What is Zoning?

Zoning is the prime tool for implementing the Comprehensive Plan. By controlling land uses and setting development standards throughout the city, zoning can guide development. Zoning also sets standards for long developed areas and can be a very helpful neighborhood preservation tool. Zoning standards for building setbacks, building height, parking, screening, permitted activities, etc. help to ensure that people do not have costs imposed upon them by their neighbors. Zoning makes it possible to create transitional land use patterns so that incompatible uses are separated and buffered and harsh face-to-face relationships are avoided. Zoning is also utilized to protect development from flooding and to assure safe and adequate traffic flow.

Show All Answers

1. What is planning and what do planners do?
2. What is the Comprehensive Plan?
3. What is Zoning?
4. What is a Variance?
5. What are Building Setbacks?
6. What is a Conditional Use Permit?
7. What is a Public Hearing?
8. How do I get preliminary/ initial input for a development proposal?
9. What is my property zoned?
10. What is the parking requirement for my business?