Zoning

Zoning is a method of urban planning in which a municipality or other governmental body divides land into areas called zones, each of which has a set of regulations for new development that is unique to that zone. Zoning laws can limit commercial or industrial use of land in order to prevent oil, manufacturing or other types of businesses from building in residential neighborhoods. However, these laws can also be used to promote certain types of businesses in specific areas.

History

Zoning has a long history in the urban planning field. The concept of zoning originated in the early 20th century as a reaction to the industrial revolution. In the United States, the first zoning laws were enacted in New York City in 1916 to prevent industrial development from encroaching on residential areas.

Types of Zoning

There are several types of zoning, including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use.

• Residential zoning typically allows for single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, townhouses, or mobile homes.
• Commercial zoning typically includes certain types of businesses and offices.
• Industrial zoning is for areas where manufacturing, distribution, and storage facilities are located.
• Mixed-use zoning allows for a combination of residential, commercial, and/or industrial uses.

Zoning Laws

Zoning laws vary greatly from one municipality to another, but they generally fall into two categories: "euclidean" or "single-use" zoning, and "performance" or "effects-based" zoning.

• Euclidean zoning is named after the town of Euclid, Ohio, where the first comprehensive zoning ordinance was implemented. This type of zoning segregates uses into specified geographic districts and includes provisions based on lot coverage, lot size, and other lot requirements.
• Performance zoning uses performance standards to determine the compatibility of uses. This type of zoning is designed to provide for flexibility in land use regulation while protecting the quality of life for neighboring properties.

Criticisms and Controversies

Zoning has been criticized for a variety of reasons. Some critics argue that it leads to economic and racial segregation, while others believe it restricts growth and stifles innovation. There have also been legal challenges to zoning laws, with some courts ruling that certain zoning regulations constitute a form of takings under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

See Also

• Land use
• Urban planning
• Building code
• Eminent domain

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