Legal Definitions - adjacent

In legal contexts, adjacent describes something that is lying near or close to another thing, but does not necessarily have to be physically touching it. The key idea is proximity rather than direct contact.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Real Estate Development: Imagine a developer planning to build a new apartment complex. The proposed site is separated from an existing public park by a narrow municipal road. Even though the apartment complex's property line does not directly touch the park's boundary due to the road, the complex would be considered adjacent to the park.

  Explanation: The road acts as a separator, preventing direct physical contact between the two properties. However, their close proximity means the apartment complex is "adjacent" to the park, implying a relationship or potential impact due to their nearness.

• Environmental Regulations: A manufacturing plant is located on a large industrial plot. Across a small stream, approximately 75 feet away, is a protected wildlife sanctuary. The plant's operations, such as noise or potential air emissions, could be subject to regulations concerning activities adjacent to sensitive ecological areas.

  Explanation: The stream creates a physical separation, meaning the plant's property does not directly touch the sanctuary. However, their close geographical relationship makes the plant "adjacent" to the sanctuary, acknowledging the potential for one to affect the other despite the intervening space.

• Zoning Ordinances: A city's zoning laws might specify that certain types of commercial businesses, like bars or nightclubs, cannot be established on a property adjacent to a school. If a proposed nightclub location is across a busy street from a school, it would still fall under this restriction.

  Explanation: The street physically separates the school from the proposed nightclub site. Despite this physical barrier, the properties are considered "adjacent" because of their close proximity, which is relevant for zoning purposes to prevent potential negative impacts on the school environment.