, often referred to as ULCT, is a nonpartisan, inter-local government cooperative first organized in 1907.  The organization serves 248 cities and towns in the State of Utah, representing municipal government interests with a unified voice at the state and federal levels.  ULCT also provides information, training, and technical assistance to local officials on municipal issues and works to create a greater public awareness and understanding of municipal responsibilities, governance, and administration.

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Variance

A variance refers to approved compliance relief from specific provisions of a zoning ordinance granted to a property owner when, because of the particular physical surroundings, shape, or topographical condition of the property which are not self-imposed and are "peculiar" to the property, would result in a hardship upon the owner and deprive them of privileges others in the same zone enjoy.

Vehicle-Miles Travelled (VMT)

Vehicle-Miles Travelled, commonly referred to as VMT,  is a calculation of one vehicle traveling the distance of one mile.  Total vehicle miles is the aggregate mileage traveled by all vehicles.  VMT is a key measure of overall street and highway use.  Reducing VMT is often a major objective in efforts to reduce vehicular congestion and achieve air quality goals.

Vested Rights Rule

The Vested Rights Rule means that an applicant for a land use or a development is entitled to consideration and approval if the application is complete and if it complies with all zoning requirements in place at the time of the application.

- W -

Walkability

Walkability is a term used to describe the general pedestrian access and layout of an area related to the safety, comfort, and convenience of the walking environment.  See also Active Transportation.

Water-Efficient Landscaping

Water-efficient landscaping is a term used for landscaping designed to minimize water use and maximize energy efficiency.  See also Xeriscaping.

Wetland

Wetland is a term used to describe an area inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, under normal circumstances, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.

- X -

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping refers to landscaping strategies that implement slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce the production of green waste.  See also Water-Efficient Landscaping.

- Y -

Yard

A building's yard is typically viewed as open space at grade between a building and the adjoining lot lines, unoccupied and unobstructed by any portion of a structure from the ground upward.

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Zoning

Zoning is the legislative act of designating areas of a city or county into areas (or zones) that specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas.

Watch the Zoning definition video to learn more.

Zoning Map

A zoning map provides a graphic representation of the areas of a city, town, or county designated for specific allowable uses as defined within the community's Land Use Ordinance.

Watch the Zoning Map definition video to learn more.