6. Glossary of Terms Discussion..., ..,�i 4' �!
Americans With Disabilities A t (ADA)
A 1990 federal law designed to bring disabled Americans into the economic mainstream by
providing them equal access to jobs, transportation, public facilities, and services.
Average Daily Traffic (ADT)
The total traffic volume on a street, in both directions of travel, divided by 365.
Capital Improvements Pr gram CIPI
A timetable or schedule of all future capital improvements (including acquisition of real property,
major construction projects, and acquisition of expensive equipment expected to last a long time),
to be carried out during a specific period and listed in order of priority, together with cost estimates
and the anticipated means and sources of financing each project.
Comprehensive Plan
A long -range plan intended to guide the growth and development of the City, which typically
includes inventory and analysis sections, and recommendations for the City's future economic
development, housing, recreation and open space, transportation, community facilities, and land
use, all related to the City's goals and objectives.
Conditional se Permit (CUP)
A permit granted for a use that would not generally be appropriate within a given zoning district but
which, if controlled as to its intensity, area, size, location, or relationship to the neighborhood, can
be compatible and will not endanger the public health, safety, and welfare.
Easement
A grant of one or more of the property rights by the property owner to and /or for use by the public,
a corporation, or another person or entity.
Economic Development Authority (EDA)
An official body appointed by the City Council to review and approve economic development
activities (including land acquisition and development assistance), and to authorize expenditures
for such activities. In Burnsville, the members of the City Council sit as the Economic Develop-
ment Authority.
Eminent Domain
The governmental authority to acquire or take, or to authorize the taking of, private property for
public use or public purpose.
Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAM
A document used to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed for
a proposed development or other major private or governmental action.
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Environment Impact Statement (EIS)
A statement of the effect of a proposed development or other major private or governmental
action on the environment.
F inal Pla
A drawing or map of a proposed subdivision of land containing all of the elements required by the
City Code. The final plat must be consistent with the approved preliminary plat.
Geographical Information System (GIB)
A computerized mapping system used to show physical features and existing development, and
to generate maps of development patterns.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
An agency authorized to grant and loan money for affordable housing developments, and to own
and manage affordable housing developments for low and moderate income people and the
elderly.
Infill Development
The development of new housing or other buildings on scattered vacant sites in a built -
up area.
Infrastructure
Facilities and services needed to sustain industry, residential, commercial, and all other land use
activities.
Interim Use Permit (IUP1
A permit for a temporary use of land that is compatible with existing surrounding land uses but will
not be compatible as the surrounding area develops under the Comprehensive Plan.
Land Use Map
A map included in the Comprehensive Plan that shows how land in the City is planned to be used
or occupied. )
Legally Nonconforming Use
A use or activity that was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the Zoning
Ordinance, but fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present
requirements of the zoning district.
On -Sale Liquor License
A license granted by the City for the sale of liquor by an establishment, typically a bar or a restau-
rant, for consumption on the premises of the establishment.
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Off- -Sale Liquor License
A license granted by the City for the sale of liquor by an establishment, typically a liquor store, for
consumption off of the premises of the establishment.
Ordinance
A municipally- adopted law or regulation.
Outlot
A parcel of land on a plat which has not been designated as a buildable lot due to insufficient size
or frontage, peculiar characteristics, or topographical problems; or one which is not ready for
development due to lack of public improvements.
Peak -Hour Traffic
The largest number of vehicles passing over a designated section of a street during the busiest
one -hour period within a twenty- four -hour period.
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
A zoning district which may include single or mixed uses and one or more lots intended to create
a more flexible, creative, and efficient approach to the use of land.
Preliminary Plat
A tentative drawing or map of a proposed subdivision of land into lots conforming to all applicable
zoning and subdivision requirements.
Resolution
A written statement of an official decision or opinion of the City Council.
Rezoning
A change in the zoning classification of particular lots or parcels of land.
Right -of- -Way (R O-m
A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription, or condemna-
tion and intended to be occupied by a road, sidewalk, electric transmission line, water line,
sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and other similar uses.
Setbac
The distance between a building and any lot line.
Sight Triangle
A triangular- shaped portion of land established at a street intersection in which nothing is erected,
placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of
motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
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The development plan for one or more lots on which is shown the existing and proposed
conditions of the lot, including topography, vegetation, drainage, flood plains, wetlands,
and waterways; landscaping and open spaces; walkways; means of ingress and egress;
circulation; utility services; structures and buildings; signs and lighting; berms, buffers, and
screening devices; surrounding development; and any other information that reasonably
may be required in order that an informed decision can be made by the City Council.
Special Assessm nt
A fee levied by the City for the financing of a local public improvement that is primarily of
benefit to the landowners who must pay the assessment.
Snot Zonina
A rezoning of a lot or parcel of land to benefit an owner for a use that is incompatible with
surrounding land uses and does not further the Comprehensive Plan.
Subdivision
The division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts, parcels, or other
divisions of land for sale, development, or lease.
Tax In rement Finan .n9 M
The retention by the City of the increased property taxes generated by development in a
defined local district, and the use. of such funds by the City to assist such development and
enhance the City's tax base.
Trip Generation
The total number of vehicle trip ends produced by a specific land use or activity in a given
time period.
Variance
The City's permission to depart from the literal requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
Waiver of Subdivision
An authorization by the City to allow the County to combine two parcels of land into one
parcel or to divide one parcel into two parcels without the filing of a final plat, in order to
allow the transfer of ownership of one or both parcels.
Zonina Distri _t
A specifically- delineated area or district in the City within which uniform regulations arid
requirements govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings.
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