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What is a Zoning Ordinance?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 22,339
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A zoning ordinance is the formal codification of land use policies for a city, district, county, or other unit of government. The goal of a zoning ordinance is to establish permitted uses for land covered by the ordinance, and to distinguish between different types of uses which may be incompatible. In addition to defining specific types of land use, zoning ordinances also usually divide a region into “zones” where certain types of permitted use can occur, which explains the name.

Historically, once people bought land, they were largely allowed to do whatever they wanted with it. Someone could build a house, install a tannery, start a factory, or utilize an area for farming. Over time, cities began to put building restrictions in place for the purpose of protecting public safety, and by the early 1900s, several cities had specifically created zoning ordinances to address varied types of land use.

Within a zoning ordinance, the law usually distinguishes between residential, high density residential, commercial, light industrial, industrial, agricultural, and other types of land use. The law provides clear definitions, which usually include the amount of square footage which can be constructed within a specific zone, and the types of activities which may take place in each zone. In a conventional residential district, zoning is usually designed to create low to medium density, which might include duplexes and single family dwellings. By contrast, commercial or high density residential might allow for many more units within the same space.

When a zoning ordinance is formulated, it usually reflects the fact that people find certain types of activities conflicting. For example, a factory would not be a welcome addition to a residential neighborhood, while in a live-work district which included mixed commercial and residential zoning, an office tower might be viewed as a source of conflict. Zoning ordinances are designed to separate out different types of use to prevent conflict.

These ordinances may also preserve certain aesthetic ideals, such as a desire to keep structures in residential neighborhoods under three stories tall, and in some cases public safety issues may be addressed as well. For example, a zoning ordinance may mandate the installation of specialized street lights in commercial districts so that it will be safer to be out at night.

Zoning ordinances are constantly being changed to reflect shifting beliefs about how land should be used, and how communities should deal with changing social norms. The most current version is usually on file at local government offices, and as a general rule, the zoning of a piece of real estate can only be changed when the owner applies for a change of zoning, in which case the owner will usually need to present supporting evidence for the change at a public hearing.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By Melonlity — On Jun 14, 2014

@Logicfest -- and remember that it is very possible to get a variance so property owners can sometimes engage in activities that are prohibited under zoning laws.

For example, let's say you want to start a childcare business in your home. In most cities, you would be restricted from doing that because of zoning laws because it is a commercial business. However, you can apply for a variance and there is a very good chance you will get it because a childcare business is not as disruptive as something like a gas station or supermarket.

Zoning laws, then, can be flexible. That is also a good thing.

By Logicfest — On Jun 13, 2014

Here's a little zoning ordinance trivia that may shed more light on why we have these. And, yes, it is important to point out why zoning is necessary because land owners tend to complain about such restrictions.

Once upon a time in Houston, Texas, there were no zoning ordinance and the result was a confusing mishmash of developments. Factories next to homes, government buildings lobbed in the middle of industrial areas, etc. Property valued dropped, residents had to deal with noise and all sorts of problems developed.

In other words, zoning laws mean property owners can purchase land and have some confidence in what will and will not be built around them. Property values are enhanced because of zoning and that is a good thing. Zoning ordinances mean you don't have to worry about a shoe factory being built next to your home, meaning you can be more confident of what will show up next to your house in the future.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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