What does zoning primarily regulate?

Zoning primarily regulates land use, which encompasses how land in a particular area can be utilized, including the types of activities that can occur on it. This includes specifying whether a piece of land can be used for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or recreational purposes. By categorizing land into different zones, zoning laws help manage growth, ensure compatibility between different land uses, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

While community development, residential and industrial development, and neighborhood use are all influenced by zoning, they represent more specific aspects or consequences of broader land-use regulations. Zoning establishes the framework for these components by defining the overall use and purpose of different parcels of land within a municipality or region. Therefore, understanding that zoning focuses on land use provides clarity on how it serves as the foundation for various planning and development decisions in a community.