Real Estate Dictionary
Z
A B CI CII D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
ZANJA (SPANISH)
An irrigation ditch.
ZERO INTEREST MORTGAGE
A note and mortgage under which interest accrues but is not paid until the end of the term of the loan.
ZERO LOT LINE
The construction of a building on any of the boundary lines of a lot. Usually built on the front line, such as a store built to the sidewalk. See also: Zero Side Yard.
ZERO SIDE YARD
The building of a subdivision with each house built on a side boundary line. This gives more usable yard space on a narrow lot. An easement for maintenance is given over a portion of the lot adjoining each house.
ZONE
(1) An area of a county or city in which the use of the land is restricted by law (zoning ordinance). (2) An area designated by a number for the delivery of mail. Zip codes incorporate the zones.
ZONING
The division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas (zones), specifying the uses allowable for the real property in these areas.
ZONING BYLAW
A rule passed by the local government which regulates the use of property according to its location within the municipality, placement of structures on the property, maximum floor area, minimum lot area, minimum floor-to-lot area ratios, etc.
ZONING MAP
A map of a community showing the zones of permitted use under zoning ordinances.
ZONING ORDINANCE
A law (generally at the city or county level) controlling the use of land and construction of improvements in a given area (zone).
ZONING VARIANCE
See: Variance.
ZYGOCEPHALUM
In civil law an inaccurate measure of land. The area of land a yoke of oxen could plow in one day. We included this obsolete term just to see if you were still reading along! Thank you.