zoning

Zoning is a system of land-use regulation used by municipalities to control development and land use within their borders. It partitions land into zones or districts and prescribes how land within each zone may be used, the size and placement of buildings, and other rules. The aim is to separate incompatible uses, guide growth, protect public health and safety, and influence the physical character of neighborhoods.

The core instrument is the zoning ordinance, enacted by a city council or equivalent authority and implemented through a zoning map. Each zone lists permitted uses, which may be allowed by right or subject to conditional approval. Common rules cover density and floor area, setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, parking, landscaping, and signage. Some areas use overlay zones that modify base rules for particular purposes, and many places employ form-based components that emphasize building form and street experience in addition to land use.

Development requests are typically decided through a process that may include rezonings, variances, special-use permits, or adjustments for nonconforming uses. Local planning staff interpret rules, issue permits, and enforce compliance. Zoning is often connected to a comprehensive or master plan that outlines long-range goals for growth, housing, transportation, and public facilities.

In practice, zoning shapes housing supply, economic activity, and urban design. While intended to protect welfare and manage growth, it can generate criticism for rigidity, exclusionary effects, or affordability barriers, prompting ongoing reforms toward more flexible, inclusive, or form-based approaches.