Land Use & ZoningIntermediateCalifornia Exam

Which of the following is an example of 'downzoning'?

AChanging a parcel from single-family residential to multi-family

BChanging a parcel from commercial to industrial

CChanging a parcel from multi-family residential to single-familyCorrect

DIssuing a conditional use permit for a commercial enterprise in a residential zone

Why Changing a parcel from multi-family residential to single-family Is Correct

Answer C: Changing a parcel from multi-family residential to single-family

Downzoning reduces the intensity or density of allowed use — for example, from multi-family to single-family — which can reduce a property's value and may raise takings issues.

Key Land Use & Zoning Terms in This Question

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

Variance

Official permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.

Eminent Domain

The power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.

Adverse Possession

A doctrine by which a person can gain legal title to another's land by openly, continuously, and adversely occupying it for a statutory period.