What does the term contiguous refer to in real estate?

The term "contiguous" in real estate specifically refers to lots that share a common boundary or are touching each other. This concept is crucial in zoning, property development, and land use planning, as it implies direct adjacency, which can affect property rights, usage, and potential development opportunities. When properties are contiguous, they are often treated as a single unit for various purposes, such as evaluating access to resources or calculating zoning compliance. Understanding this definition is essential for land surveyors, as it directly impacts how properties are assessed, developed, and utilized within legal and regulatory frameworks.