Final answer:
A developer is typically an owner of a parcel of land that has been subdivided into a number of residential lots for the purpose of development and sale, with responsibilities encompassing adherence to zoning and land use regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seeks to define what constitutes a developer in the context of real estate and land usage. A developer, in this scenario, is best described as an owner of a parcel of land that has been subdivided into a certain number of residential lots for development and eventual sale. This definition ties into broader discussions on land use, urban development, and the regulation of development.
Matters such as zoning, the processes for land subdivision, and the impact of development on communities are central to the responsibilities and activities of a real estate developer. Additionally, the role of developers in sprawling suburb creation and the associated effects on communities and local economies, as seen through the lens of figures like William Levitt, further clarifies the developer's function in influencing the landscape and housing markets.