Which term describes a restriction placed on a property as a result of zoning laws?

The term "encumbrance" aptly describes a restriction placed on property due to zoning laws. In the context of real estate, an encumbrance refers to any claim, lien, or restriction that affects the owner's ability to use or transfer the property. Zoning laws impose specific regulations and limitations on how land can be used, including restrictions on building height, density, and allowable activities. These regulations effectively serve as encumbrances because they limit the owner's rights to develop or utilize the property in certain ways, consistent with municipal planning.

Although zoning variances may allow property owners some exceptions to zoning laws, they do not define the general restrictions imposed by those laws. Nonconforming use refers to a situation where a property is used in a manner that does not conform to current zoning regulations, usually due to changes in those regulations after the property was established. A property easement grants specific use rights to another party and does not inherently pertain to zoning laws or restrictions. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes how zoning laws create encumbrances on property use and ownership.