Zoning is a common practice in urban planning where a master plan divides a region into zones, dictating what can be built and what businesses are acceptable. Zoning laws protect existing businesses and residences, ensure consistent land use, and promote specific industries. They have been used for discrimination but can also be redeveloped for mixed-use neighborhoods.
Zoning refers to a common practice in urban planning, where a master plan is developed to decide how best to use land. The master plan divides a region into various “zones,” dictating what kinds of things can be built in these zones and what types of businesses are acceptable. Zoning laws can get extremely complex and many people who are considering buying land would do well to consult a land use law attorney to ensure they will be able to use their land as they wish. .
These laws perform several functions. For starters, they protect existing businesses and residences. For example, in a region without zoning laws, a company might build a factory in the middle of a residential area, potentially impacting the residents’ quality of life. The laws ensure that land use is consistent within a specific region and that conflicting uses such as heavy industry and residential construction are kept separate from each other for the convenience of all.
Many cities also use zoning laws to protect their appearance. For example, a law might restrict construction in an area below a certain number of floors, or it might block construction of apartment complexes within a particular neighborhood. The laws also serve to ensure that neighbors don’t infringe on each other with new construction; for example, most require that the footprint of a new structure be significantly smaller than the lot it is built on, ensuring that people, for example, don’t build houses that block neighbors’ views.
Cities can also use these laws to promote specific industries. For example, a city could open a light industrial zone to encourage businesses to migrate or, in a rural area, a separate agricultural zone could be created to encourage people to continue farming rather than build housing estates or convert their farms for industrial use. In essence, this process helps to control development, ideally with the aim of making it sustainable, enjoyable and non-controversial, although these goals are not always achieved.
Historically, zoning laws have also been used for purposes of racial, ethnic, religious, or class discrimination. Many nations have struck such laws off their books because they are no longer legal, and occasionally one can be challenged in court on the grounds that it discriminates unfairly. The laws also face legal challenges in places like the United States, where some people say they come dangerously close to “appropriation,” a practice prohibited by the Bill of Rights.
It is possible to redevelop an area. For example, in the early 21st century, the concept of mixed-use neighborhoods with residential and commercial uses has become very popular. Many cities have embarked on redevelopment campaigns, labeling the resulting districts as “mixed use” or “live/work” areas and promoting them as socially progressive. This process can be very complex and often drags on for years as people debate the ultimate impact of the decision.
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