Where cozy means tiny and charming means needs work.
Government rules about what you can and cannot do with your own property, because apparently buying it doesn't mean you get to decide what happens on it. Want to build a shed? That'll be six permits and a public hearing.
Official permission to violate local zoning laws for your specific property, obtained by convincing bureaucrats that your unique situation justifies breaking the rules. It's a get-out-of-zoning-jail card that requires political finesse and often attorney fees.