What do zoning ordinances regulate?

Zoning ordinances are local laws that define how property in specific geographic zones can be used. Their primary purpose is to regulate land use and determine what types of structures can be built in particular areas. This includes designating areas for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural use, and setting guidelines regarding building heights, densities, and distances from property lines. Such regulations help to ensure that land development is orderly and harmonious with the community’s development goals.

Land use regulations under zoning ordinances can affect everything from the type of buildings that can be constructed to the activities that can take place within those buildings. This level of oversight helps to maintain the character of neighborhoods, protect public safety, and promote compatibility between different types of land uses.

In contrast, the other options do not fall under the jurisdiction of zoning ordinances. Property taxes and assessments are handled by tax authorities, homeowners' association rules pertain to private community regulations, and real estate commissions deal with the licensing and regulation of real estate professionals, none of which involve zoning regulations regarding the use and type of structures.