Civic glossary
Plain-language help with terms you may see in a local government agenda.
These shared definitions are used throughout PorchPing and updated in one place. They explain general meanings. Local rules and the details of a particular proposal can differ.
- Development services
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A local government department that reviews building and land-development proposals for compliance with applicable rules. Its name and responsibilities vary by community.
Definition sources
Reviewed October 11, 2026. These sources explain the terminology; they do not establish what your local proposal does.
- Panama City — Development Services
Example of building and planning review within a development services department; no claim that every community has the same structure.
- Panama City — Development Services
- Easement
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A legal right to use someone else's land for a limited purpose, such as access or utility lines. The purpose and limits depend on the particular easement.
Definition sources
Reviewed October 11, 2026. These sources explain the terminology; they do not establish what your local proposal does.
- Fairfax County — Zoning Glossary
Easement entry describes a limited property interest for a specific purpose, including access and utilities.
- Fairfax County — Zoning Glossary
- Ordinance
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A local law. When an agenda lists a proposed ordinance, it is describing a law being considered, not proof that it has passed.
Definition sources
Reviewed October 11, 2026. These sources explain the terminology; they do not establish what your local proposal does.
- Eau Claire — Glossary of Terms
Ordinance entry defines a municipal law. The proposed-versus-adopted distinction is PorchPing's agenda-reading guidance.
- Eau Claire — Glossary of Terms
- Planning board
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A local board that reviews land-use and development proposals. It may make recommendations or have decision-making powers, depending on local rules and the type of request.
Definition sources
Reviewed October 11, 2026. These sources explain the terminology; they do not establish what your local proposal does.
- Utah Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman — Glossary
Planning Commission describes review and advisory work; Land Use Authority explains that decision-making powers depend on designation by local ordinance.
- Utah Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman — Glossary
- Public hearing
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A formal opportunity to speak about a specific issue before a government body. Check the meeting notice for how to participate. A hearing notice alone does not tell you what decision will be made.
Definition sources
Reviewed October 11, 2026. These sources explain the terminology; they do not establish what your local proposal does.
- Eau Claire — Glossary of Terms
Public hearing entry describes a noticed opportunity to express views on a particular issue; participation and outcome sentences are agenda-reading guidance.
- Eau Claire — Glossary of Terms
- Right-of-way
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In land-use discussions, a right to use a route across land, or the land set aside for that route. Public rights-of-way commonly serve streets and sidewalks. The government may own the land or hold a right to use it.
Definition sources
Reviewed October 11, 2026. These sources explain the terminology; they do not establish what your local proposal does.
- Eau Claire — Glossary of Terms
Right-of-way entry describes public passage on government-owned land, including streets and sidewalks.
- Portland — Street Vacations, section 17.84.005
Describes the alternative of public travel easements without government ownership of the underlying land.
- Eau Claire — Glossary of Terms
- Vacating a right-of-way
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A legal action ending the public's right to use a specified street or route. Related wording includes abandoning a right-of-way. Procedures, remaining utility rights, and ownership effects depend on local law and the particular action.
Definition sources
Reviewed October 11, 2026. These sources explain the terminology; they do not establish what your local proposal does.
- Portland — Street Vacations, sections 17.84.005 and 17.84.025
Termination of public travel rights; conditions can retain utility interests.
- Fairfax County — Zoning Glossary
Abandonment and Vacation both describe ending public passage, but use different local procedures. Local title-transfer rules are not generalized here.
- Portland — Street Vacations, sections 17.84.005 and 17.84.025