{"id":369186,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/zoning.html"},"modified":"2024-08-19T11:51:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T16:51:24","slug":"zoning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/zoning.html","title":{"rendered":"Zoning Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Zoning Law<\/h1>\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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

Zoning ordinances typically divide an area into districts or zones. Real property use must conform to certain zoning requirements within each zoning map. Zoning is how property can get used in different areas, or "zoning districts," of the city. It can shape the economic and social patterns of the community. Zoning can change over time depending on rezoning initiatives and state laws.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Zoning Used For?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Local governments create zoning codes<\/a> to make a place pleasant for people to live. Very few people want to live near a huge factory, for instance. Parents may not want a strip club or a cannabis dispensary next to their child’s school. But zoning codes also encourage development and respond to changing demographics. <\/p>\r\n

People often want to live closer to or even alongside commercial areas and their workplaces. As a result, communities increase areas of mixed-use zoning. Some municipalities use zoning codes to:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Encourage greater urban density<\/li>\r\n
  2. Set minimum lot sizes<\/li>\r\n
  3. Preserve open spaces for the public to enjoy<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    This section provides legal information on zoning classifications, challenges to zoning ordinances, and more.<\/p>\r\n

    Zoning Classifications<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

    There are several types of zones related to real estate development. The main zoning categories are:<\/p>\r\n