Zoning

Local governmental ordinance breaking down the country into districts that are
restricted on how private property is to be constructed and used. It applies to the land and buildings. The particular community's needs are taken into account. Zoning helps in maintaining or increasing property values. Zoning may by divided into residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. Each of these may be subdivided further. For example, residential may be segregated into single family homes, two-family homes, apartment buildings, and so on. Zoning may also make a district an historical one because of its importance in federal or local history. Zoning typically imposes height limitations on structures to protect other property owners. There are also restrictions on how many structures may be constructed in a particular geographic area. Zoning requirements may also exist as to parking and open space. Restrictions may also be placed on pollution and noise.