Zoning Ordinance

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Definition: Zoning Ordinance


Zoning Ordinance

Quick Summary of Zoning Ordinance


The regulations and laws that control the use or improvement of land in a particular area or zone.



Video Guide For Zoning Ordinance




Full Definition of Zoning Ordinance


Zoning ordinances are a set of rules that govern how land in specified geographic zones can be used. Zoning ordinances specify whether specific geographic zones are appropriate for residential or commercial use. Zoning ordinances may also govern lot size, placement, density, and structure height. Zoning ordinances also provide the methods for dealing with zoning rule violations (including any penalties).

  • A zoning ordinance is a set of rules that govern how land in specified geographic zones can be used.
  • Zoning rules may also govern lot size, placement, density, and structure height.
  • The goal of zoning restrictions varies widely by place, but their most fundamental, shared objective is to divide residential from commercial land usage.

What a Zoning Ordinance Is and How It Works

Zoning is the process of separating a certain region of land into districts or zones and then regulating the types of land uses that are permitted and forbidden in each zone. A municipal corporation or county is usually in charge of this. The goal of zoning restrictions varies widely by place, but their most fundamental, shared objective is to divide residential from commercial land usage.

Municipal governments can enact very detailed zoning rules to shape the character of an area or neighbourhood within their jurisdiction. Residents of a city, for example, will experience reduced traffic and noise pollution in their environment if some neighbouring portions of the city are designated solely for residential use. Zoning rules are frequently utilised to protect the architectural integrity of buildings in a particular area. If a community desires to preserve the historic appearance of a section of town, zoning regulations can be used to limit real estate growth in that area such that all new structures are of equivalent height and square footage to the old buildings.

Special Considerations

Changes to zoning rules can cause conflict between current and prospective inhabitants, as well as landlords of property in the designated area. This could be the case if a new business intends to relocate to a specific city only to learn that the zoning restrictions in the geographic location of the property they seek to occupy have changed.

Commercial properties may be required to convert to residential properties as a result of new zoning rules, and vice versa. Existing tenants may be forced to relocate in some cases as a result of these changes. However, legacy clauses are sometimes included in zoning rules. Legacy provisions protect existing tenants from any changes to the current zoning restrictions (provided they were already residing in the zone by a specified date).

There are some exclusions that allow properties that do not match the standards of a zoning regulation to be built in those geographical zones. If an ordinance converts a zone that previously allowed commercial companies to operate to a residential-only zone, some small, local firms may be able to remain operating due to a legacy provision.

In addition, new firms can seek for a variance. A variance is a request to deviate from existing zoning regulations. If the variance is granted, the new tenant will be able to operate in spite of the zoning regulation.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Zoning Ordinance are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 6th January, 2022 | 0 Views.