Zoning

Here are some quick facts regarding zoning.

The first zoning ordinance was adopted by the city of New York in 1916. Zoning insures that land uses within a community are appropriately located in relation to each other, controls the density and type of development, protects and stabilizes property values.

Zoning can be defined as the division of a community into districts and the regulation within those districts of:

1. The height and bulk of structures.
2. The size of a lot and the area of the lot that can be built on.
3. The density in terms of population.
4. The permitted use of a building or land.

“Zoning is a separation of the municipality into districts, and the regulation of buildings and structures according to their construction, and the nature and extent of their use, and the nature and extent of the uses of land.”

Zoning regulates the height and bulk of structures within specified districts and the prescribed uses to which buildings can be used for.

The first step in any construction plan is to contact your local zoning department to determine if your project complies with your communities zoning ordinance.

Why have zoning ordinances, in the simplest term it separates incompatible uses, for example in your residentially zoned neighborhood it prevents a hog farm from moving in next to you. By controlling the use of structures and land, you have some assurances that your property values and your enjoyment of piece and quiet will not effected by a wrecking yard moving in next door. This also allows communities to allocate resources for the essential services you expect.