What is the term for an illegal agreement between a city and a property owner regarding zoning classifications?

The term for an illegal agreement between a city and a property owner regarding zoning classifications is "contract zoning." This occurs when a city and a developer enter into an agreement that alters the established zoning laws in favor of specific properties. Such arrangements are considered illegal because they violate the general principle of zoning, which is intended to serve the community's broader interests rather than the interests of individual property owners. Contract zoning undermines the uniform application of zoning laws and can lead to inequities within a community.

Spot zoning, in contrast, refers to a zoning change that is made for a specific parcel of land, but it can be permissible under certain conditions if it serves a legitimate interest. Height limits and permitted uses are terms related to zoning that describe specific regulations governing building heights and allowable activities in particular zones, but they do not imply illegal agreements between parties.