{"id":358023,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:21","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/land-use-and-zoning.html"},"modified":"2023-09-06T12:05:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T17:05:07","slug":"land-use-and-zoning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/land-use-and-zoning.html","title":{"rendered":"What Does Land Use and Zoning Law Cover?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

What Does Land Use and Zoning Law Cover?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
Land use and zoning law governs how property can be developed and used, from residential construction to commercial projects. These rules divide land into categories and set specific limits on what owners can build or operate in each zone, often requiring permits or variances for exceptions.<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

When disputes arise, a land use or zoning attorney can help property owners navigate local ordinances and complex regulations.<\/p>\n

If you have ever tried improving your property \u2014 perhaps installing solar panels or digging an in-ground swimming pool \u2014 you’ve likely encountered zoning laws. It may have surprised you to learn that just because you own property does not mean you can do whatever you want with it. Land use, zoning, and restrictive covenants<\/a> regulate what property owners can do on their land.<\/p>\n

If you have\u00a0land use issues, your first step should be to contact<\/span>\u00a0a zoning lawyer in your area<\/a>. They can explain the zoning laws in your area and the steps you’ll need to take to effectively comply with regulations in your state and municipality. Large cities like New York and Los Angeles have their own zoning regulations that may differ from county or state regulations.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn more about land use and zoning and how these laws shape both residential and commercial projects.<\/p>\n

Land Use vs. Zoning\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Although land use and zoning laws are usually discussed together, they are different legal areas. Land use defines usage types, such as agriculture, industry, or transportation. Zoning regulations are how developers and companies put laws into practice.<\/p>\n

Land use regulation<\/a> breaks land into five broad categories:<\/p>\n