U.S. Department of Agriculture classifications according to annual minimum temperatures and/or lengths of growing seasons. Also referred to as hardiness zones.
Use density
Percentage of land allowed for productive use to the total square footage of the land. For example: 50,000 total square footage with 40,000 square feet allowable for building due to zoning gives a density rate of 80%.
Use tax
Levy charged for use of things such as town water, etc.
Useful life
Usual operating service life of property used for depreciation accounting, which does not necessarily coincide with the actual physical life.
Useful thermal output
The thermal energy made available for use in any industrial or commercial process, or used in any heating or cooling application, i.e., total thermal energy made available for processes and applications other than electrical generation.
Usufructuary right
One individual's right to utilize the property of another such as the privileges given under an easement.
Usury
Excessive and illegal interest charged on a loan.
Usury laws
State laws which limit the interest rate charged to persons borrowing money in that state.
Utilities
Services provided to land or houses by public utility companies such as water, gas, electricity, etc.
Utility easement
A passage through property that is granted by the owner to a public utility.
