After successfully completing this unit, you will be able to
• describe the composition and authority of the local planning agency,
• explain the purpose of land-use controls and the role of zoning ordinances,
• identify the provisions of Florida’s comprehensive plan and the Growth Management Act,
• distinguish among the five general zoning classifications,
• distinguish among zoning ordinances, building codes and health ordinances,
• explain the purpose of a variance, special exception and a nonconforming use,
• calculate the number of lots available for development, given the total number of acres contained in a parcel, the percentage of land reserved for streets and other facilities and the minimum number of square feet per lot,
• describe the characteristics of a planned unit development,
• understand the basic provisions of the national flood insurance program,
• describe the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), and
• explain the various environmental hazards associated with real estate.

Key Terms

asbestos	health ordinance
buffer zone	nonconforming use
building code	planned unit development
building inspection	special exception
building permit	special flood hazard area
certificate of occupancy	special purpose property
concurrency	variance
environmental impact statement	zoning ordinance

Overview

The beauty and harmony of our surroundings are important to our enjoyment. We have all been in a town with such great qualities that made us want to live there. Those towns were likely well-planned and maintained. This unit will explain the importance of planning and zoning to our enjoyment of an area. We’ll learn about zoning ordinances, building codes, variances from zoning laws, and nonconforming uses.

In Florida, chronic flooding in many areas has made the need for the national flood insurance program obvious. We’ll learn about other laws that protect our environment, including radon, lead paint, and mold.