Title: Zoning Definition
Headings: Zoning
Zoning
What Is Zoning?
Key Takeaways
How Zoning Works
Economic Theory of Zoning
Critiques of Zoning Law
Special Considerations

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Eric Estevez is financial professional for a large multinational corporation. His experience is relevant to both business and personal financial topics. Article Reviewed on March 23, 2021
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Eric Estevez
Updated Mar 23, 2021
What Is Zoning? Zoning refers to municipal or local laws or regulations that govern how real property can and cannot be used in certain geographic areas. For example, zoning laws can limit commercial or industrial use of land in order to prevent oil, manufacturing, or other types of businesses from building in residential neighborhoods. These laws can be modified or suspended if the construction of a property will serve to help the community advance economically. Key Takeaways
Zoning allows local governments to regulate which areas under their jurisdiction may have real estate or land used for particular purposes. Examples of zoning classifications include residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, or hotel/hospitality, among other more specific designations. Zoning laws can be changed by a local government as long as they fall within state and federal statutes, and a particular plot of land may be re-zoned based on consideration.