Define "zoning."

Zoning refers to the process of dividing land into designated districts or zones, each assigned specific types of permissible uses. This regulatory process is crucial for urban planning and development, as it helps municipalities control and manage land use in a way that promotes orderly growth and protects the public's health, safety, and welfare. Through zoning, local governments can dictate what types of structures can be built in certain areas (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) and establish rules regarding density, height, and setbacks to ensure that the character of a community is maintained.

The other options do not accurately describe zoning. Constructing buildings is part of the development process but does not encompass the broader regulatory framework of zoning. Regulation of property taxes deals with financial aspects and assessments rather than land use planning. Similarly, measuring land area for sale is a transactional action and doesn't relate to the division of land for specific uses or the regulatory structure that zoning entails. Therefore, the correct definition of zoning centers around the allocation of land into various districts for designated uses.