Real estate zoning regulation, also referred to as zoning, is a form of land use regulation employed by local governments in the United States to control the use and development of land. This regulation typically involves the establishment of geographic areas that are classified according to the types of activities that may take place in each zone. These activities may include residential, commercial, industrial, and other specific uses. Zoning regulations are often implemented through zoning ordinances, which are laws passed by local governing bodies that establish specific rules and requirements for the use and development of a particular piece of land within a given geographic area.
The main purpose of zoning regulations is to promote the public welfare, which includes protecting public health, safety, and welfare. These regulations are designed to ensure that the activities that take place within a particular zone are compatible with the goals and objectives of the local government. This includes ensuring that activities are not hazardous to public health and safety, protecting the environment, and preserving the character of the community. Zoning regulations are also used to manage the physical development of a community, including the location and density of buildings, the amount of open space in the area, and the overall appearance of the built environment.
Zoning regulations are divided into two categories: use regulations and development regulations. Use regulations are intended to control the type of activity that can take place within a given zone, such as whether a zone can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Development regulations are intended to control the physical development of a zone, including the size and density of buildings, the amount of open space, and the overall appearance of the built environment.
Zoning regulations often include restrictions on the size and height of buildings, the amount of open space, and the location of certain uses. These regulations can also limit the number of people living in a particular zone, the number of cars that can be parked on a street, and the number of signs or billboards that can be placed in a particular area. Zoning regulations can also be used to discourage certain activities, such as large scale development projects, by placing strict limits on the size and type of development that is allowed in a particular zone.
In addition to these regulations, local governments may also impose additional restrictions on development through the use of special permits or variances. Special permits are typically used to allow for specific activities that are not allowed under the zoning regulations, such as allowing a building to be taller than the height limit. Variances are typically used to allow for a deviation from the zoning regulations in order to accommodate a particular development project.
In conclusion, zoning regulations are a form of land use regulation used by local governments in the United States to control the use and development of land. These regulations are designed to promote the public welfare, protect public health and safety, and preserve the character of the community. Zoning regulations are divided into two categories: use regulations and development regulations. These regulations can also include additional restrictions on development through the use of special permits or variances.