What is zoning?
Municipality zoning, also known as zoning or land use zoning, is a system of land use regulations that divides a municipality into different zoning districts and specifies the types of land use activities allowed within each district. It is a tool local governments use to regulate land use and development within their jurisdiction.
Municipality zoning typically divides land into various zones, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or mixed-use zones. It establishes different zoning regulations for each zone. These regulations may include restrictions on the height and size of buildings, minimum lot size requirements, setback requirements, and rules on the type of activities allowed within each zone.
The purpose of municipality zoning is to ensure that land use and development are compatible with the surrounding area and that residents' health, safety, and welfare are protected. It helps to prevent incompatible land uses, such as industrial activities in residential areas and promotes orderly and sustainable development.
Zoning regulations are typically established through a public process that includes public hearings and input from community members and stakeholders. Zoning regulations can be amended over time to reflect changes in the community's needs and priorities and to accommodate new land use activities and development trends.
