Archives: FAQs

Zoning. The division of a jurisdiction by legislative regulations into areas (aka land use zoning districts), which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies and the land use designations of the General Plan.

Vacancy rate. The percentage of unoccupied housing units in a jurisdiction. Vacancy rates usually differ according to tenure and housing type. Value. A shared asset, principle, standard, social more, and in the judgment of the community, what is important in the lives of its residents and businesses. Vulnerable population or community. Populations or communities that … Continued

Upstream issues. Conditions, such as food insecurity, that exist prior to and contribute to a person’s undesirable medical, social, financial, or legal circumstance. Urban. Development patterns characterized by higher density residential and/or nonresidential development served by frequent transit service and public infrastructure. Utility hardware. Devices such as poles, crossarms, transformers, and vaults, gas pressure regulating … Continued

Tax Increment Financing. Tax increment financing works by freezing tax revenues from a tax rate area in the interim base year and diverting forecasted tax revenue in future years (known as increment) to pay for improvements and/or pay back bonds. Tourism Marketing District. A Tourism Marketing District (TMD) is a benefit assessment district proposed to … Continued

SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments). The metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties that undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to encourage a more sustainable Southern California. Scale. Proportional relationship of the size of parts to one another and to the human figure. Screening. Structure or planting that conceals from view from public … Continued