what is a zoning ordinance 
a zoning ordinance is a rule that defines how property in specific geographic zones can be used zoning ordinances detail whether specific geographic zones are acceptable for residential or commercial purposes zoning ordinances may also regulate lot size placement density architectural style and the height of structures zoning ordinances also describe the procedures for how to handle any zoning rule infractions including any penalties zoning typesthe main types of zoning are industrial commercial residential and agricultural other types of zoning used in some municipalities include historic school hospital and airport zoning within the main categories there are usually designations for density of units for example in some areas residential zoning includes designations like r 2 for up to two residential units per acre or r 4 for up to four residential units per acre designations like r 2 and r 4 mean very different things depending on the municipality so check with your local zoning office to see what it means in yours 