Glossary of Terms for Community Home Building

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/glossary.jpeg" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> Navigating the world of community home building can be confusing due to the specific terminology used, but understanding these terms will help you make informed decisions about the services you need. Here’s a glossary of some common terms used in the community home building industry: architectural review board (ARB) An ARB is a committee within a homeowners’ association that’s responsible for maintaining the aesthetic standards of the community. They review and approve any modifications, renovations or new construction to ensure they meet the established design and architectural guidelines. building permit A legal document issued by the local city or county building department authorizing the construction or reconfiguration of a home or other structures. It ensures the plan complies with local standards for land use, zoning and construction. CC&Rs Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing documents that define the rights and obligations of the community members within a homeowners’ association. They regulate activities within the community, including property use restrictions, architectural guidelines and maintenance responsibilities. common areas Areas within a community development that are available for use by all residents but owned and maintained by the homeowners’ association. These include amenities such as pools, parks, gyms and recreational facilities. deed restriction A clause in a deed that limits the use of the property in some way. Common restrictions may involve how the property can be used, what types of structures can be built or how the property must be maintained. easement A right given to another party to trespass or use land owned by someone else for a specified purpose, such as public utilities or access routes. HOA An organization in a subdivision, planned community or condominium that makes and enforces rules for the properties and their residents. Those who purchase property within an HOA’s jurisdiction automatically become members and are required to pay dues, known as HOA fees. impact fees Fees imposed by local governments on developers or builders to pay for the construction or expansion of infrastructure facilities such as roads, schools, and parks that will directly benefit the new residents. lot premium An additional charge for a home site considered more desirable due to factors like size, location or views. Homes facing parks, waterfronts or mountains may have a lot premium. master-planned community A large-scale residential development that includes various amenities such as schools, shops and recreational centers. These communities are carefully planned from their inception and often include multiple subcommunities with various housing types. plat A map, drawn to scale, showing the divisions of a piece of land. It includes lot lines, roads, easements and public utilities, providing a comprehensive overview of the land’s layout. site plan A detailed architectural plan, landscape architecture document, and engineering drawings that outline the arrangement of buildings and other features on a specific site. variances Exceptions granted by a zoning board or government authority permitting the construction or alteration of a building in a manner that deviates from strict adherence to current zoning regulations. zoning laws Regulations governing the use of land and building size, shape, height, and function within specific areas of a city or county. Zoning laws help organize urban space in a logical way, separating conflicting land uses and ensuring land is used efficiently.  <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-contractor-community-home-builders/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Community Home Builders</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-contractors-remodel-additions/" target="_self">Alameda County Home Builders</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-contractors-remodel-additions/" target="_self">Sonoma County Home Builders</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-contractors-remodel-additions/" target="_self">San Francisco Home Builders</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-contractors-remodel-additions/" target="_self">San Mateo County Home Builders</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/home-building-for-communities/" target="_self">The Essential Guide to Community Home Building</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>