Terms Glossary

GoodParty.org's Terms Glossary is a list of definitions of words from the political and elections world. These terms are from an independent's perspective with an eye toward reform. If you have a suggestion for a new definition, send it to ask@goodparty.org.
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Zoning Laws

Zoning laws are local government regulations that determine how land within a community can be used and developed. They divide a city or county into specific zones, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use, to promote organized growth, protect property values, and ensure public safety.

Common zoning categories include:

  • Residential Zones: Areas designated for housing, including single-family homes, apartments, and condos.

  • Commercial Zones: Spaces for businesses like shops, restaurants, and offices.

  • Industrial Zones: Land for factories, warehouses, and other large-scale operations.

  • Mixed-use Zones: Areas that combine residential and commercial development to encourage walkability and community interaction.

Zoning laws also regulate building height, density, signage, and setbacks (the distance between a structure and property lines). These laws are enforced by municipal planning departments and zoning boards, which may grant variances or conditional-use permits when exceptions are justified.

These laws are a cornerstone of urban planning and often shape debates around housing affordability, environmental impact, and community growth.

Zero Tape

Definition and meaning of Zero Tape: A Zero Tape is a report that shows the number of votes counted for a particular race or precinct as zero. It's filed after the polls have closed and the vote counting has begun, and it's a way for election officials to officially notify the election commission that no votes have been cast for a particular race or precinct.

The Zero Tape is an important aspect of the electoral process, it helps to ensure the transparency and accuracy of the vote counting process, and it prevents any confusion or errors in the reporting of the final results. It also helps the election commission to have a clear picture of the voter's turnout and the voter's preference.

For example, during the 2020 U.S. Presidential Elections some precincts filed Zero Tapes indicating that no votes have been cast in that precinct.

This report is also important in preventing any fraud or malicious activity. It helps the authorities to investigate any suspicious activity that might have happened in certain precincts.