Introduction to Zoning
This content was last validated in 2020 and may no longer reflect current information.
Zoning is one of the most common methods of land use control used by local governments. Zoning works by dividing a community into districts, regulating uses that are allowed within those districts, and prescribing allowable dimensions such as lot sizes, setbacks and building height. Zoning can help a community to achieve goals outlined in a comprehensive plan including:
- Protecting public health, safety and general welfare.
- Promoting desirable patterns of development.
- Separating incompatible land uses.
- Maintaining community character and aesthetics.
- Protecting community resources such as farmland, woodlands, groundwater, surface water, and historic and cultural resources.
- Providing public services and infrastructure in an economical and efficient manner.
- Protecting public and private investments.
Watch: A Brief History of Zoning
An overview of how zoning evolved.