Glossary of Planning Terms

Glossary is usually defined as an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge. This knowledge base glossary provides a collection of knowledge base documents that define many technical terms. These terms are arranged alphabetically, but you can quickly jump to a specific term by selecting its first letter from the index of the knowledge base glossary below.

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Keyword

Term
Database Management System (Dbms)
A set of computer programs for organizing the information in a database. A DBMS supports the structuring of the database in a standard format and provides tools for data input, verification, storage, retrieval, query, and manipulation.
Datum
The reference specifications of a measurement system, usually a system of coordinate positions on a surface (a horizontal datum) or heights above or below a surface (a vertical datum).
Decibel "A" Weighted (Dba)
A measure of sound levels in average decibels usually over a 24-hour period calculated using a logarithmic average.
Density
The number of dwelling units per acre of land, or the floor area ratio (FAR) of a non-residential building or development. See also FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR) See also:  Floor Area Ratio (far)
Development (As Defined In Zoning Ordinance)
Any activity that materially affects the condition or use of dry land, land under water, or any structure.
Dissolve
The process of removing boundaries between adjacent polygons that have the same values for a specified attribute.
Domain
In a database, the set of allowed values for a table column, for example all positive integers.
Downtowns
Downtowns are areas best positioned to develop—in the near-term—into vibrant, walkable, regional-serving centers; each will have a robust economic and employment base, a distinct sense of place and identity, a varied housing stock, a multimodal transportation network, and diverse, mixed-income communities. As discussed under [Plan 2035's] Guiding Principles, investment in each Downtown will be coordinated and strategically targeted to expand the County’s commercial tax base by attracting and retaining new employers and workers, leveraging private investment, and capitalizing on transit-oriented development opportunities. Each Downtown will serve as a model for future regionally-competitive, mixed-use development across the County. (Plan 2035, p. 22) Downtowns are identified in Plan 2035's Strategic Investment Program.
Downzoning
A popular term for an action that changes a property to a lower density, in effect limiting development to less-intense uses than previously permitted.
Dwelling Unit
A room or group of rooms, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters.