Buffer Zone
Definition of "Buffer zone"
In short, a Buffer zone is how it’s called the area or strip of land that separates one land use from another.
But let’s expand this buffer zone definition a little bit because when understanding this term it’s more enlightening to get to the bottom of the “why” than of the “what”.
A buffer zone is a sort of neutral vacant area over which, most of the times, governments establish rules prohibiting real estate development of any kind. The reasons behind their creation and enforcement are generally connected with safety. Let’s see some examples of the use of buffer zones as:
- Health precaution: between a nuclear power plant and a housing community there is likely to exist a buffer area, so that, in the case of an industrial accident, the radiation won’t affect people so quickly; hoping to ensure there’s a long way until it reaches any house and materials.
- Security precaution: prisons, for instance, have a long buffer area so - in the event of prisoners escaping - law-enforcement can easily follow the escapees because they don’t have places to hide, nor people to take hostage nearby.
- Sovereignty precaution: border areas are buffer zones by nature because they separate lands that have the same use but are under different commands. Those are usually jointly administrated so there’s no need of accusing people of trespassing left and right because they accidentally tripped to the other side.
- Nature conservation: areas that have biodiversity importance that need to be protected might also have imposed a buffer zone around it to protect from negative environmental or human influences.
Do you now understand how the “why” is so vital when trying to understand the buffer zone definition? With that in mind, we recommend you access our Real Estate Questions page, because some of the glossary terms will reveal another shade of them in the form of a question. No knowledge is static!
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Comments for Buffer Zone
There is a 50 foot buffer between my property and a new subdivision going up. Can a home owner in the new subdivision erect a dog run or a shed on the buffer
Nov 29, 2023 10:15:36Hello, Marvin; thank you for reaching out to us!
Real estate development rules, especially those in buffer zones, vary greatly across the United States and are primarily governed by municipal, state, and federal legislation.
Dec 15, 2023 05:06:48The jurisdiction's unique zoning rules and land-use policy determine the ability to build a certain form of real estate development in a buffer zone. Local governments often adopt zoning restrictions that vary greatly from municipality to municipality.
To understand the permissible land uses, zoning classifications, and other limitations that may apply in buffer zones, it is critical to check the zoning code and planning department of the individual city or county where the property is located.
Before beginning any real estate development project, it is essential to consult with local authorities and real estate attorneys.
I live on a country road and the neighbor put a barb wire fence on the buffer zone restricting me to the road access to the road is this allowed
Jun 24, 2023 08:27:50Hello Gary
Thank you for reaching out to us!
A buffer zone must be a neutral zone between two or more lands or properties. Regularly, the law prohibits putting anything permanent in buffer zones. However, in some parts of the States, you can install a fence in buffer zones if they don’t have a foundation (no concrete foundation is allowed!) Note that in several cases, the communal lands and boundaries weren’t correctly established in the first place.
You can check whether your neighbor had the right to raise a fence with your Homeowners Association, the regional zoning department, or an expert real estate attorney.
Jun 30, 2023 08:51:46Is it recommendable to invest in a buffer zone of land for domestic purposes?
Mar 08, 2021 17:29:38Buffer zones are parcels of land that are designated to separate two or more distinct zoning uses. Therefore, buffer zones can’t be part of a real estate transaction. If we are talking about the impact of buffer zones on other property investments, that is a different story. Buffer zones can be a red flag for developers because properties located near buffer zones will most likely add expense, time, and resources to a project. However, buffer zones are not all bad from a real estate investor’s point of view because they can improve the aesthetics and enjoyment of each zone.
Mar 17, 2021 11:18:08Please clarify whether the owner ship of buffer zone is vested in government or not.
Oct 17, 2020 06:18:38Hey, Babu!
Legal aspects and formal procedures of buffer zone planning and management are often poorly developed, and it includes the element of ownership. There are many instances where jurisdiction and ownership are unclear, and it commonly occurs when communal land is included in buffer zones. On the other hand, if a buffer zone is situated within the boundaries of a national park or some other protected area, then ownership and jurisdiction are usually clear.
Oct 23, 2020 09:38:55Have a question or comment?
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