What is the purpose of zoning ordinances?

Zoning ordinances are regulations established by local governments to control the use of land and to ensure that developments and activities are conducted in a manner that is consistent with the community's planning goals and objectives. The primary purpose of these ordinances is to organize and control land development and use to promote public health, safety, quality of life, and the community's overall well-being.

By designating specific zones for different types of uses—such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural—zoning ordinances help manage the development of a community. They restrict or allow certain types of activities within these zones, which can influence everything from building height and density to the types of businesses that may operate in a given area. This organized approach helps mitigate conflicts between land uses, preserves the character of neighborhoods, and ensures that infrastructure and services keep pace with development, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole.