Zoning ordinances are established by which level of government?

Zoning ordinances are primarily established by local governments. This local authority is rooted in state enabling legislation that empowers municipalities to regulate land use within their boundaries. By defining zones for residential, commercial, industrial, and other types of development, local governments can organize urban development in ways that promote public welfare, community character, and environmental sustainability.

State governments may provide the framework for local zoning laws and establish overarching regulatory standards, but they do not create zoning ordinances themselves. The federal government generally does not get involved in municipal zoning issues, focusing instead on matters related to broader regulations, such as civil rights or environmental protection. International regulations, meanwhile, pertain to global agreements and practices that do not directly influence local land use policies. Therefore, local governments play a critical role in the establishment and enforcement of zoning ordinances, making them the correct answer to the question.