What is the difference between Land Use and Zoning?

Question

While both planning categories may share similarities, here are some notable differences:

1. Land Use determines HOW land (such as real estate property) can be used. For example, jurisdictions will often have Land Use categories, such as Commercial, Institutional, Residential, Industrial, and Parks/Recreation/Open Space. Often, depending on the jurisdiction, Land Use policies can include density or Floor-Area-Ratio (FAR). Land Use regulations and policies will often be found within a jurisdiction’s Comprehensive Plan.

1. Zoning can also share similar categories like Commercial, Residential, and Institutional. However, Zoning is a planning tool that creates specific rules and policies within Land Use categories. Such Zoning policies can include sub provisions, like building heigh/style/and setbacks, hours of operation, parking and landscaping requirements, design standards, and specific uses within a Land Use category (specific businesses allowed or prohibited within a Commercial zoning district). Zoning policies are often found within a municipal/ jurisdictional Code of Ordinance manual.

Answer 1

Land use and zoning are related concepts that govern the use and development of land, but they differ in scope and implementation:

1. Land Use:
2. Land use refers to the specific activities and purposes for which land is utilized, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or natural conservation purposes.
3. Land use decisions encompass a wide range of activities, including building construction, infrastructure development, resource extraction, agricultural cultivation, and environmental preservation.
4. Land use decisions are often influenced by factors such as economic considerations, environmental constraints, social needs, and cultural preferences.
5. Land use planning involves assessing current land uses, projecting future needs and demands, and making decisions about how land should be allocated and managed to achieve desired social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
6. Zoning:
7. Zoning is a regulatory tool used by governments to control the use of land within specific geographic areas through the implementation of zoning ordinances or regulations.
8. Zoning divides land into different zones or districts, each with specific permitted land uses, density regulations, building setbacks, height limits, and other development standards.
9. Zoning regulations are typically implemented at the local level by municipal or county governments and are enforced through zoning permits, land use approvals, and code enforcement.
10. Zoning ordinances are designed to promote orderly development, prevent incompatible land uses, protect property values, and ensure public health, safety, and welfare.

In summary, while land use refers to the activities and purposes for which land is utilized, zoning is a regulatory tool used to control and manage land use within specific geographic areas. Land use planning involves making decisions about how land should be allocated and managed to achieve desired outcomes, while zoning regulates land use through the implementation of zoning ordinances and regulations.