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
Sanitary Landfill
A planned and systematic method of refuse disposal whereby the waste material is placed in the earth in layers, then compacted and covered with earth or other approved material.
Screening
A method of reducing the impact of visual and/or noise intrusions through the use of plant materials, berms, fences and/or walls, or any combination thereof. Screening blocks that which is unsightly or offensive with a more harmonious element.
Screening
A method of reducing the impact of visual and/or noise intrusions through the use of plant materials, berms, fences and/or walls, or any combination thereof. Screening blocks that which is unsightly or offensive with a more harmonious element.
Sectional Map Amendment (Sma)
A comprehensive rezoning of one or more properties pursuant to, and intended to implement, the recommendations of an Area Master Plan or Sector Plan. (See Section 27-2500 of the Zoning Ordinance)
Sector Plan
A comprehensive area master plan for the physical development of part of one or more planning areas, showing in detail elements such as the type, density, and intensity of land uses; pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic features; public facilities; and the relationship between the various uses to transportation, other public facilities and services, and amenities within the sector plan area, and where appropriate, to other areas. (See Section 27-2500 of the Zoning Ordinance)
Sensitive Environmental Features
These features include streams, stream valleys, and their associated features; the habitats of state-listed species that are rare, threatened, and endangered; 100-year floodplains; and certain high-priority forests.
Setback
The distance between a building or structure (not including ground-level parking lots or other paved surfaces) from property lines or from other buildings.
Severe Slopes
Those slopes that are greater than 25 percent. (Example: a 25-foot change in elevation in a 100-foot horizontal distance.)
Single-Occupancy Vehicle (Sov)
Vehicle containing only the driver.
Sky Glow
Light from nonnatural sources that reflects off the night sky and causes a reduction in the overall darkness of an area.
Staged Development
A timing concept for the staging of private development and growth in an area so that development and growth are coordinated with the provision of needed public facilities, all in accordance with an adopted policy or plan.
State Implementation Plan (Sip)
A detailed description of the programs a state will use to carry out its responsibilities under the Clean Air Act.
Steep Slopes
Those slopes that are between 15 and 25 percent. (Example: a 15-foot change in elevation in a 100-foot horizontal distance.)
Stormwater Management
The collection, conveyance, storage, treatment and disposal of stormwater runoff in a manner to prevent accelerated channel erosion, increased flood damage, and/or degradation of water quality.
Stream Valleys
Floodplains and adjacent slope areas directly associated with a stream, e.g., the Anacostia River stream valley.
Street
A public or dedicated right-of-way at least 30 feet in width or a private road, right-of-way, or easement along which development is authorized pursuant to Subtitle 24. (See Section 27-107.01 of the Zoning Ordinance.)
Street Line
A line separating the street from abutting property.
Streetscape
The environment of the public right-of-way as defined by adjacent private and public buildings, character of the pavement and street furniture, and use of the right-of-way.
Structure
Anything constructed or built, including parking lots and fencing. (See Section 27-107.01 of the Zoning Ordinance.)
Subdivision
The division by plat or deed of a piece of property into two or more lots, plots, sites, tracts, parcels, or other land divisions in accordance with Subtitle 24 of the Prince George's County Code.
Subdivision Regulations
Laws or regulations for the division of any land, lot or parcel into two or more lots, including the provision of streets and other public facilities.
Subregion
A grouping of planning areas into a larger portion of a regional area. Prince George's County is divided into seven subregions.