Real Estate Dictionary

Z

ZANJA (SPANISH)

An irrigation ditch.

ZERO INTEREST MORTGAGE

A note and mortgage under which interest accrues but is not paid until the end of the term of the loan.

ZERO LOT LINE

The construction of a building on any of the boundary lines of a lot. Usually built on the front line, such as a store built to the sidewalk. See also: Zero Side Yard.

ZERO SIDE YARD

The building of a subdivision with each house built on a side boundary line. This gives more usable yard space on a narrow lot. An easement for maintenance is given over a portion of the lot adjoining each house.

ZONE

(1) An area of a county or city in which the use of the land is restricted by law (zoning ordinance). (2) An area designated by a number for the delivery of mail. Zip codes incorporate the zones.

ZONING

The division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas (zones), specifying the uses allowable for the real property in these areas.

ZONING MAP

A map of a community showing the zones of permitted use under zoning ordinances.

ZONING ORDINANCE

A law (generally at the city or county level) controlling the use of land and construction of improvements in a given area (zone).

ZONING VARIANCE

See: Variance.

ZYGOCEPHALUM

In civil law an inaccurate measure of land. The area of land a yoke of oxen could plow in one day.