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

Content: Coase's Theorem illustrates why, in the real world where transaction costs do occur and frictionless bargaining between stakeholders is unlikely, land use regulations such as zoning and other government-imposed solutions are the norm. Critiques of Zoning Law
Critics of zoning laws claim that the practice creates and widens the disparity of quality of life between socioeconomic groups. For example, a township might maintain zoning laws that restrict heavy industrial and commercial development to tracts of land adjacent to lower-income neighborhoods. The effects of such policies would let more affluent parts of town avoid the associated noise and pollution. Special Considerations
Alterations to zoning laws are possible even without full repeals of the current legislation. A developer or property owner can apply for variances that would allow certain exceptions to zoning regulations. This would let property be used in ways generally not permitted—for example, the owner of a home-based business might request a variance to allow the operations to continue. Applicants for variances might be required to explain why the variance is needed and how the change will not cause significant disruption or detriment to the surrounding community.